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 is a leading global adhesive specialist in construction, consumer and industrial markets. For more than a century, it has been developing innovative adhesive solutions that are smarter and more adaptive to the forces that shape daily lives. From cradle to grave, from home to office, Bostik’s smart adhesives can be found everywhere. With annual sales of €2 billion, the company employees more than 6,000 people and has a presence in more than 40 countries. www.bostik.com
About Arkema
A designer of materials and innovative solutions, Arkema shapes materials and creates new uses that accelerate customer performance. Our balanced business portfolio spans high-performance materials, industrial specialties and coating solutions. Our globally recognized brands are ranked among the leaders in the markets we serve. Reporting annual sales of €8.8 billion in 2018, we employ approximately 20,000 people worldwide and operate in close to 55 countries. We are committed to active engagement with all our stakeholders. Our research centers in North America, France and Asia concentrate on advances in bio-based products, new energies, water management, electronic solutions, lightweight materials and design, home efficiency and insulation. www.arkema.com