Dycem Celebrates 60 Years of Contamination Control

This year, the contamination control company Dycem celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of performance, trust, and innovation (1). Since its official establishment in 1966, the company has dedicated itself to creating solutions that make environments safer, cleaner, and more controlled across more than 50 countries and 30,000 sites worldwide (2).

The Foundations of Polymer Science

The Dycem story began in 1960 when David Cecil Mills discovered a polymer with an exceptionally high coefficient of friction (2). By 1966, this material was being used in specialized applications, such as holding photographic film and delicate components in precise alignment under microscopes. The polymer’s naturally tacky, non-slip properties allowed it to stabilize materials without the need for mechanical fasteners or adhesives.

In the early 1970s, the company expanded into the commercial sector, introducing retail products like non-slip trays and coat hangers (2). However, a pivotal shift occurred when a workplace use case demonstrated the material’s ability to remove and retain contaminants from footwear. This discovery led to the launch of Dycem’s first contamination control mats in 1974 to support the growing semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and aerospace industries.

Global Expansion and Strategic Growth

By 1977, the company formalized its structure as Dycem Limited, establishing two core divisions: non-slip products and contamination control solutions (2). The following decades were defined by international growth and quality benchmarks:

• 1984: Dycem opened a dedicated office and warehouse in the United States to support local distributors.

• 1993: The company achieved ISO 9002 certification, reinforcing its commitment to global quality standards.

• 1998: Dycem revamped its non-slip consumer range, including bottle and jar openers designed to assist those with arthritis or reduced hand strength.

• 2002: A new corporate identity was unveiled to reflect the company’s specialized focus on contamination control systems.

Modern Innovation and Sustainability

Between 2010 and 2014, Dycem expanded beyond traditional cleanrooms into new verticals, including food manufacturing, cosmetics, and nuclear facilities (2). This era also saw the introduction of modular and scalable systems like Floating Mats and Flexi systems. In 2016, the company was acquired by the Longacre Group, a move that enabled further global investment and commercial expansion.

Most recently, data centers have emerged as a critical growth sector in the 2020s, validating Dycem’s efforts to provide contamination control for vital digital infrastructure.

Looking to the Future

Today, Dycem is recognized for its durable, reusable alternatives to disposable solutions, aligning high-performance floor-level risk reduction with corporate sustainability (1). As the company enters its next 60 years, it remains focused on supporting high-risk industries—from pharmaceutical manufacturing to laboratories—with solutions built on quality, reliability, and continuous improvement (1).

References

1. Dycem. Dycem Celebrates 60 Years of Innovation, Performance, and Trust. Press release received via email.
2. Dycem. 60 Years of Dycem. Accessed Jan 14, 2026.