Elmer’s is an American brand widely recognised for its white school glue, craft adhesives, and creative products used in schools, homes, offices, and workshops. It has become one of the most familiar names in arts and crafts, particularly in North America, where its iconic white bottles with orange twist caps are closely associated with education and do-it-yourself projects. Currently owned by Newell Brands, Elmer’s continues to expand its portfolio to include products for crafting, slime-making, woodworking, and home repair.1

The origins of Elmer’s lie with the Borden Company, a dairy and food corporation established in 1857. In 1929, Borden acquired the Casein Company of America, a manufacturer of casein-based adhesives derived from milk protein. This acquisition provided the foundation for what would eventually become the Elmer’s adhesive business.2

Following World War II, advances in synthetic chemistry enabled Borden to develop a safer and stronger consumer adhesive. In 1947, the company introduced its first white household glue under the name Cascorez Glue. Originally sold in glass bottles with a wooden applicator secured by a rubber band, the product was later redesigned into the squeezable plastic bottle that became its signature packaging.3

Several years after its launch, Borden renamed the product Elmer’s Glue-All. The name “Elmer” was chosen in reference to Elmer the Bull, the husband of Elsie the Cow, Borden’s famous advertising mascot. Although Elsie was already well established in the company’s branding, the name Elmer ultimately gained greater prominence through the glue line.4

For decades, Elmer’s operated as a division of the Borden Company. In 1999, following a corporate restructuring at Borden, the adhesive business was spun off as an independent entity named Elmer’s Products, Inc. In 2015, the brand was acquired by Newell Brands (then known as Newell Rubbermaid), joining a diverse portfolio of office, home, and consumer brands.5

Elmer’s offers a broad range of adhesive and creative products, including:

• Glue-All – A multipurpose white PVA glue suitable for household, school, and craft applications.
• School Glue – A washable, non-toxic adhesive designed specifically for children’s classroom activities.
• Glue Sticks – Mess-free adhesive sticks intended for paper, cardboard, and lightweight materials.
• Clear Glue – A transparent adhesive popular for slime-making and various crafts.
• Wood Glue – A strong adhesive formulated specifically for woodworking projects.
• CraftBond – Specialty adhesives for scrapbooking, fabric, foam, and other craft materials.
• ProBond – Industrial-strength adhesives for home improvement and repairs.
• Slime Kits and Activators – Complete kits and accessories for making homemade slime.
• Foam Boards, Paint Markers, and Craft Supplies – Creative materials for school projects and DIY crafts.

Elmer’s is instantly identifiable by several distinct visual elements:

• White plastic glue bottles
• Bright orange twist cap
• Orange-and-blue logo
• Friendly imagery associated with education and creativity

The brand emphasises safe, washable, and easy-to-use products that encourage learning through hands-on activities. Consequently, it is widely trusted by teachers, parents, and students for both classroom and home use.6

During the late 2010s, Elmer’s experienced renewed popularity driven by the global DIY slime trend. Its washable school glue became a preferred ingredient for homemade slime, prompting the company to launch specialised clear glues, glitter glues, metallic glues, magical liquids, and ready-to-use slime kits. This expansion introduced Elmer’s to a new generation of consumers beyond the traditional school supplies market.

Most Elmer’s school glues possess the following characteristics:

• Non-toxic
• Washable
• Water-based
• Safe for classroom use when used as directed

Due to these properties, Elmer’s adhesives have long been recommended for educational settings and children’s crafts. However, specialty adhesives such as wood glues and repair products may have different formulations and safety instructions.6

Although Elmer’s is primarily associated with the United States and Canada, its products are available in many countries through retailers, office supply stores, educational distributors, and online marketplaces. The brand has also established regional websites and marketing initiatives tailored to international audiences.7

For more than 70 years, Elmer’s has remained one of the world’s most recognisable adhesive brands. Its products have become synonymous with school projects, arts and crafts, and creative learning. The combination of reliability, child-friendly safety, and continual product innovation has allowed Elmer’s to maintain its position as a leading name in consumer adhesives and craft supplies.

1. Elmer’s
2. Elmer’s Products
3. Brand Story – Elmers
4. Company History | Team Elmer’s
5. Team Elmer’s Company History | Team Elmer’s
6. Our Story – Elmer’s Fine Foods, Inc.
7. Elmer’s Manufacturing | Maximize Your Harvest Potential