The history of the humble adhesive tape dates back to the 1920's, when Richard Drew used cellophane paper to create a sticky surface tape. The first ever version of adhesive tape was created directly for masking for use with industrial products.
But soon Richard Drew's invention showed other uses for packaging; the first came to be known as 'cellophane tape' as it was the first material to be used to create an adhesive tape.

When this new invention 'cellophane tape' was posted to a customer in 1930 the 3M company decided to call the product 'Scotch' which it is more familiarly known as nowadays. However since the beginning of the invention of tapes, many different types of tape have been sold today under different names and for different purposes.

So, after this invention was created in the 30's, what is the main use of tape? Well the primary use of adhesive tape has been about packaging. Packaging tapes are available in a vast range of sizes from the smaller half inch right up to two inches. The sizes are all standard sized so that they can be used in their appropriate dispensers. The different materials that are used as adhesive tape today are cellophane, fi
breglass, acrylic, foil, rubber, paper and silicone. Of course the choice of material will rely on the strength of bonding that is needed.

Not only used for packaging, adhesive tape is also used heavily as sealants for ductwork, electrical wiring and the stabilizing of carpeting. Adhesive tapes can also be double sided so that they are used for sealing, Velcro-sided and foam-backed types are often used for insulation use.

There are many special purpose adhesive tapes available to purchase that are used specifically for special jobs. For an example professional painters tend to use masking tape as a guide so that they don't paint from walls onto ceilings. Polyimide film is directly used for masking circuit boards and the splicing of wires. There are more heavy duty adhesives that are used to bond strong items that are heavier in weight.

Acid-free forms of tape have also been designed to be suitable for the mat and frame of pictures, artwork and other documents. They also can be used for permanent bonds that are needed for high temperature industrial areas. Not only that but adhesive foam tape is often used to stick objects to smooth surfaces such as mailboxes, soap dispensers and signs. So without the adhesive tape it would seem we'd be rather stuck!