National Tape Day
National Cellophane Tape Day celebrates one of the most practical inventions that helps bring things together – the humble adhesive tape. This clear, shiny invention has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, from wrapping gifts to fixing documents.
Quick Facts
When is it?: May 27
Tagged as: Innovation & Invention Day
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalCellophaneTapeDay
When was it founded?: 1930
Who founded it?: Richard Gurley Drew at 3M Company
History
The story begins at 3M Company in Minnesota, where Richard Drew worked as a lab assistant. The name “Scotch” came from a frustrated body shop painter who complained about the adhesive’s stinginess, telling Drew to “take this tape back to those Scotch bosses.” What started as a criticism became one of the most recognizable brand names in history.
Timeline
- 1921: Richard Drew joins 3M as lab assistant
- 1925: Invention of Scotch Masking Tape
- 1930: First waterproof clear adhesive tape created
- 1932: First heavy-duty tape dispenser with cutter blade introduced
- 1945: Post-war expansion to over 100 tape varieties
- 1961: Launch of Scotch Magic Tape
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May | 27 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | May | 27 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | May | 27 | Thursday |
| 2028 | May | 27 | Saturday |
| 2029 | May | 27 | Sunday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by getting creative with tape projects, from gift wrapping to craft making. Some even experiment with its unique properties, like its ability to emit X-rays when peeled in a vacuum!
Fun Facts About Cellophane Tape
- It can produce X-rays when peeled in a vacuum
- Ornithologists use it to repair cracked pigeon eggs
- The iconic plaid design was introduced after World War II
- It’s made from processed cellulose, not plastic
- Featured in a Saturday Night Live skit called “Scotch Boutique”
Quiz
- Who invented cellophane tape?
- What year was the first tape dispenser created?
- Why is it called “Scotch” tape?
(Answers: 1. Richard Drew, 2. 1932, 3. Due to a complaint about being “scotch” (stingy) with adhesive)
FAQs
Q: Is cellophane tape made of plastic?
A: No, it’s made from processed cellulose, similar to paper.
Q: When was it first marketed?
A: January 31, 1930
Related Days
- World Marketing Day
- National Innovation Day
- National Invention Day
- National Office Supply Day
