The influence of wax on the viscoelasticity and peel adhesion of poly( ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA)-based hot melt adhesives was evaluated. Wax does not affect the glass transition temperature of a homogeneous EVA/rosin blend. However, for a heterogeneous EVA/rosin blend, wax addition increases the EVA-rich phase portion, resulting a higher rubbery response. The T-Peel fracture energies of EVA/tackifier/wax blends bonded to polypropylene film are controlled by two factors : (1) a weak boundary layer of wax, which has a deleterious effect on bonding, and (2) on the other hand, an increased rubbery response in the stick-slip region, which tends to strengthen joints.