VELCRO GMBH

Many people wonder: Who invented the hook and loop of the VELCRO® brand? It all started with a burdock, whose tiny seeds are wrapped in hundreds of 'hooks' that naturally cling to the microscopic loops of fur, hair, or fabric. The burdock was merely a modest wonder of nature that occasionally caused headaches for humans – until that day in 1941. On a hunting trip in the Alps, the paths of the burdock, Swiss engineer George de Mestral, and his dog crossed. Even more than seventy years later, this chance encounter proves to be extremely profitable. Inspired by the burdock, de Mestral developed the world's first hook and loop fastener. Initially, de Mestral envisioned the VELCRO® brand hook and loop as a fastener for clothing. Today, however, it is used in a variety of industries, ranging from healthcare to your garden shed and the military. Although each VELCRO® brand product is tailored for a specific purpose, the fundamental mechanism remains the same. Just imagine: the VELCRO® brand solutions that keep your tablet stuck to the wall are based on the same principle as those used by NASA to keep their plates in place in zero gravity. The Innovation and Technology Center of the Velcro Group is a global organization that meets the demands of the global market by developing products and processes in the field of woven and knitted textiles, as well as uninterrupted injection molding, non-woven loop, and a range of other fastening technologies. As pioneers of hook-and-loop fastener technology, we are the original patent holder of U.S. Patent 2,717,437, which was filed on October 15, 1952. Today, the Velcro Group's mission is to be the leading innovator in fastening technology through efficient and creative solutions. With over 300 active patents worldwide, we take pride in our innovative tradition and our ability to meet our customers' needs. Even today, the Velcro Group remains the leading manufacturer and innovator of hook and loop fasteners. We are constantly working to further develop the concept of the VELCRO® brand to find new and interesting ways to use our products and solutions – at home, at work, or while playing. With global offices and a presence in over 40 countries, we are confident that we will never run out of ideas, idea generators, or unexplored, unknown territories.