Picture this: A world without engineered hook and loop fasteners. No disposable diaper tabs. No adjustable straps on a CPAP machine. And nothing to anchor the astronauts’ utensils inside the Apollo 11!
It’s safe to say, the developments of engineers play a major role in our everyday lives, especially when it comes to fasteners. That’s exactly what World Engineering Day (WED) is all about.
What is World Engineering Day, you ask?
Before we dive into Velcro Companies’ innovation, let’s give a bit of background on the day itself. Backed by UNESCO and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), WED spotlights engineers’ amazing contributions. This year’s theme, “Shaping Our Sustainable Future Through Engineering,” highlights their essential role in reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Velcro Companies: Engineering Innovation and ORIGINAL THINKING®
ORIGINAL THINKING® is in our DNA, which means we are engineers to our core. From new product development to manufacturing optimizations, you’ll find innovation in every part of our business. With more than 400 active patents and counting, Velcro Companies continues to revolutionize fastening solutions as we have over the last 60 years.
Whether it’s creating Garden Ties that are gentle on plants, developing eco-friendly packaging or designing medical fasteners that improve patient comfort, we strive to be the dominant innovator in fastening technology through efficient and creative solutions. Part of that starts with our roots.
Where It All Began: The History and Evolution of Velcro Companies
From Nature to Innovation
Our journey began in 1941 when Swiss engineer George de Mestral was walking his dog in the woods. Seeing how cockleburs stuck to his dog’s fur with tiny hooks, George’s ORIGINAL THINKING® led to the hook and loop fasteners we use today.
VELCRO® Brand products are a perfect example of engineering innovation and how crucial it is in our daily lives. We’ve become essential in many industries.
How We Make Life Easier: Innovative Engineering Solutions
Our fastening solutions solve real problems and simply make life easier. It all starts with our R&D process
The R&D Process: Designing Tomorrow’s Solutions
Our Research and Development (R&D) teams in the U.S., Spain, and Mexico are expert problem solvers, always working to create products that keep up with society’s changing needs. They consistently find innovative ways to meet market demands and collaborate with customers to tackle their fastening challenges.
Through their innovative thinking, they customize hook and loop products to meet a business’s unique design and manufacturing specifications.
Whether we’re driving new fastening solutions or propelling our impact on the environment, engineering plays a large role in every aspect of the organization.
Why is Engineered Sustainability Important?
Designing a Sustainable Future
Velcro Companies values sustainability and cutting its carbon footprint. Our hook-and-loop products are reusable by nature, and we offer VELCRO® Brand Garden Ties made from 65% post-consumer recycled materials.
By focusing on sustainable materials and processes, we’re designing a future where our engineering solutions are both innovative and green.
Here are just a few ways we’re committed to sustainable engineering and making a positive impact on the environment…
- VELCRO® Brand ECO Collection: Products made from 30%-70% recycled materials without sacrificing strength, durability or reliability.
- Sustainable Business Solutions: VELCRO® Brand PRESS-LOK® Flexible Packaging Closures made from a single material, allowing for fully recyclable* flexible packaging.
- Reusable Fasteners: Consumers can reuse our fasteners to reduce single-use materials and waste.
- Landfill-Free Facilities: Our facilities in Uruguay and Manchester, NH, are 100% landfill-free.
- Solar Panels: Our Spanish site runs on solar energy to reduce our carbon footprint.
- Focus on the Bulb: Our “Focus on the Bulb” saw our locations switch to LED lighting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
*Depending on both the manufacturers’ packaging and the availability of local recycling facilities.
Global Impact
Connecting the World with Velcro Companies
Velcro Companies’ impact is felt around the world with products used in sectors like automotive, consumer goods and fashion. This global celebration of engineering shows how Velcro Companies’ solutions connect people and industries.
Conclusion
As we celebrate WED 2025, let’s acknowledge the engineers who shape our sustainable future. Our dedication to creativity and eco-friendliness showcases the impactful nature of engineering.
Join the global celebration on social media and learn more about how Velcro Companies continues to shape a better, more connected world.
