Sealants, adhesives, PU foams and technical sprays for construction and industry:

'Let's combine chemistry'

Since its establishment in 1974, Bostik Benelux BV (formerly: Den Braven) has specialized in the development and ISO-certified production of high-quality sealants, adhesives, PU foams and technical sprays for the construction sector and industry. The company has grown to become one of the largest adhesive and sealant producers in the world and has more than 7,000 employees spread over fifty countries on five continents. Its products are known under the brand names Bostik, Zwaluw®, Proby and Hercuseal and under the private labels of various partners.

To understand the relationship between Bostik, Den Braven and Zwaluw® a little better, let's take a small step back in time. In December 2016, Den Braven was acquired by French multinational Arkema, Bostik's parent company. The acquisition offers added value as well as growth opportunities for both companies, allowing Arkema to further develop its High Performance Materials division and become a leading global player in high-performance sealants. 

As part of the merger with Bostik, Den Braven Benelux BV will be renamed Bostik Benelux BV in February 2019. This step strengthens Bostik's position as a leading player in the field of adhesives, sealants, PU foams and technical sprays. Moreover, it offers opportunities to provide even more innovative solutions and high-quality services. One year later, the two Bostik locations in the Netherlands will be merged into one location in Oosterhout, marking a new milestone in the 'Let's Combine Chemistry' ambition. Thanks to the merger, customers can now turn to one commercial organization for all their needs in adhesives, sealants, PU foams and technical sprays, enabling an even more customer-oriented approach. 

The choice of professionals

Den Braven's best-known brand is Zwaluw®, which has been part of the Bostik range since the acquisition in 2016. "Zwaluw® is the market leader within the Benelux in adhesives, sealants, PU foams and technical sprays, aimed at professional end-users in the building and construction industry," says Dirk Vermeulen, Business Manager Benelux at Bostik. "The range comprises more than 200 professional products in the areas of sealing, glazing, fixing and finishing, at a good price-quality ratio. The products can be divided into different technologies (acrylates, silicones, hybrids, PU foams, adhesives, technical sprays and related articles) and applications. For example, we offer complete solutions for glazing jobs (top seals), painting jobs (connection joints) and joinery jobs (gluing, filling and assembly). With our knowledge, unique tools and the Bostik Academy, we help glaziers, painters, contractors and freelancers select the right technologies and products for their project. But also to process the products correctly." 

All products are available through a wide network of hardware and building materials specialty stores and glass and paint-related wholesalers.

Own production and R&D

Both silicone and acrylic adhesives, sealants and sealants are produced at Bostik's Power Plant in Oosterhout, which also houses an R&D center Sealing & Bonding for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. "In Oosterhout, our entire product range is extensively tested for quality, durability and technical performance," Vermeulen said. "We are also actively looking at how we can improve and make our formulations and packaging more sustainable. The toluene-free (solvent-free) Zwaluw® assembly adhesive and phthalate-free (chemical plasticizer-free) Zwaluw® acrylic sealants are a good example. Moreover, numerous new developments and innovations start here."

User-friendly glazing sealant 

As an example, Vermeulen mentions the new universal and paintable Zwaluw® Window Seal Easy glazing sealant. "Zwaluw® Window Seal Easy concerns a further development of the Zwaluw® Hybriseal 2PS and has been developed especially for the self-employed and smaller users, who appreciate a user-friendly glazing sealant with easy application and simple finishing, which also meets all certifications." Zwaluw® Window Seal Easy cures under humid conditions and forms a durable rubber seal on many substrates including wood, u-PVC, anodized aluminum, polycarbonate, polyester, ABS and stainless steel.

High initial adhesion

Another great development is Zwaluw® High Tack Easy, which is specially developed for bonding many lightweight porous and non-porous building materials. Like Zwaluw® High Tack, High Tack Easy has a high initial adhesion, which means that support of the material to be bonded is not necessary. 

"However, as the name suggests, Zwaluw® High Tack Easy is a lot easier to spray and apply. With this, we offer a solution for every professional," says Vermeulen, who also highlights the Zwaluw® PU Turbo Adhesive. "With this fast curing and fast bonding foam adhesive, insulation foams and stony building materials such as plasterboard blocks can be bonded very quickly. In addition, Zwaluw® PU Turbo Adhesive can be used as standard PU foam for insulating and filling gaps and joints around door and window frames and in walls. And so we offer many more innovations, about which we are happy to inform the market. From the end of this year, all information about Zwaluw® products can be found on our completely revamped website."