About Scotch
Scotch is one of the most recognised brand names in the world, synonymous with adhesive tape excellence for 100 years. A proud 3M brand since 1925, Scotch has revolutionised how we wrap, repair, and create—from the first masking tape through to today's iconic Magic Tape that graces desks, craft rooms, and gift-wrapping stations globally. The Scotch name has an unexpectedly humorous origin. When engineer Richard Drew was developing the first masking tape in 1925 for automotive painters, an early version failed during testing. A frustrated shop worker told Drew to "go tell his Scotch bosses to stop being so cheap with the adhesive!" The Scottish reference to penny-pinching stuck, and "Scotch" brand masking tape was born. Within five years, Drew had also invented transparent cellophane tape, launching the product line that would become a household essential. Scotch Magic Tape represents the brand's crowning achievement in office and home use. Introduced in 1961, it was the first matte-finish invisible tape—appearing frosty on the roll but virtually invisible on paper. This revolutionary technology made it the preferred choice for gift wrapping, document repair, and crafting. Every roll is manufactured at 3M's facility in Hutchinson, Minnesota, which produces an astounding 12 million miles of tape annually. The distinctive tartan packaging—a variation on the Wallace tartan—has identified Scotch products since 1945, while the iconic "snail" handheld dispenser first appeared in 1939. Today, over 400 varieties of tape are sold under the Scotch and 3M brands, from permanent to removable, from heavy-duty to craft-specific. UK shoppers can find Scotch Magic Tape dispensers and refill packs at Morrisons supermarkets. Grocefully helps compare prices on these essential stationery supplies, ensuring value on the tape brand that has been trusted for a century.