Recyclable Polymer Systems in Craft Casting: A Critical Review with Practical Exploration of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA)

Abstract 
The search for eco-friendly sustainable casting 
materials that are adaptable for cast practices 
has continued to gained attention. Most 
contemporary casting materials are not 
recyclable and pose environmental challenges. 
This paper is mostly a review paper that 
critically compares contemporary casting 
materials such as Plaster of Paris, Silicone, 
Resins to Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) with 
a view of drawing attention to the potentials of 
EVA as a recyclable and eco-friendly casting 
material as a way of suggesting a thermoplas- -tic alternative to thermosetting casting 
materials. A practical approach was also 
adopted to showcase the mold casting 
potential of EVA and also demonstrate the use 
of EVA in craft production. The overall 
observations were recorded based on ease of 
handle, studio reflection, reusability cycle,  
and surface fidelity. The findings indicates 
EVA’s potential as a recyclable casting 
material suited for casting and artwork 
production in Educational settings. The paper 
also explores the interdisciplinary discourse 
between Material Science, Ceramic practice 
and art education.