A legacy of connection
In 2026 Binder celebrates its 30th anniversary of successfully providing closure systems for baby diapers, pull-up pants and incontinence products to the personal care market.
It all began in the 1980s
Binder’s experience in fastening systems began with woven hook-and-loop fasteners. However, expanding into new industries required a broader perspective: hook-and-loop fasteners needed to be seen not only as textile components, but also as industrial fastening solutions.
This shift made it essential to apply our hook-and-loop fasteners on extruded plastic profiles. With this innovative approach, Binder successfully entered the automotive industry as its first industrial market.
Building on its growing expertise in extrusion technology, Binder’s R&D department leveraged its knowledge to develop the first generation of touch-activated ultra-thin film fasteners (“TUFFs”), specifically designed for the personal care industry, commercialised it in 1996 and patented this method of production.
Our early TUFFs were made by using a multi-step process. First a layer of thermoplastic material was continuously extruded on to a special rotating forming surface. The forming surface has a large number of small, specifically designed holes. As the thermoplastic material was pressed on to the forming surface, the material flowed into the holes. The material was then removed from the forming surface, which created a film with a surface covered in engagement elements with the “mushroom-like” heads. By modifying the process, the forming surface and/or the resulting film material with engagement elements, a hook fastener is created.
This hook fastener production method revolutionised the personal care industry
At the time, all landing zones were made of velour with a typical weight of 50 g/m². Instead of conventional hook fasteners, so-called “J-fasteners” were used in diaper closure systems, requiring relatively large loops in the velour to ensure secure attachment. Binder’s R&D team drove a key innovation by developing hook fasteners capable of engaging with significantly smaller loop structures. This not only improved performance but also enabled substantial material savings. As a result, the landing zone weight was reduced from 50 g/m² to as low as 17 g/m², while the weight of the fasteners themselves was decreased from 195 g/m² to 85 g/m².
This advancement reflects the strong innovation culture that continues to define Binder today, built on more than 225 years of experience.
From nonwoven compatibility to “Hook anywhere” technology
In 2009 our hook fasteners finally made it possible to fully replace the velour material with nonwovens. We continued to optimise this, developing specific patterns like the 45° and 90° patterns that we still offer today, improving the attachment to nonwovens even more.
A few years later, we further expanded our hook fastener portfolio by developing our own high-performance adhesive solutions and integrating them directly into our products. With our in-house expertise, these adhesives were specifically engineered for the personal care industry, ensuring reliable bonding on low-energy surfaces, long-term durability for global distribution, and full compliance with the stringent standards of the hygiene industry.
Up until today we have continuously developed and optimised our hook fasteners. Our most recent innovations include our “Hook anywhere” technology and our new generation of in-line welding. Our “Hook anywhere” technology enables direct attachment to backsheet material, including typical lightweight materials used in baby diaper applications. Our new generation of in-line welding allows for direct attachment of the fastening tape to the pull tab without the need for adhesives.
We look forward to continuing this journey of innovation and shaping the future of diaper closure systems with advanced and sustainable solutions that reduce costs, save material and improve efficiency. For the industry, for the consumer, for the environment.
