Why we're all stuck on the world cup

In the game of football, there are many variables. Will the team be at a peak level of fitness? Will the pitch be wet or dry? Will a foul go unnoticed by the referee? And will the key players take full advantage of every goal scoring opportunity? There are, however, elements of the beautiful game that consistently perform well thanks to new technology. For example, many of the boots worn by world class players are lighter weight yet more durable than ever before and Henkel adhesive technology is at the heart of these achievements. Modern high tech boots are made from advanced materials and weigh less than 100 grams enabling the wearer to move deftly and at speed. And instead of being stitched like their forerunners, they are now bonded. Henkel is a leading solution provider of specialty adhesives for many leading brands of professional boots. Tongues, eyelets, toecaps, heel reinforcement and various foam inlay materials are all bonded with Henkel products. Indeed, one of the company's latest developments is a polyurethane adhesive, a thin layer of which bonds the upper with the sole in one operation. For the boot manufacturer, that means lower adhesive consumption and improved production sustainability. The same technology applies to the match ball. It too is now made from advanced plastics and its panels are bonded. The seamless surface this method creates gives the ball maximum wear resistance, improves its flight characteristics and reduces water absorption on wet match days.