Runlite
Runlite sa (Belgium) is a specialist manufacturer of advanced thermoplastic casting and splinting materials, most notably under its flagship brand X LITE®. Established in February 1987 in Micheroux (Soumagne), Liège Province, Belgium, RUNLITE was founded following the acquisition of a patent for a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer and its manufacturing process.
X-LITE Specialisation & Product Focus
RUNLITE’s core activity is the production of orthopaedic supports: human applications (X-LITE®), veterinary applications (VET-LITE®) and even a decorative/industrial offshoot (VARAFORM®) for theatre sets and design.
The X-LITE® range is engineered around a 100 % cotton mesh impregnated with a non-toxic thermoplastic resin — yielding a material that is lightweight, mouldable when heated, ventilated, radiolucent (X-ray translucent) and environmentally minded.
Environmental & Clinical Benefits
A key differentiator for RUNLITE’s X-LITE® material is its environmental credentials: it emits no harmful substances during application or curing, is safe for all users (including pregnant women or those with asthma/allergies), and is classified as biodegradable under ISO 14855-1 testing (25% biodegradation after 90 days) in independent labs.
Clinically, its advantages include excellent ventilation (due to the open cotton mesh), light weight (improved patient comfort and compliance), re-mouldability (leftovers and splints can be adjusted rather than remade entirely), excellent conformability, and radiolucency (allowing up to three layers and still visible for X-ray).
Global leader - Market Position
Although based in Belgium, RUNLITE serves the global orthopaedic casting and splinting market and positions itself as a leader in “environmentally responsible” casting/splinting materials. Its products regard technical performance and ecology as dual priorities.
In the context of paediatric orthopaedics, the lightweight, mouldable and breathable properties make X-LITE® particularly suited for younger patients where comfort, freedom of movement, skin health and iterative adjustments are more critical.
Proud on Runlite
RUNLITE SA has carved out a niche at the intersection of orthopaedic material innovation and environmental responsibility. Its X-LITE® material exemplifies how thermoplastic casting and splinting supports can be optimized for clinical performance and sustainability, offering a compelling choice for modern orthotic/¬prosthetic services seeking advanced but eco-considerate solutions.
