27-05-2025
Rockford residents are stuck on cellophane tape
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — May 27 marked National Cellophane Tape Day, a nod to the versatile adhesive sold under brands like Scotch and 3M.
Known for its many uses, from office repairs to arts and crafts, cellophane tape has secured its place as a household and workplace staple.
Millions of rolls of cellophane tape are sold annually in the United States, valued for tasks like mending paper and plastic, wrapping gifts, and packaging.
'I work an office job, and it's used for all that stuff,' said Rockford resident A.J. Quinones.
Others recall using tape for school projects, highlighting its role in the arts.
For some, cellophane tape evokes memories of childhood tricks, ones done when Mom and Dad weren't around, like the 'cellophane mummy prank.' The gag was usually pulled off successfully by coaxing a younger sibling into being wrapped up like a mummy with the promise that the tape would 'taken off right away.'
I have a sister who's about four years younger than me,' said Austin Doe, of Rockford. 'And I actually wrapped her in this tape. She wanted me to. I wrapped her in it, threw her on the couch and then just carried her around just like that until she started screaming. And then I let her out. But it was fun and games.'
Similarly, Quinones remembers the mummy prank. Only he was on the sticky end of the deal.
'My sister is 10 years older, so I was usually the one getting wrapped up,' he said.
Manisha Pudasinee noted that because of a shift toward digital tools, she does't use as much tape these days. Less paper means less tape.
'I use glue, [because] I'm more digital now,' she said. 'I only need tape if I'm packing something,' she said.
Meanwhile, Quinones, now eager to turn the tables, jokingly warned his wife, Quincy, who is also his barber, to 'watch out' for his own take on the mummy prank.
'Now that I have someone that's closer to my age, it would be nice to be on the other end of this little trick,' he said.
was first introduced in 1930 by a 3M engineer. It has stuck around ever since.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
