Adhesive tape, commonly known as tape, is a very useful, strong, durable, and sensitive type of tape. You should have at least one or two rolls at home or in your workplace, and you can use it for various practical purposes. Since its invention, tape has undergone many forms and developments, and you can even design custom tape to suit your needs.
The History of Adhesive Tape
- 1. The U.S. military once sealed their ammunition boxes with wax and paper tape
- 2. A mother of a soldier thought there should be a better way to seal ammunition boxes
- 3. Johnson & Johnson developed adhesive tape
- 4. Soldiers began using their duct tape for various purposes
- 5. After the war, duct tape became known as tape
- 6. Today, tape has many alternative uses
But where did tape come from? When and why was it invented? If you want to learn more about this popular type of tape, here is a brief history of adhesive tape for you.
1. The U.S. military once sealed their ammunition boxes with wax and paper tape
The history of tape dates back to World War II when military ammunition boxes were very difficult to open. To protect the ammunition from moisture, the boxes were sealed with wax and paper tape. Soldiers had to pull a tab to break the seal and open the boxes, but unfortunately, this did not always go as planned, especially during critical and life-threatening combat situations.
2. A mother of a soldier thought there should be a better way to seal ammunition boxes
Vesta Stoudt, a woman working in a factory packing ammunition boxes, was concerned that they were very difficult to open for soldiers in battle. As the mother of two Navy sailors, she thought there should be a better and more effective way to seal these ammunition boxes.
She had the idea of using waterproof fabric to create packing tape that would protect the ammunition but also be easy to peel off. Her factory supervisors were not interested in her idea, so she eventually wrote a letter to President Franklin Roosevelt.
In her letter, she explained her idea and how she strongly believed that making ammunition boxes easier to open could save lives. She urged the President to act quickly, and he did.
The original tape was army green, also known as duct tape.
3. Johnson & Johnson developed adhesive tape
President Roosevelt and his military officials endorsed Vesta Stoudt’s idea, and soon after, Johnson & Johnson, a company specializing in medical supplies, was asked to develop and produce a type of tape with a strong adhesive.
The original tape was army green. It was called duct tape because it was made from a layer of duck cloth, a type of smooth woven cotton fabric with various applications.
The term “duck” is not related to the bird; it comes from the Dutch word “doek,” which means cloth. Duct tape is made of this layer of cotton duck fabric coated with waterproof polyethylene and a strong rubber-based adhesive.
4. Soldiers began using their duct tape for various purposes
U.S. soldiers loved their versatile and waterproof tape, and they began using it for much more than just sealing their ammunition boxes. It didn’t take long before they started using it to repair boots, furniture, guns, and even their vehicles.
Duct tape was even used for quickly and temporarily closing wounds in emergency situations. It was designed to be torn by hand, not cut with scissors, which contributed to its popularity.
5. After the war, duct tape became known as tape
After the war, soldiers returned home with their beloved duct tape. A silver version of the tape was released, which was used in households to connect and seal heating and air conditioning ducts. Thus, duct tape became popularly known as tape.
Ironically, researchers have determined that tape should not be used on heating ducts as it can become brittle, release toxic fumes, or even catch fire when exposed to heat.
Various heat-resistant tapes have been specially designed to seal heating and air conditioning ducts. These tapes are often referred to as tape, but they are not the same as the tape originally designed for soldiers during World War II.
Today, adhesive tape comes in various colors.
6. Today, tape has many alternative uses
First it was army green, then metallic silver. Today, tape comes in many different colors and can even feature fun and colorful patterns. It is still used for sealing boxes and repairing things, but people continue to get creative with their rolls of tape.
NASA astronauts always carry tape on their space missions. Sports car enthusiasts use it to patch up dents on their vehicles. People use it to fix shoes or attempt to remove warts using tape therapy. The effectiveness of this treatment method has not been proven, but many believe it is more effective than cryotherapy for wart removal.
People are also using tape to create wallets, purses, tote bags, jewelry, phone cases, belts, notebooks, hammocks, clothing, and even prom dresses!
No matter what you want to fix, secure, or create, a roll of tape and a little creativity will surely get the job done. Just don’t try to seal your heating ducts with it, as that is not recommended.
