Cellophane Tape Day
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Overview
Cellophane Tape Day, celebrated annually on May 27th, recognizes the ingenious invention and widespread utility of cellophane adhesive tape. Developed by Richard Drew at 3M in 1930, this transparent, sticky strip quickly became an indispensable tool in households, offices, and industries worldwide for everything from sealing packages to mending torn papers and crafting. The day honors its enduring legacy as a simple yet revolutionary solution for countless bonding tasks.
Origin and story
Cellophane tape was invented by Richard Drew, a 3M engineer, in 1930, after he originally developed masking tape for painters.
The iconic 'Scotch' brand name is rumored to have originated from a complaint by an early customer, who, unhappy with the amount of adhesive, supposedly told 3M to 'tell your Scotch bosses to put more adhesive on this tape!'
Quick facts
- DateMay 27
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
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Ways to celebrate
Cellophane Tape Day celebrates a Depression-era invention that helped keep 3M alive — and quietly reshaped how offices and households fix things.
Actually use some
Celebrate by:
- Using cellophane tape for an actual repair or wrapping task today instead of reaching for glue or staples.
- Wrapping a gift or fixing something using only tape as a fun constraint.
Learn about the invention
Helpful resources:
Appreciate how far it goes
- Noticing how many small daily tasks — sealing a box, hanging a poster, mending paper — rely on this one 1930 invention.
Did you know?
Richard Drew invented Scotch Cellulose Tape at 3M in 1930, right as the Great Depression hit — its cheap "mend and make do" appeal helped tape sales grow into a business worth billions today.
Fun facts
- Cellophane tape was invented by Richard Drew, a 3M engineer, in 1930, after he originally developed masking tape for painters.
- The iconic 'Scotch' brand name is rumored to have originated from a complaint by an early customer, who, unhappy with the amount of adhesive, supposedly told 3M to 'tell your Scotch bosses to put more adhesive on this tape!'
- Its initial commercial purpose was for sealing cellophane-wrapped lunch packages and later found widespread use during the Great Depression for repairing household items.
Sources and attribution
How the Invention of Scotch Tape Led to a Revolution (Smithsonian Magazine)
External links may lead to third-party websites.
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FAQ
- When is Cellophane Tape Day?
- It is observed on May 27 each year.
- What is Cellophane Tape Day?
- Cellophane Tape Day, celebrated annually on May 27th, recognizes the ingenious invention and widespread utility of cellophane adhesive tape. Developed by Richard Drew at 3M in 1930, this transparent, sticky strip quickly became an indispensable tool in households, offices, and industries worldwide for everything from sealing packages to mending torn papers and crafting. The day honors its enduring legacy as a simple yet revolutionary solution for countless bonding tasks.
- How do people celebrate Cellophane Tape Day?
- Actually use a roll of tape for something today — invented by Richard Drew at 3M in 1930, right after he invented masking tape for painters.
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