A new grade of ethylene-n-butyl acrylate (EBA) copolymer, which is claimed to significantly reduce shrinkage in foams, has been introduced by Repsol Chemical (Madrid / Spain; www.chemicals.repsol.com). "EBA PA1715" has been developed for general extrusion applications and offers improved performance in the manufacture of microcellular foams for both compression and injection moulding. Repsol says that foams produced using the copolymer offer 60% less shrinkage, 40% higher elongation and 30% less loss due to abrasion than those made with conventional polymers. The density of the new grade is claimed to provide a 1% saving in material compared with that of an EVA of similar characteristics.