Bostik Adhesive Technology Powers 2018 Tour de France Race Numbers

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Jul 05, 2018, 06:53 ET

PARIS, July 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

As official partner for smart adhesives at the iconic cycling event, adhesives specialist Bostik has developed an innovative technology which will be used to bond the riders' race numbers in the 2018 Tour de France.

The company has worked closely with race organisers, Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), to ensure it meets the requirements of the Tour.

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The 'smart' solution, which is based on the firm's Hot Melt Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (HMPSA) technology platform, is solvent-free and has enabled the production of fabric-based race numbers which are lighter, more flexible and offer improved levels of comfort for race competitors. Designed to meet the unique conditions of the Tour in terms of resistance to wind, rain and sweat, the adhesive technology has been extensively tested with the latest lightweight and moisture-wicking fabrics used in modern cycling jerseys to ensure the numbers stay securely in place over the 21 stages of the race.

Benefitting from its 2017 experience when it first supplied adhesives for this application, Bostik's technical experts have continued development and testing with a variety of materials and coating weights. The result is an advanced race number which remains visible to aid race officials and commentators and can be easily removed at the end of each stage.

Bostik's Chief Innovation Officer, François Court, said, "We pride ourselves on being able to offer an adhesive solution to any bonding challenge. This particular development project posed a number of unique questions because of the difficult conditions the adhesive must withstand during the race as well as the advanced fabrics which are used in today's race jerseys." He concluded, "We're very satisfied with our solution and as the feedback both from the riders and ASO has been extremely positive, we're looking forward to seeing the race numbers in action on this year's Tour."

Bostik is the speciality adhesives business line of Arkema, a designer of material and innovative solutions which creates new uses that accelerate customer performance. Our globally recognized brands are ranked among the leaders in the markets we serve. The Group reports annual sales of €8.3 billion in 2017, employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide and operates in close to 55 countries. 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.