Abstract: A method for the production of certain ethylene copolymers which comprises saponifying a granular feedstock which includes a polymer of at least 50% ethylene, 2 to 50% of certain esters of C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 alkene carboxylic acids, 0 to 30% vinyl esters of certain aliphatic carboxylic acids having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and up to 3% of C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 alkene carboxylic acids. In particular, the improvement comprises maintaining the feedstock at a particle size range of 0.1 to 8.0 mm, and suspending it in 1-10 parts of a ketone to 1 part of the feedstock, the ketone being of the formula. ##STR1## wherein R and R' are individually an alkyl radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and carrying out the saponification at a temperature of 40.degree. to 75.degree. C. in the presence of at least one alkaline saponifying agent. The resulting compounds are useful as adhesives and coating materials.