I Helped Make This: Archery Target

Polyurethane foam plays a critical role in modern archery targets. With the exception of the outer coating, the entire target can be made from this versatile material. Its closed-cell structure allows arrows to penetrate cleanly and consistently, then release with minimal resistance—protecting both the arrow and the target.

Learn more about Amanda Glaze in this video:

After impact, the foam’s self-healing properties allow it to compress and spring back into shape, extending the life of the target. Its density also ensures arrows are safely stopped without pass-through risk, supporting range safety standards. And because polyurethane can be molded into a variety of shapes and densities, it offers flexibility in design across different target types and skill levels.

Thanks to their durability, polyurethane targets often last longer than traditional materials like compressed fiber or straw. That means fewer replacements—and less waste over time.

Meet the Maker: Amanda Glaze | Pittsburgh, PA | 20 years at Covestro

For Amanda, the most rewarding part of working at Covestro is the variety and constant opportunity to learn. Over two decades, she has worked across a wide range of polyurethane applications—from soft flexible molded foams to very hard pultrusion systems.

“My favorite part of working in Polyurethane Specialty Systems is that no two days are the same,” Amanda says. “Even after 20 years, I’m still learning and working on new applications.”