Performance Apparel Markets - Grado Zero Espace Srl
Performance Apparel Markets - Grado Zero Espace Srl
Performance Apparel Markets - Grado Zero Espace Srl
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<strong>Performance</strong> <strong>Apparel</strong> <strong>Markets</strong>, 1st quarter 2006<br />
Profile of Bemis: a leader in bonded seam technology<br />
Profile of Bemis: a leader in<br />
bonded seam technology for<br />
stitch-free apparel<br />
SUMMARY<br />
USA-based Bemis specialises in thermoplastic adhesives, coatings,<br />
tapes and speciality film products which are designed to bond various<br />
materials together. The company is small—but well known—and has<br />
remained privately owned since it was founded. Its sales are growing,<br />
and are now approaching US$100 mn.<br />
Bemis’s products are found in a wide range of items, including bras,<br />
ski jackets, car headrests and ready-to-assemble furniture. The<br />
company makes products for a variety of industries but those designed<br />
for use in apparel with a seamless appearance have the greatest<br />
market prominence.<br />
Bemis was originally founded in 1910 to make an adhesive base for<br />
chewing gum. But soon afterwards it turned its attention to fabric<br />
coatings and footwear adhesives. In 2002 it launched Sewfree film,<br />
which was made of elastic polyurethane and designed specifically for<br />
stitch-free bonded garments. Sewfree is capable of bonding almost any<br />
combination of fabrics and utilisation of the product eliminates the<br />
need for sewing in garment construction. Originally, it was aimed at<br />
the intimate apparel sector. But it also soon found favour in technical<br />
outerwear.<br />
Exponential growth in Asia holds further opportunities for Bemis, but<br />
the company can also expect more competition from this region.<br />
Bemis’s response is to diversify and look for alternative markets in<br />
which to apply its knowledge of adhesives.<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
Bemis is a leader in<br />
thermoplastic adhesives,<br />
coatings, tapes and<br />
speciality film products<br />
Bemis is a leading manufacturer of thermoplastic adhesives, coatings,<br />
tapes and speciality film products. Its headquarters and main<br />
manufacturing facilities are based in Shirley, Massachusetts, in the<br />
USA, but it also has regional facilities in the UK and Hong Kong.<br />
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