Recycling EVA and PVC Industrial Wastes into Lightweight Polymer Composites: A Mechanical Evaluation

The global increase in polymer waste from industrial sources poses a serious environmental and economic challenge. Among the major contributors are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA), both widely used in manufacturing footwear, cables, and packaging. This study aims to evaluate the potential of recycling EVA foam and PVC industrial wastes into lightweight polymer composites with acceptable mechanical performance. EVA and PVC wastes were blended in different ratios (10–30 wt% EVA) using mechanical mixing and molding. Mechanical (tensile strength, elongation) and physical (density) properties were tested to assess the performance of the blends. The results indicated that incorporating EVA reduced the composite’s density by approximately 22% while maintaining good strength and elasticity. The blend with 20 wt% EVA exhibited the most balanced mechanical and physical behavior, making it suitable for lightweight and sustainable applications.