The Billion-Dollar Office Supply That Was a “Mistake”

Believe it or not, one of the most useful office supplies in the world was created by accident.

In 1968, a scientist named Spencer Silver was working at 3M trying to develop a super-strong adhesive. Instead, he invented the exact opposite—a very weak, reusable glue that stuck lightly to surfaces but could be peeled off without leaving residue.

At first, no one knew what to do with it.

Years later, another 3M employee, Art Fry, had a problem while singing in his church choir. The paper bookmarks he used kept falling out of his hymn book.

Then he remembered Silver’s “failed” adhesive.

Fry applied the glue to small pieces of paper, and suddenly—the perfect removable bookmark was born.

After testing and refinement, the product officially launched in 1980 as the Post-it Note and quickly became a global office essential.

Fun Fact:

3M originally called them “Press ’n Peel” notes, but the name didn’t stick—until they rebranded to the now-famous Post-it.

For those in Sherwood Park seeking quality office supplies, including 3M products like Post-it Notes, local retailers offer a wide selection to meet your needs.