Bostik: Pioneering Smart Adhesive Solutions Since 1889
Bostik's journey began in 1889 when the Boston Blacking Company was founded in Chelsea, Massachusetts, initially producing leather colorings and dyes for the shoemaking industry. Over time, the company expanded through mergers and acquisitions, growing to operate in 12 countries across three continents by the late 1920s. The Bostik brand first emerged in the 1940s, becoming the company's official name in the 1960s.
Throughout its history, Bostik has experienced significant growth through acquisitions, including its takeover by the Connecticut group Emhart Corporation in 1980, which was later acquired by Black & Decker. In 1990, the French oil and gas group Total acquired Bostik and merged its own adhesive affiliates into the company. Further mergers led to the creation of TotalFinaElf, later renamed Total, which consolidated Bostik and Atofindley's adhesives divisions.
In 2013, Bostik revisited its brand identity, adopting the "smart adhesives" signature and a gecko as its emblem to reflect its connection to nature-inspired science and adhesives. In 2015, Arkema, a Specialty Materials company offering innovative and sustainable solutions, acquired Bostik.
Bostik's history is marked by smart innovation, from pioneering waterproof boots to launching the first elastic attachment adhesive used in baby diapers. With over 9,000 patented technologies, including aerospace interior adhesives and Blu-Tack, Bostik has evolved from a local dye manufacturer to a global industry leader.
The company remains committed to pursuing innovation and sustainability, continuing to build on its legacy of smart adhesive solutions. Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Vincent Legros, Bostik is poised for another 130 years of success, contributing to a wide range of industries and applications worldwide.
