The Invention of Velcro
The video narrates the origin and rise of Velcro, a multi‑billion‑dollar fastener. In the 1930s, Swiss engineer George de Mestral noticed burrs clinging to his dog during a hike in the Alps. Curious, he examined a burr under a microscope and discovered tiny hooks, inspiring him to create a hook‑and‑loop fastening system he named Velcro (from the French words for "velvet" and "hook"). Initially, the fashion industry rejected the material because of its appearance, limiting early market uptake. The breakthrough came when NASA, needing a reliable way to secure equipment in zero‑gravity, adopted Velcro for suits and spacecraft interiors. NASA’s endorsement propelled Velcro into widespread commercial use, establishing it as a ubiquitous, multi‑billion‑dollar industry.
