[NB] From flop to top: The post-it note

We see them so often that we don’t even notice them. But behind the colourful pieces of paper known as post-it notes lies a fascinating story of innovation and coincidence.

With this article, we open a series of articles on office supplies and packaging design.

Walk into an office and look at the desks. Next to the monitors, cables and coffee cups sit small, unassuming drudges – staplers, post-it notes and paper clips. They may not make headlines, but they hold our work together-literally. This series delves into the surprising stories behind these everyday essentials, from their ingenious inventions to their billion-euro markets. Get ready to take a fresh look at these unsung office heroes!

Post-it notes have become an essential tool for remembering things, leaving a note, brainstorming ideas and even making office strokes. From toddlers to UX strategists, everyone uses post-it notes.

When failure leads to success

The origins of these notes date back to 1968 when Spencer Silver, a chemist working at 3M, attempted to develop a super-strong adhesive. Instead, he accidentally created a low-tack, reusable adhesive that left no residue when removed.

For many years, this “failure” lay in the background, until Arthur Fry, another 3M scientist, realised its potential. Fry, who sang in a church choir, was frustrated that his paper bookmarks kept falling out of the hymnal. In 1974, he had a brilliant idea: why not use Silver’s adhesive to create a removable bookmark?

This idea eventually evolved into the post-it note we know today. The sticky notes hit the market in 1980 and have been there ever since.

50 billion Post-it notes

Tens of thousands of billions of post-its are produced and sold every year. In fact, 3M alone sells 50 billion post-its annually, according to a statement from the company. This number not only shows how popular these notes are, but shows how a simple invention can transform into a global phenomenon.

Beyond their practical use, patches have become iconic objects that inspire fun trends. For example, it’s not uncommon to find “post-it art” adorning walls and meeting rooms in offices around the world.

Post-it notes are also perfect for office pranks! Cover a colleague’s desk, chair, office or even their car with colourful notes. Leave funny messages or rearrange their keyboard with labelled notes. Another trick is to create a “wall of judgement” that blocks their entrance. Try this at your own risk, but be prepared for revenge!

A small patch, but important to the whole

Post-it notes are available in different sizes and colours in RAJA’s online store, as well as from the other companies in the RAJA group (Viking, JPG, Kalamazoo, Mondoffice, Welcome Office, Rétif and UDO BÄR).

60% of JPG’s customers regularly order post-it notes – another testament to their popularity.

You can find RAJA’s entire range of office supplies here. And if you would like to know more about what we can offer within office supplies and hygiene products, you are always welcome to contact us at 22514000 or post@rajapack.no.