In the world of construction, manufacturing and product design, the fastening methods can significantly impact efficiency and overall costs. Traditional industrial fasteners, such as adhesives, zips, ties and hardware, are common choices. These fasteners often come with hidden costs that can impact a business’s bottom line.
To mitigate these costs, VELCRO® Brand industrial fasteners are designed to provide better support for operations. Here are the six hidden costs commonly associated with traditional fasteners, along with how VELCRO® Brand Fasteners address these issues.
- Additional Labour Time
- Parts That Can Break Down
- Bulk & Rigidity
- Tools Required
- Single-Use Materials That Create Waste
- Chemicals & Messes Produced by Adhesives
1. Traditional Industrial Fasteners Require Additional Labour Time
One of the most significant hidden costs associated with traditional fastening methods is the additional labour time required for installation, adjustments and replacements. This is common for fastening types such as zips, adhesives, strings, hardware, buttons or poppers. Workers often need to spend extra time and care to tighten and adjust these rigid fasteners. Time is money, and the longer it takes to secure components, the higher the labour costs and the lower the satisfaction of workers and customers.
VELCRO® Brand industrial fasteners are designed for quick and easy application. Their simple hook and loop design allows for rapid adjustments, reducing labour time and enabling faster production, which in turn leads to overall customer and worker satisfaction.
Applications that can benefit:
- Construction (wall panelling, carpeting, roof membranes)
- Cable management
- Agriculture
- Warehouse strapping
2. Mechanical Parts that Can Break and Cause Downtime
Traditional fasteners often include mechanical parts that can corrode or break after repeated use or exposure to harsh conditions, leading to costly downtime and increased waste. This applies to fasteners like hardware, zips, poppers and buttons. When industrial hardware fails, it can be challenging to remove and replace, resulting in wasted resources and disrupted production schedules.
VELCRO® Brand fasteners are durable and reliable, minimising the risk of breakage and the associated costs of downtime. Their ability to withstand repeated and harsh environments reduces the need for replacements and waste.
Applications that can benefit:
- High Temp Insulation
- Displays
- Warehouse strapping
- Flexible packaging
3. Adding Bulk and Rigidity
Many traditional fastening methods—such as buckles, zips, buttons and poppers—use bulky metal parts that add weight and rigidity to the final product. This can affect shipping costs and product performance, especially in manufactured goods, footwear and clothing. Mechanical fasteners are also less flexible and struggle to conform to curved surfaces.
VELCRO® Brand fasteners are lightweight and flexible, allowing for a more streamlined design that can adapt to irregular surfaces. This flexibility not only reduces weight but also eliminates the need for rigid fasteners that can puncture materials and cause additional damage.
Applications that can benefit:
- Footwear & Apparel
- Flexible packaging
- Turf Installation
- Product Manufacturing
4. Tools Required and the Risk of Worker Injury
Installing and adjusting traditional fasteners often requires sharp, specialised tools that need training and can pose injury risks. Screws, nails and rivets puncture materials and require precise placement. Injuries not only affect workers’ health but also increase stress and dissatisfaction.
VELCRO® Brand fasteners reduce the need for tools, specialist knowledge and the risk of injury, allowing workers to focus on their tasks with less stress. This ease of use contributes to a safer, more positive and productive workplace.
Applications that can benefit:
- Roofing
- Solar Panels
- Agriculture
- Warehouse Strapping
5. Single-Use Materials that Create Waste and Stifle Sustainability
Many traditional fastening methods use single-use materials, creating waste every time they’re replaced or adjusted. Plastic ties must be cut and screws and nails are permanent. This not only raises environmental concerns but also increases disposal and material costs.
VELCRO® Brand fasteners are reusable, allowing for easy adjustments and replacements without excess waste. This sustainable approach benefits both the environment and your bottom line.
Applications that can benefit:
- Construction
- Agriculture
- Cable Management
- Warehouse Strapping
6. Chemicals & Messes Produced by Industrial Adhesives
Liquid industrial adhesives come with their own hidden costs—curing times, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and messy clean-up. Adhesives can create hazardous work environments, requiring ventilation and causing delays. Workers may also face health risks from chemical exposure.
VELCRO® Brand fasteners offer a cleaner, safer and more efficient alternative. They eliminate the need for ventilation and reduce chemical risks. Their quick application and repositioning capabilities speed up assembly and reduce overheads, streamlining operations and improving safety.
Applications that can benefit:
- Construction
- Roofing
- Solar Panels
- Carpeting
VELCRO® Brand Fasteners Solve Hidden Costs to Boost Efficiency and Value
While traditional fastening methods still have their place, the hidden costs can quickly add up, from extra labour and risk of damage to injuries and sustainability issues. VELCRO® Brand fasteners offer a versatile, durable and eco-friendly solution that tackles these challenges, making them ideal for modern manufacturing and design.
Ready to cut some costs?
If you’re designing industry-disruptive products, attaching building materials or bundling cables, there is a smart fastening solution for you. Discover what the VELCRO® Brand has to offer and request product samples from our team.
