Bostik, Arkema’s Adhesives segment, achieved almost €2.3 billion (approximately $2.5 billion) in revenue in 2021. An increase of 14.1% over 2020, this represented 24% of Arkema’s total revenue for the year.

Jeff Merkt, president and CEO of Bostik Inc., credits strong organic volume and pricing growth, as well as the impact of key acquisitions, for the increase. “Overall, our regional presence remained stable, while our mix by market evolved slightly, with a stronger focus on the Durable Goods segment,” he said.

Bostik employs 6,600 people worldwide. The company operates 70 production sites and has a commercial presence in 50 countries around the world.

Acquisitions in 2021 included Edge Adhesives Texas, Poliplas, and Permoseal. In addition, Bostik finalized its acquisition of the Ashland Performance Adhesives business in February 2022.

“We will continue to pursue our targeted, bolt-on acquisitions strategy, such as with our planned acquisition of Shanghai Zhiguan Polymer Materials (PMP), a company specializing in hot-melt adhesives for the consumer electronics market,” Merkt said. “Another growth driver is the growing demand for adhesive solutions that help our customers create more sustainable products. We expect positive impact on sales in 2022 and beyond from growing demand for adhesives made from bio-sourced or recycled raw materials; and for adhesives to support better home insulation, to bond ever-lighter materials and objects, or to enable sustainable end-of-life solutions for a range of goods.”

Adhesives and Sustainable Hygiene Products How can adhesives help the hygiene industry address consumer demand for more sustainable products? Darius Deak of Bostik explains some of the key issues involved.