3M developed the Post-it Note after researcher Spencer Silver invented a weak adhesive.
In 1968, 3M scientist Spencer Silver was trying to create a stronger adhesive but instead produced one that could stick lightly to surfaces and be removed without leaving much residue. The discovery did not immediately have an obvious commercial use. Years later, fellow 3M employee Art Fry applied the adhesive to paper bookmarks for his church hymnbook.
Fry’s idea led to removable notes that could stick securely but be repositioned. 3M tested the product under the name Press ’n Peel before launching it as Post-it Notes. The notes were introduced nationally in the United States in 1980 and became a widely used office and school product.
The story is often simplified as a single invention by Fry, but the product depended on Silver’s earlier adhesive discovery and 3M’s development and marketing work. The company’s name, 3M, comes from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company.