scotchtape

Scotchtape refers to the clear, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape produced by 3M and marketed under the Scotch brand. The standard transparent tape is designed to bond lightly to paper and similar surfaces with minimal visibility, making it a common utility for sealing envelopes, gift wrapping, and light repairs.

The product was introduced in 1930 by Richard Drew at 3M as the first widely available transparent tape. The Scotch name was chosen as part of 3M’s branding strategy to emphasize reliability and quality. It quickly gained prominence in offices, schools, and households.

Scotchtape typically uses a thin carrier film, such as cellulose acetate or polypropylene, coated with a rubber- or acrylic-based adhesive. The adhesive is formulated to become tacky under light pressure and to peel away with minimal damage to the underlying material, though residue can occur on some surfaces after prolonged use. Modern formulations emphasize clarity, aging resistance, and clean removal from paper.

Variants and related products in the Scotch line include Magic Tape, a repositionable, matte-finish clear tape, and several heavy-duty or specialty packaging tapes. Common uses extend beyond sealing and wrapping to mounting lightweight items, repairing torn pages, and craft projects. While “Scotchtape” is often used generically to refer to clear packing tape, it remains a trademarked line of products from 3M.

See also: adhesive tape, packaging tape, Scotch brand.