Materials
Latest News
-
25 April 2026
Welcome aboard! In this blog, we will explore the world of boat building and repairs with EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate). EVA has become increasingly popular as a preferred material for boat construction and repairs due to its numerous advantages from its durability and versatility to its comfort safety, aesthetics, low maintenance and environmental friendliness. -
13 April 2026
EVA foam sheets are used in far more than insoles and padding. They are lightweight, easy to cut, available in different densities, and suitable for medical, footwear, sport, creative, workshop and everyday practical jobs. This guide breaks down 100 real-world uses and explains each one in plain English.
-
12 April 2026
Contact adhesive is a strong, flexible, and durable glue used in footwear repairs, upholstery, construction, and DIY projects. While it's excellent for bonding materials like rubber, leather, wood, and plastic, removing it can be a challenge. The right removal method depends on the surface you’re working with, as some materials require gentler approaches to avoid damage.
-
6 April 2026
This guide explains how to cut, bond, shape, paint, fix together, die cut, smooth and maintain cork sheet materials in a way that is practical for workshops, clinics and home users.
-
2 April 2026
This guide explores 101 practical uses for hook & loop tape - from everyday storage and school resources to healthcare, travel, vehicles and specialist applications.
-
31 March 2026
A reclosable fastening system made from two surfaces - one covered in tiny hooks and the other in soft loops. When pressed together the hooks catch the loops to create a secure but adjustable closure that can be opened and reused repeatedly.
-
29 March 2026
A notice pin board is one of the simplest and most useful ways to turn cork sheets into a practical everyday product. With the right backing board, adhesive and finish, you can make a board that works well in clinics, offices, schools, retail spaces and at home.
This guide explains how to choose materials, cut and bond cork, add a frame if needed and finish the board so it looks neat and lasts well in regular use.
-
29 March 2026
In this guide, you will find 101 practical uses for cork sheets, along with advice on why the material works so well and how to choose the right thickness for the job.
-
18 March 2026
Contact adhesives are a type of glue renowned for their strong bonding capabilities and versatility, making them essential in various industries such as construction, automotive, orthotic insole production and everyday crafts.
-
15 March 2026
This mini-guide explores the key properties of our foams - including density, thermoforming ability and ease of shaping - as well as its many practical uses.
-
8 January 2026
Shoe repairs are brutal on glue. Every step flexes the bond, moisture tries to creep in, and outdoor grit does its best to finish the job. That’s why contact adhesives are a go-to for cobblers and workshops: they’re designed to create a strong, flexible, durable bond across common footwear materials (rubber, leather, EVA, synthetics) when applied correctly.
-
4 January 2026
Brillo Leather colour sprays are a fantastic way to restore, refresh, or customise leather surfaces. Whether you're changing the colour, covering scuffs, or updating a worn finish, following the correct preparation and application techniques will give you a smooth, professional result.
-
19 December 2025
This guide uses Algeos’ product/technical data plus widely cited external references to summarise the main plastics Algeos offers, explain their mechanical and workshop properties (rigidity, flexibility, weight, durability, mouldability and cost) and give clear selection recommendations.
-
4 November 2025
In independent testing and decades of field use, PORON has ranked among the best for shock attenuation and long-term resilience, particularly in sensitive applications.
-
3 August 2025
French chalk looks humble yet it earns a place in clinics, workshops, and studios. Used well it is a clean, non-abrasive way to mark, separate, dry, and lubricate surfaces with minimal fuss.
-
27 July 2025
We will cover the major types of leather, their properties, benefits and drawbacks, and best use cases. We’ll also provide practical, step-by-step advice on working with each type – including tips on cutting, skiving, shaping, stitching, glueing, finishing and caring for leather.
-
31 May 2025
Foam materials play a critical role in the performance, comfort, and effectiveness of orthotic and prosthetic devices. The right foam can make the difference between a device that supports healing and mobility, and one that causes discomfort, skin irritation or mechanical failure.
-
30 April 2025
Plastazote is a closed-cell, crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) foam widely used in engineering, medical devices, orthotics and protective packaging. Chemically, it is produced from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) that is crosslinked with high-energy irradiation and inert nitrogen gas.
-
6 April 2025
Cork filler paste is a go-to material in shoemaking, orthotics, and leatherwork. Known for its lightweight, flexible properties, it is designed to fill gaps, smooth surfaces and add cushioning in a variety of products. This guide explains both what cork filler is used for and how to apply it effectively.
-
1 April 2025
Orthotic components are essential in addressing a range of foot-related issues. Whether you're a podiatrist, physiotherapist, or simply someone seeking relief from foot pain, these additions allow for targeted support, realignment, and cushioning.
-
15 March 2025
EVA foam – short for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate – is a soft, flexible, and durable material that’s widely used in healthcare, orthotics, sports, education, and beyond. Known for its shock-absorbing and cushioning qualities, EVA foam strikes a balance between firmness and comfort. -
28 February 2025
Craft foam, particularly EVA foam, is a versatile material. It's a favorite among crafters, cosplayers, and DIY enthusiasts. EVA stands for ethylene-vinyl acetate. This soft, flexible material comes in various colors and thicknesses. -
18 February 2025
In clinical orthotics, orthotic insoles are a frontline tool for treating foot dysfunction, redistributing pressure and improving overall biomechanics. The success of these insoles depends not just on clinical assessment and design, but also on material selection. One material consistently chosen by podiatrists, orthotists and orthotic technicians is EVA foam. Here's why. -
11 February 2025
Neoprene is a versatile material that has found its way into many aspects of our lives. From the wetsuits worn by divers to the protective gear used in various sports, its presence is undeniable. But what exactly is neoprene?
-
2 February 2025
Polypropylene is a material that's all around us, yet often goes unnoticed. It's a type of plastic that's integral to many of the products we use daily. But what exactly is polypropylene?
-
7 January 2025
When it comes to footwear comfort, not all cushioning is created equal. Whether you're designing for athletes, work boots, lifestyle shoes or aftermarket insoles the materials you choose can make or break the user experience. That’s where PORON Vive Energy Activated Cushioning comes into play - a high-performance solution that offers an ideal balance between shock absorption and energy return.
-
5 January 2025
Copolymer polypropylene is a versatile and durable plastic material. It's a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide range of applications. This material is created by polymerizing propylene with ethylene or butene monomers. The result is a material that's more flexible and tougher than homopolymer polypropylene.
-
2 January 2025
The field of orthotics and prosthetics is constantly evolving. New materials and technologies are continually being explored to improve patient comfort and mobility.
One such material is copolyester. This thermoplastic polymer is gaining traction in the industry due to its unique properties.
-
17 May 2024
Did you know that research published in British Medical Journal found that foot pain affects over 200 million people worldwide? Your footwear choices matter more than you think.
Foot support is the assistance that is provided to the feet to maintain their natural structure, alignment, and functionality. Correct foot support can reduce the risk of overstraining muscles, tendons, and ligaments by keeping your joints aligned and moving properly.
-
10 May 2024
Algeos, a leading provider of medical supplies and equipment, establishes its partnership with podiatrists visiting the Village of Hope in New Dheli, India, to provide much needed chairside materials. A thriving residential community, the Village of Hope was built in 1993 by HOPE Foundation, part of HOPE Worldwide, and sits on 22.4 acres of land with almost 800 houses for approximately 6,000 people. -
1 February 2024
Renia Contact Adhesives offer a clear solution for bonding a wide variety of materials while maintaining a transparent, aesthetically pleasing finish. Whether you're in the footwear industry, crafting leather goods, or working in orthotic design, the need for a bond that is not only strong but also invisible is essential.
-
1 August 2023
In principle, the use of custom-made foot orthotics allows clinicians to provide a more accurate device to better treat patients, however this depends on the materials and methods used, as well as cost and manufacturing time. Staff shortages within O&P roles, as well as funding cuts, means that orthotists and workshop managers need to use the most cost and time effective materials and methods to best serve their patients.