Elmer's Products

History

On May 11, 1857, with three employees and one product, Gail Borden founded the company that became Borden, Inc. In 1929, Borden purchased the Casein Company of America, the leading manufacturer of glues made from casein, a byproduct of milk. Borden introduced its first glue product, known as Casecorez Glue, in 1932. Five years later, the company began producing resin adhesives for use in woodworking, such as Cascamite.

Early years

Immediately after World War II, the company expanded into synthetic resin glues, and in 1947, the first multipurpose consumer white glue, known as Elmer’s Glue-All, was introduced. The glue was packaged in a glass bottle with a popsicle stick–type wooden applicator attached with a rubber band. Consumer feedback confirmed a need for an easier-to-use delivery method, which prompted the company to develop easy-to-squeeze bottles featuring a twistable orange cap, introduced in 1962. This innovation remains in use and is a trademark of Elmer's Products.

Later years

Over the next few decades, Elmer's focused on expansion of adhesive products for school and home, in addition to developing a variety of hardware sealants, compounds, and caulks. In 1968, Elmer's introduced Elmer's School Glue, the first white glue that washed out of clothes.

In the 1970s, Elmer’s also began marketing Krazy Glue, a well-known instant adhesive.

In response to teacher requests for an easier-to-use, no-mess bonding method, Elmer's introduced its line of glue sticks in 1983, easing application and reducing mess.

In 1994, Borden was purchased by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and Elmer's was launched as a separate operating company. The company focused on creating category-leading adhesive and related products for school, crafts, hardware, and home repair use.

In 2000, Elmer's acquired Ross Products, an expansion that helped accelerate product development beyond adhesives and into the world of creative arts and crafts. Two years later, Elmer’s was purchased by another private equity firm and merged with Hunt Corporation, known for development of adult arts and crafts, and office products, including the X-Acto and Boston brands. In addition, Painters paint markers and other arts and crafts brands were added to the family.

Let's Bond program

In 2013, Elmer's partnered with researcher Richard Rende, Ph.D., to explore the benefits arts and crafts can offer children in the early years of growth and development. His research revealed that creative interaction between parents and young children engaging in activities like arts and crafts not only provides immediate and lasting cognitive benefits, but also creates a unique bonding experience.

Elmer the Bull

Although Elmer the Bull did not become the marketing symbol for Borden's adhesive line until 1951, he had been a familiar household name since the 1940s. Elmer was designed in 1940 by David William Reid. Reid was part of the advertising team that developed Elsie the Cow, the well-known bovine marketing symbol for the dairy division. Elmer was a huge hit with the public and was frequently seen alongside Elsie and their children in most promotional and advertising campaigns.

In 1951, Elmer the Bull was officially chosen to be the marketing symbol for all adhesives in the Borden line, and his portrait has been appearing on Elmer's packaging ever since.

Elmer's does not use animals or animal parts to make glue. Its glue adhesive products are made from synthetic materials and are not derived from processing horses, cows, or any other animals, or milk.

Products

The company manufactures a wide range of glues, wood fillers, display boards, and paint markers.

Other brands

Krazy Glue, a super-strong, fast-drying instant adhesive, was introduced to the North American market in 1973. It is based on ethyl cyanoacrylate and has properties similar to other cyanoacrylate adhesives (commonly sold as "Crazy Glue" or "Super Glue").

X-Acto is the brand name for a variety of cutting tools and office products. Cutting tools include hobby and utility knives, saws, carving tools, and many small-scale precision knives used for crafts and other applications.