AVY Company Profile

The business of Avery Dennison and its subsidiaries includes the production of pressure-sensitive adhesives and materials and the production of consumer and converted products. Some pressure-sensitive adhesives and materials are “converted” into labels and other products through embossing, printing, stamping and die-cutting, and some are sold in unconverted form as base materials, tapes and reflective sheeting. The Company also manufactures and sells a variety of consumer and converted products and other items not involving pressure-sensitive components, such as notebooks, three-ring binders, organizing systems, markers, fasteners, business forms, reflective highway safety products, as well as tickets, tags, labels, and imprinting equipment for retail and apparel manufacturers.

A pressure-sensitive, or self adhesive, material is one that adheres to a surface by press-on contact. It generally consists of four elements: face material, which may include paper, metal foil, plastic film or fabric; an adhesive, which may be permanent or removable; a release coating; and a backing material to protect the adhesive against premature contact with other surfaces, and which can also serve as the carrier for supporting and dispensing individual labels. When the products are to be used, the release coating and protective backing are removed, exposing the adhesive, and the label or other face material is pressed or rolled into place.

Self-adhesive materials may initially cost more than materials using heat or moisture activated adhesives, but the use of self-adhesive materials often provides cost savings because of their easy and instant application, without the need for adhesive activation. They also provide consistent and versatile adhesion, minimum adhesive deterioration and are available in a large selection of materials in nearly any size, shape or color.

International operations constitute a significant portion of the Company’s business and represent approximately 50 percent of the Company’s sales. In addition, the Company continues to expand its operations in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Among the principal competitors are Esselte and Fortune Brands, Inc.