3M created the Post-it Note after developing a reusable pressure-sensitive adhesive.
3M began in 1902 as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, originally working in mining and abrasive materials. Its researchers later developed products across industrial, health-care, consumer, and safety markets, making the company one of the world's best-known diversified manufacturers.
The adhesive behind the Post-it Note was developed by 3M scientist Spencer Silver in 1968. It was not initially a commercial success because it stuck lightly and could be removed. Art Fry later recognized that the adhesive could hold bookmarks in place, helping inspire the familiar note product, which 3M introduced in the early 1980s.