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Bostik
Bostik
Bostik
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Bostik is a manufacturer and distributor of adhesives and sealants for the construction, industrial and consumer markets. With annual sales of €2.7 billion in 2024, the company employs over 7,000 people and has a presence in more than 45 countries. Bostik is part of the French-based Arkema group.

Key Information

History

[edit]

In 1889, the Boston Blacking Company, a producer of leather colourings and dyes, was founded in Chelsea, Massachusetts. The company became the chemical branch of United Shoe Machinery Corporation (USMC) – an American leader in the shoemaking industry – and grew in several countries through mergers, acquisitions and organic growth.

By the late 1920s, the Boston Blacking Company was established in 12 countries across three continents and employed over 1,000 chemists and technicians. A number of products had been launched under the Bostik brand as early as the 1940s and the company took on Bostik as a company name in the 1960s.

In 1980, Bostik was taken over by the Connecticut group Emhart Corporation, which nine years later was, itself, bought up by Black & Decker. Black & Decker split apart the mechanical and chemical activities of the group to leave Bostik as a stand-alone concern.

In 1990, the French oil and gas group Total acquired Bostik and merged its own adhesive affiliates into it.

In 2000, Totalfina and Elf Aquitaine merged to form TotalFinaElf, subsequently renamed Total. Their respective adhesives divisions, Bostik and Atofindley, were brought together to form Bostik Findley, and the name was subsequently changed in 2004 to Bostik.

In 2013 Bostik revisited its brand identity, with a new signature "smart adhesives" and a gecko inspired from nature with a science-based connection to Bostik's adhesives business[citation needed]. In 2015, Arkema, a global chemical major with leadership positions in specialty chemicals and high performance materials, acquired Bostik. In 2019 Bostik won an Adhesives and Sealants Council (ASC) Innovation Award for " "Brilliance" which is an olefin elastic high-performance attachment adhesive."[2]

Early 20th century dubbin tin from the Boston Blacking Co. under the Be-Be-Co brand name: Dubb-O

Headquarters building

[edit]
Main article: B B Chemical Company

In 1937, Boston Blacking built a Streamline Moderne headquarters building in Cambridge, Massachusetts, signposted as "B B CHEMICAL",[3] and used it until 1966. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982.[4][5]

Products

[edit]

Bostik is among the four top adhesives and sealants producers in the world. Bostik employs over 5,000 workers in 50 countries and five continents.[6]

Bostik has a well recognized name in industrial markets[citation needed]. It has some divisions such as: Industrial/Nonwovens, Construction and Distribution, and High-performance polymers. Its brands include Bostik, Blu Tack, Prestik, Sader, Quelyd, Simson, Evo-Stik, Alliance, Ardal, Cementone, Mem, Technik, Hey'Di, SB Mercier, Chem-Calk, Hydroment, Durabond, Anchor Weld, Clag, Gripfill, Flexacryl and Aquamac weatherband.[7]

On the industrial level, Bostik products are used in many sectors including aeronautics,[8] household appliances, automotive,[9] transport[10] and construction.[11]

Bostik products are also used in the packaging industry[12] and advanced packaging, as well as in the assembly sector and disposable hygiene products.[13]

Bostik is also for the General Public with preparation, assembly and repair products as well as a range of adhesives and glues, stationery and artisanar for DIY and hobby (including Blu Tack).

Rewards

[edit]

Two products have received the approval of professionals and the general public:

  • Brilliance: the first high-performance olefin adhesive for fixing elastics,[14] a patented formulation.[15] In 2018, Bostik won the Adhesives and Sealant Council (ASC) trophy for the contribution to innovation of Brilliance™.[16][17]
  • Fix & Flash: bonding technology which dries in contact with the rays of LED light. Fix & Flash is voted "Product of the year 2019[18]" in the "repair glue" category.
[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bostik

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from Grokipedia
Bostik is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of adhesives and sealants, specializing in innovative bonding solutions for industrial, construction, and consumer applications worldwide. Founded in 1889 as the Blacking Company in —a producer of colorings and dyes for the industry—the evolved through renamings and expansions, becoming Bostik in the before its acquisition by the French multinational chemical group in 2015. With headquarters in , , Bostik reported annual revenues of €2.7 billion in 2024 and employs over 7,000 people across more than 50 countries. The company's product portfolio includes a wide range of adhesives, sealants, primers, grouts, foams, and solutions, tailored for sectors such as automotive assembly, , installation, , and building . Bostik emphasizes science to develop durable, high-performance products that incorporate bio-based and recycled materials, supporting goals like reducing carbon emissions and promoting a . As part of Arkema's solutions segment, Bostik drives innovation through over 9,000 patented technologies, addressing global challenges in bonding and sealing across diverse industries. Bostik's global operations span , the , the , , and beyond, with a focus on collaboration and customer-centric solutions to meet evolving market needs. The company upholds Arkema's core values of , , , , and inclusion, while committing to and low-carbon initiatives that align with broader environmental objectives. Recent developments include the launch of specialized products like conductive seam sealants for and acquisitions enhancing its flexible capabilities, underscoring its ongoing role as an industry pioneer.

History

Founding and early development

Bostik traces its origins to the Boston Blacking Company, founded in 1889 in , where it initially specialized in producing leather colorings and dyes tailored for the burgeoning industry. This early focus addressed the need for effective treatments to enhance durability and appearance in an era when manufacturing was rapidly industrializing in the United States. The company's products were essential for finishing and preserving , establishing a foundation in chemical applications for consumer goods. In the early 1900s, the Boston Blacking Company underwent significant structural changes through its integration with the United Shoe Machinery Corporation (USMC), becoming the corporation's dedicated chemical branch. This affiliation, beginning with a 49.4% interest acquisition by USMC in 1900, allowed the company to leverage synergies in the sector, expanding its portfolio to include specialized adhesives and treatments. Under USMC's umbrella, and production emphasized chemical solutions that complemented machinery for assembly, marking a pivotal shift from mere colorings to functional bonding materials. By the late , the Blacking Company—now firmly embedded within USMC—had achieved substantial international growth, establishing operations in 12 countries across three continents. This expansion was supported by a robust of over 1,000 chemists and technicians, who drove advancements in chemical formulations amid rising global demand for shoe-related products. The company's reach extended to key markets in and beyond, solidifying its role as a leader in leather treatment chemicals during the . The mid-20th century saw the Blacking Company evolve from its roots in blacking products toward broader adhesive technologies, reflecting broader industry trends in bonding innovations. As early as the , products bearing the Bostik brand name were introduced, signaling a diversification into versatile adhesives for industrial and consumer uses. A notable milestone came in 1954 with the formulation of neoprene-based contact adhesives, designed for bonding and decorative coverings to various surfaces with superior adhesion and flexibility. This period laid the groundwork for the company's future emphasis on advanced bonding solutions.

Acquisitions and rebranding

In the , the Blacking Company, then operating as the chemical division of the United Shoe Machinery Corporation (USM), underwent a significant to Bostik, emphasizing its growing specialization in s and sealants rather than shoe polish and related products. This shift marked a pivotal moment, as the company began to consolidate its identity around innovative adhesive technologies, with products under the Bostik name already in use since the . The rebranding reflected USM's strategic focus on the adhesives sector amid industrial expansion. Bostik's corporate evolution accelerated through a series of acquisitions in the late . In 1980, it was acquired by the Connecticut-based Emhart Corporation, which expanded its industrial portfolio. Nine years later, in 1989, Emhart itself was purchased by , leading to a where Bostik emerged as a more independent entity focused on chemical activities following the separation of mechanical and chemical operations. By 1990, the French oil and gas conglomerate Total took over Bostik, integrating it with its own adhesive subsidiaries to strengthen its position in specialty chemicals. This period of ownership changes provided Bostik with resources for global expansion while maintaining its core expertise in adhesives. The early 2000s brought further consolidation and identity refinement. In 1999, following the merger of TotalFina and into TotalFinaElf (later simply Total), Bostik's adhesives division combined with Ato Findley to create Bostik Findley SA, enhancing its product range and market reach. In 2004, the company rebranded to Bostik SA, streamlining its corporate name and reinforcing its standalone brand identity. This era culminated in 2015 when , a global specialty chemicals leader, fully acquired Bostik for an undisclosed sum, integrating it into Arkema's Adhesive Solutions segment to bolster sustainable and high-performance adhesive offerings. Under Arkema's ownership, Bostik experienced robust post-acquisition growth, leveraging synergies in , distribution, and . By 2024, the company had achieved annual revenues of €2.7 billion, employing over 7,000 people across more than 50 countries, solidifying its status as a key player in the global adhesives market. This expansion included strategic bolt-on acquisitions, such as Dow's flexible laminating adhesives business in late 2024, further diversifying Bostik's portfolio within Arkema's framework.

Corporate structure

Ownership and governance

Bostik operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, having been fully acquired in 2015 and integrated as the company's Solutions business segment. This structure positions Bostik under 's centralized management framework, contributing to the group's overall portfolio in specialty chemicals and materials. of Bostik is overseen by 's , which defines strategic direction and ensures alignment with corporate objectives, including oversight through specialized committees on , finance, and sustainability. The segment is led by Laurent Peyronneau, appointed Executive Vice President of Solutions in September 2025, who reports directly to 's Executive Committee and focuses on operational excellence within the adhesives domain. As of 2024, Bostik employs over 7,000 people worldwide and generates annual of approximately €2.7 billion, reflecting its scale as a key revenue driver within Arkema's portfolio. Bostik's operations align strategically with Arkema's emphasis on innovation and global market expansion, leveraging shared R&D resources to advance sustainable technologies and support the group's long-term growth in high-value segments.

Headquarters and global presence

Bostik's global is situated at 51 Esplanade du Général de Gaulle, 92800 , , functioning as the central hub for administrative, strategic, and operational oversight of its international activities. The company's roots trace back to a historic in , where its predecessor, the Boston Blacking Company, constructed a Streamline Moderne-style building at 784 Memorial Drive in 1937; this facility served as the main office until 1966 and was added to the in 1982 due to its architectural and industrial significance. Bostik operates in more than 50 countries across five continents, maintaining an extensive network of sites, centers, and offices to support regional markets. This infrastructure spans key areas including , , , the , , and , enabling localized production and distribution of solutions. Among its prominent facilities, Bostik runs a major production plant in , , at Ulverscroft Road, which focuses on manufacturing for industrial and construction applications in . Additionally, innovation is driven through hubs integrated into Arkema's broader ecosystem, such as the Bostik Smart Technology Center in Venette, , dedicated to advancing adhesive technologies. With over 7,000 employees worldwide, this global footprint facilitates efficient service delivery and collaboration across diverse geographies.

Products and markets

Product categories

Bostik produces a diverse range of adhesives and sealants, primarily categorized by their underlying technologies and intended functions. The company's core product lines include hot-melt adhesives, reactive adhesives such as polyurethanes and silicones, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and sealants, each designed to meet specific bonding and sealing requirements across various industries. Hot-melt adhesives form a key category, encompassing formulations like ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)/polyolefin (PO), copolyester, and polyamide variants, which provide fast-setting, thermoplastic bonding suitable for high-speed manufacturing processes. Reactive adhesives, including one- and two-component polyurethanes, silyl-modified polymers, and silicones, cure through chemical reactions to deliver strong, durable bonds resistant to environmental stresses. Pressure-sensitive adhesives adhere upon light contact without curing, offering versatility for tapes, labels, and films, while sealants, often based on butyl or hybrid polymers, focus on creating impermeable barriers against moisture and air. Water-based adhesives complement these as an eco-friendly option for applications requiring easy cleanup and low odor. In terms of functional categories, Bostik's offerings emphasize solutions for structural integrity and material joining, sealing products for weatherproofing and gap-filling, and assembly adhesives that enhance efficiency through quick application and high strength. For instance, structural methacrylates provide robust in demanding assemblies, while butyl sealants excel in preventing leaks in joints. Specialized technologies within Bostik's portfolio include bio-based adhesives derived from renewable materials, low-VOC formulations to minimize emissions and improve , and high-performance options engineered for extreme conditions such as high temperatures or chemical exposure. These innovations, like bio-sourced hot melts and ultra-low VOC polyurethanes, support goals without compromising efficacy. Bostik's products serve key sectors with tailored applications: in , they include adhesives, roofing sealants, and fillers for durable building envelopes; in industrial settings, such as and automotive assembly, hot melts and reactive systems enable efficient production lines; and for use, water-based and pressure-sensitive options facilitate DIY repairs and household bonding tasks.

Key brands and applications

Bostik's portfolio includes several prominent consumer brands tailored to regional markets. Blu Tack is a reusable adhesive putty widely used for mounting posters, decorations, and lightweight items in offices, homes, and crafts without damaging surfaces. Evo-Stik, a UK-focused brand, offers adhesives and sealants for DIY projects and , including strong bonds for , furniture assembly, and sealing windows, doors, and bathrooms. Sader, a French brand, specializes in sealants and repair adhesives for , such as filling cracks, waterproofing fixtures, and bonding materials in household renovations. In industrial sectors, Bostik provides specialized adhesives for demanding applications. In aeronautics, products like fire-resistant films and contact adhesives are used for interior bonding and sealing, including wall panels, floors, and insulation to meet safety standards. For the , adhesives support component assembly, such as upholstery and bonding, body panel attachment, and weatherstrip sealing, enhancing and in production. In 2025, Bostik launched VSR 400A, a conductive seam for sheet molding compounds in heavy-duty trucks, enhancing and . In , hot melt adhesives facilitate case sealing, closure, and labeling, ensuring secure bonds for while supporting goals like recyclability. Bostik's consumer and construction offerings extend to practical uses like DIY home repairs, where versatile sealants and adhesives handle tasks from gap filling to fixture installation. In 2025, Bostik introduced OB1, a universal multi-surface construction sealant and adhesive for bonding and sealing various materials in construction and home improvement projects, available in the US market. Flooring adhesives provide strong, flexible bonds for tiles, vinyl, and wood, accommodating expansion and heavy traffic. For instance, Bostik Roll-Cote, a moisture vapor control membrane for flooring applications, provides coverage of approximately 400 square feet with two coats (100 square feet per gallon total, recommended for concrete slabs in humid climates up to 99% relative humidity) from a 4-gallon pail, or 800 square feet with one coat (200 square feet per gallon, suitable for lower moisture levels of 90% relative humidity or less, or wood subfloors). Highly porous concrete may require a diluted primer coat first (500-800 square feet per gallon for the primer), which can affect overall coverage for subsequent coats. Coverage varies by substrate porosity, moisture levels, application method (such as using a 3/8-inch nap roller), surface profile (concrete surface profile 1-3 ideal), temperature, and humidity. Glazing sealants, often silicone-based, offer weather-resistant joints for windows and facades, adhering to glass, metal, and masonry. These products align with broader categories of bonding solutions for assembly and waterproofing. Products are distributed through professional channels, retail outlets, and platforms, with strategies adapted to regional demands—for instance, solutions emphasized in the and adhesives prominent in . This multi-channel approach ensures accessibility for both industrial clients and end-users.

Innovation and sustainability

Research and development

Bostik, as the Adhesive Solutions segment of , leverages the parent company's global R&D ecosystem, which has generated over 9,000 patented technologies since its origins in 1889, with a strong emphasis on . This integration enables Bostik to draw on Arkema's extensive expertise in specialty chemicals to innovate in formulations, focusing on performance, durability, and environmental compatibility. Key research areas at Bostik include the development of olefin-based elastic adhesives, such as the Brilliance™ line, which provides high-performance for elastic components in disposable products while improving production and reducing trade-offs in adhesion strength and processability. Additionally, Bostik advances LED-curable technologies, exemplified by the Pureled™ UV LED product line and Arocure radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives, which offer 100% solids formulations for rapid curing and enhanced in packaging and assembly applications. The company also invests in smart adhesives tailored for applications, incorporating bio-sourced materials to lower carbon footprints and support recyclable packaging solutions, such as those compatible with multilayer plastic films. Bostik maintains dedicated R&D facilities across major regions, including the Bostik Smart Technology Center in Venette, , which employs 125 researchers specializing in next-generation adhesives and elastic bonding; a site in , USA, for North American innovation; and an expanded Technology Center in Shanghai, , opened in 2023 to accelerate regional development in sustainable chemistries. These labs prioritize bio-sourced materials and low-carbon innovations, aligning with broader goals in sustainable production. Through strategic collaborations, Bostik partners with industries such as —where it has provided high-tech bonding solutions for over 60 years—and automotive, developing custom elastic and lightweight-compatible adhesives to meet demands for torsional rigidity, extreme resistance, and efficient assembly in vehicles and aircraft. These efforts underscore Bostik's focus on co-innovating tailored solutions that enhance performance while advancing sustainable practices.

Awards and environmental initiatives

Bostik has received notable recognition for its innovative adhesive technologies. In 2018, the company earned the Adhesives and Sealants Council (ASC) Innovation Award for Brilliance, an olefin-based elastic attachment adhesive designed for high-performance applications in disposable hygiene products, enabling improved flexibility and adhesion to diverse substrates without compromising production efficiency. In 2019, Bostik's Fix & Flash product, featuring LED-light-drying technology for rapid curing on virtually all surfaces and materials, was voted Product of the Year, marking a breakthrough in multi-purpose bonding solutions. In 2024, Bostik received the 1st Runner-Up ASC Innovation Award for Turbo-Seal® LOOP 1.0, the industry's first BPI-certified industrial compostable cold seal adhesive for heat-sensitive packaging applications. Bostik demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through its alignment with the circular economy, incorporating recycled and bio-based materials into adhesives to minimize environmental impact. The company develops low-VOC formulations to reduce volatile organic compound emissions and implements waste reduction strategies in manufacturing processes, such as optimizing resource use and minimizing byproducts. These efforts support a low-carbon future as part of parent company Arkema's broader strategy, including contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on responsible consumption, climate action, and industry innovation. Key initiatives include the advancement of bio-based adhesives, such as the Kizen LIME range with at least 80% renewable content, and solutions like Turbo-Seal LOOP for compostable packaging, promoting recyclability and reduced fossil-based inputs. Bostik targets a 38% reduction in by 2030 across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, in line with (SBTi)-validated roadmaps, and aims for net-zero emissions by 2050 through energy efficiency, renewable power adoption in 13 plants, and lifecycle assessments. The company also pursues increased use of bio-sourced materials, with key products incorporating close to 50% bio-based components to enhance and circularity.

References

  1. https://www.globaldata.com/company-profile/bostik-sa/
  2. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/about-bostik/our-history/
  3. https://www.bostik.com/israel/en/our-company/our-history/
  4. https://www.arkema.com/usa/en/media/news/global/corporate/2015/20150203-arkema-finalizes-/
  5. https://www.bostik.com/us/en_US/media/news/durable-goods/nam/united-states/bostik-launches-conductive-seam-sealant-acce-2025/
  6. https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/8230134Z:US
  7. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/about-bostik/
  8. https://www.arkema.cn/en/arkema-in-china/plant-locations/Bostik/
  9. https://www.bostik.com/uk/en_GB/our-company/our-history/
  10. https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/110/295/1878333/
  11. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Boston_Blacking_Co
  12. https://www.calameo.com/books/0042177978f7a2f3151b5
  13. https://www.bostik.com/thailand/en/our-company/our-history/
  14. https://www.adhesivesmag.com/articles/101830-2025-asi-top-20-arkema
  15. https://www.arkema.com/global/en/arkema-group/governance/
  16. https://www.arkema.com/global/en/media/newslist/news/global/corporate/2025/20250908-laurent-peyronneau-appointed-vp-adhesives-solutions/
  17. https://www.bostik.com/us/en_US/media/news/durable-goods/nam/united-states/bostik-us-news-investment-middleton-plant-05192025/
  18. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/location-finder/
  19. https://harvardplanning.emuseum.com/sites/01208/784-memorial-drive
  20. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/about-bostik/our-global-network/
  21. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/brands_countries/
  22. https://www.bostik.com/uk/en_GB/our-company/our-locations/
  23. https://www.arkema.com/france/en/locations/r-and-d-centers/venette/
  24. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/our-adhesive-technologies/
  25. https://www.bostik.com/india/en/our-adhesive-technologies/
  26. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/about-bostik/sustainability/innovative-solutions/
  27. https://www.bostik.com/us/en_US/our-adhesive-technologies/psa-sustainable-innovative-adhesives/
  28. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/
  29. https://diy.bostik.com/en-UK/our-ranges/create/blu-tack
  30. https://www.bostik.com/uk/en_GB/brands_countries/evo-stik/
  31. https://www.arkema.com/global/en/products/product-families/specialty-adhesives/
  32. https://www.bostik.com/files/live/sites/shared_bostik/files/images/documents-and-brochures/Aerospace/Achieving_New_Heights-Aerospace_Brochure.pdf
  33. https://www.bostik.com/us/en_US/markets-applications/automotive/
  34. https://www.bostik.com/us/en_US/markets-applications/consumer-goods/
  35. https://www.bostik.com/us/en_US/products/roll-cote/
  36. https://www.bostik.com/us/en_US/media/news/construction/nam/united-states/news-bostik-introduces-ob1-multi-surface-sealant-2025/
  37. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/markets-applications/building-and-construction/sealing-and-bonding/glazing/
  38. https://www.bostik.com/us/en_US/customer-support/how-to-buy-directory/industrial-distributors/
  39. https://www.arkema.com/global/en/media/newslist/news/global/corporate/2021/20210209-arkema-strengthens-bostik-adhesives-business-in-brazil/
  40. https://www.bostik.com/australia/en_AU/our-company/our-history/
  41. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/newslist/news/global/20161027-bostik-launches-g/
  42. https://www.bostik.com/us/en_US/catalog/product/advanced-packaging/global/pureled-uv-led-line-products-chemistry-adhesives/
  43. https://www.bostik.com/uk/en_GB/sustainability-at-bostik/bio-based-adhesive/
  44. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/smart-adhesives/
  45. https://www.arkema.com/global/en/arkema-group/innovation/circular-economy/
  46. https://www.arkema.com/usa/en/innovation/research-and-development-centers/
  47. https://www.bostik.com/indonesia/en/newslist/news/advanced-packaging/apac/news-bostik-expands-asia-technology-center-in-shanghai/
  48. https://www.arkema.com/global/en/media/newslist/news/global/products/2024/20240909-bostik-decarbonization-net-zero/
  49. https://www.arkema.com/global/en/markets-solutions/automotive-and-transportation/
  50. https://www.bostik.com/us/en_US/blog/post/2019/1/how-bostik-and-arkema-bring-value-to-the-automotive-market/
  51. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/markets-applications/transportation-aerospace/
  52. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/newslist/news/global/20180425-bostik-earns-asc-/
  53. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/newslist/news/global/20190123-fix-flash-from-bo/
  54. https://www.bostik.com/us/en_US/media/news/advanced-packaging/nam/united-states/bostik-us-news-asc-innovation-award-17042024/
  55. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/about-bostik/sustainability/
  56. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/markets-applications/disposable-hygiene-adhesives/sustainability/manage-activities-as-a-responsible-manufacturer/our-actions-and-ambitious-targets/
  57. https://www.arkema.com/global/en/social-responsibility/vision-and-strategy/sustainable-development-goals/
  58. https://www.bostik.com/files/live/sites/shared_bostik/files/documents-brochures/Global/Brochures/bostik-global-sustainability-brochure.pdf
  59. https://www.bostik.com/global/en/sustainable-packaging/
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