Scotch Tape is a brand name for a wide range of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes manufactured by 3M. Originally introduced in 1930 by engineer Richard Drew, it was the world’s first transparent adhesive tape. While it is a specific brand, the name has become a generic trademark in the United States, often used to refer to any clear adhesive tape. Origin of the Name
The “Scotch” name actually began as a derogatory slang term for “stingy” or “cheap”.
The Incident: During testing of an early masking tape in 1925, an auto painter grew frustrated because the tape wouldn’t stick properly due to lack of adhesive on the edges.
The Quote: He reportedly told Drew to “take this tape back to those Scotch bosses of yours and tell them to put more adhesive on it!”.
The Result: 3M embraced the nickname, eventually adding the iconic tartan plaid design to its packaging in the 1940s to lean into the theme. Key Milestones and Inventions
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