Bostik, the specialty adhesives business line of the Arkema group, and A.S.O., organizer of the Tour de France, joins their forces for the third year in the row to improve the performance of cyclists with a new generation of adhesive bibs.
Bostik, the specialty adhesives business line of the Arkema group, and A.S.O., organizer of the Tour de France, joins their forces for the third year in the row to improve the performance of cyclists with a new generation of adhesive bibs.
Vital for the identification work carried out by the commissioners, the bibs needed significant technical improvements to adapt to the jersey mesh in order to be lighter, more flexible and more elastic. Usually attached with safety pins, Bostik and A.S.O have been thinking about the development of a new generation of adhesive to apply on these materials in order to limit irritation on the skins, perspiration and to better support the movements of cyclists in the effort.
Initiated in 2016 by Bostik Smart Technology Center’s researchers in Venette (France), Bostik has developed a hot melt adhesive solution (or hot melt glue) sprayed on the back of the bibs. Its formulation, based on industrial technologies and with an accurate dosing of 60 grams, has been tested in its laboratories to assess its adhesion rate and flexibility in extreme conditions (wind and rain resistance, perspiration ...). Solvent-free formulated and made up with 10% of bio-sourced materials derived from pine resin, the company is also committed to act as a responsible industrial company, in compliance with Arkema group’s commitments.
The result is an amazing simplicity: adhesive bibs that are easy to apply on the jerseys by pressing strongly and slowly on the palm of the hand. They provide both more comfort and lightness for optimal performance while being able to be removed without damaging the shirt and without leaving marks.
At a time when the 100th anniversary of the Yellow Jersey will be celebrated this year, we are proud to continue to improve the technical equipment of the cyclists thanks to our know-how and our innovations in this field", says Vincent Legros, Chairman and CEO of Bostik. 6,688 bibs will be distributed to 176 cyclists throughout the competition.
About Bostik, an Arkema company
Bostik, a subsidiary of the Arkema Group and a global player in specialty adhesives for the construction, consumer and industrial markets, develops innovative and multifunctional sealing and bonding solutions that have been shaping our daily lives for over 130 years. With an annual sales of 2.1 billion euros in 2019 and a presence in more than 40 countries 6,000 employees, the company is committed to meeting the major ecological, energy and technological challenges through its innovations. It is focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence to meet the expectations of its customers and partners. www.bostik.com
About Arkema
Building on its unique set of expertise in materials science, Arkema offers a world-leading technology portfolio to address ever-growing demand for new and sustainable materials. With the ambition to become in 2024 a pure player in Specialty Materials, the Group is structured into three complementary, resilient and highly innovative segments dedicated to Specialty Materials – Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials and Coating Solutions – accounting for some 80% of Group sales, and a well-positioned and competitive Intermediates segment. Arkema offers cutting-edge technological solutions to meet the challenges of, inter alia, new energies, access to water, recycling, urbanization and mobility, and fosters a permanent dialogue with all its stakeholders. The Group reported sales of €8.7 billion in 2019, and operates in some 55 countries with 20,500 employees worldwide. www.arkema.com