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Post-it note

The Post-it note is a small pad of paper featuring sheets coated on one edge with a low-tack, repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive that allows temporary adhesion to various surfaces without residue or damage.^[1] Developed serendipitously at 3M in the late 1960s and 1970s, the product originated from chemist Spencer Silver's accidental discovery of a weak yet reusable adhesive while attempting to create a stronger one, followed by product developer Art Fry's application of it to solve the problem of slipping bookmarks in his church hymnal.^[1] After internal testing and a limited 1977 market trial under the name Press 'n Peel, 3M relaunched it nationally in 1980 as Post-it Notes, rapidly establishing a new category in office supplies due to its utility in reminders, labeling, and temporary notations.^[2] The innovation, protected by patents such as U.S. Patent No. 5,194,299 for the repositionable adhesive sheet material, has since generated billions of units sold annually and transformed everyday communication and organization practices worldwide.^[3]^[4]

History

Invention of the Adhesive

In 1968, Spencer F. Silver, a senior chemist at 3M Company, discovered a unique low-tack adhesive while researching formulations for stronger bonding agents intended for applications such as aerospace.^[5]^[6] The resulting material consisted of tiny, indestructible acrylic microspheres that adhered lightly under pressure but could be removed and reapplied repeatedly without residue or surface damage.^[5] This property arose from the spheres' design, which limited contact to tangent points, preventing deep penetration or permanent bonding.^[5] Silver's adhesive deviated from conventional expectations, as it prioritized removability over durability, leading 3M researchers to initially view it as a failure in achieving super-strength.^[7] Despite this, he persistently promoted the innovation through internal seminars and the company's Technology Exchange program starting in 1968, coining it a "solution in search of a problem."^[8] Over the next few years, Silver refined the formula, securing patents and demonstrating its potential in niche uses, though widespread adoption remained elusive within 3M's product lines.^[9] The adhesive's invention exemplified serendipity in materials science, where an unintended weak bond revealed properties enabling repositionable adhesion, later pivotal to the Post-it Note's development.^[10] Silver's work earned him 37 U.S. patents during his 30-year tenure at 3M from 1966 to 1996, underscoring his contributions to adhesive technology despite initial commercial oversight.^[9]

Application and Prototyping

In 1974, Arthur Fry, a development researcher at 3M and colleague of Spencer Silver, identified a practical application for the adhesive during a church choir practice, where traditional bookmarks frequently dislodged from his hymnal. Fry proposed coating small paper slips with Silver's pressure-sensitive adhesive to create removable markers that would adhere lightly without damaging pages or leaving residue upon removal.^[11]^[12] Fry and Silver collaborated to produce initial prototypes by manually applying a thin layer of the adhesive—composed of microspheres—to scraps of yellow paper available in the 3M laboratory, as this was the predominant color on hand for testing. These hand-crafted samples served as proof-of-concept for Fry's bookmark idea, demonstrating temporary adhesion to glossy hymnal pages and clean repositionability without tearing the paper.^[5]^[12] Internal testing at 3M expanded beyond bookmarks, with Fry and colleagues using the prototypes to attach temporary notes and labels to documents, files, and equipment, which highlighted the adhesive's versatility for short-term messaging and organization. This phase involved iterative adjustments to adhesive thickness and paper stock to balance stickiness with removability across surfaces like smooth paper, glass, and metal.^[11]^[5] By 1977, prototyping had advanced to larger sample batches produced via early coating techniques, enabling broader employee trials that confirmed the product's utility in office environments for flagging reports, suggesting edits, and creating ad-hoc signage, though challenges persisted in scaling uniform adhesive distribution without clumping.^[12]^[5]

Commercialization and Market Challenges

The commercialization of the Post-it note faced significant internal skepticism at 3M, where the low-tack adhesive was viewed as a failure compared to high-strength glues typically pursued by the company, leading to limited senior management support for development beyond initial prototyping.^[10] Art Fry, the primary proponent, persisted by securing approval for limited production runs under 3M's "15% rule," which allowed employees to dedicate time to personal projects, but this did not guarantee market viability.^[13] In 1977, 3M conducted test markets for the product, initially branded as "Press 'n Peel," in four U.S. cities, revealing stark challenges in consumer adoption: sales were negligible in Richmond, Virginia; Denver, Colorado; and another unspecified location when offered through standard retail channels, as potential buyers failed to grasp the repositionable utility without demonstration.^[14] Success emerged only in Boise, Idaho, during the "Boise Blitz" campaign, where free samples were distributed directly to offices and households, resulting in high repurchase rates as users experienced the notes' practical value for temporary labeling and reminders.^[15]^[16] This test underscored a key market hurdle: the product's novelty required hands-on exposure to overcome preconceptions favoring permanent adhesives, prompting 3M to refine marketing strategies emphasizing education over traditional sales.^[17] Nationwide rollout occurred in April 1980 under the "Post-it Notes" name, with initial production limited to yellow pads to build brand recognition amid ongoing doubts about scalability.^[13] Early challenges persisted due to production constraints—hand-cutting notes initially—and competition from generic pads, but direct sampling and office trials drove demand, transforming the product into a bestseller by 1981, generating over $1 million in first-year U.S. sales.^[10] These hurdles highlighted the risks of commercializing "failed" technologies, where internal bias toward conventional metrics delayed recognition of niche applications in information management.^[18]

Awards and Recognition

The inventors of the Post-it Note, chemist Spencer Silver and developer Arthur Fry, were inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for co-developing the repositionable adhesive and note product that revolutionized office organization.^[19]^[20] Silver received the American Chemical Society's Award for Creative Invention in 1998, recognizing his discovery of the low-tack adhesive in 1968 that enabled the Post-it Note's functionality.^[9] Both Silver and Fry earned membership in 3M's Carlton Society, the company's highest internal honor for excellence in scientific research, engineering, and manufacturing innovation, established in 1963.^[21]^[5] Fry was additionally inducted into the Minnesota Science and Technology Hall of Fame for his role in commercializing the product.^[22] In 1996, 3M was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the U.S. President, explicitly citing the Post-it Note alongside microreplication technologies as exemplary contributions to technological advancement.^[22]

Technical Design

Adhesive Formulation

The adhesive formulation for Post-it Notes is a proprietary low-tack, repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) developed by 3M chemist Spencer Silver in 1968 during research aimed at creating a stronger adhesive for aerospace applications.^[9]^[16] This acrylate-based polymer exhibits weak but cohesive bonding, enabling repeated attachment and removal from surfaces like paper or walls without significant residue or loss of tackiness.^[23] The formulation's repositionability stems from its molecular design, which results in a sparse monolayer of polymer chains upon contact with a substrate, covering only portions of the surface rather than forming a continuous film.^[23] Scanning electron microscopy reveals this as a stippled pattern, where incomplete surface wetting allows air pockets and easy peel forces, typically below 0.5 N/cm for clean removal.^[23] The adhesive maintains internal strength through controlled polymer entanglement and minimal cross-linking, preventing cohesive failure while ensuring the peel strength remains low.^[23] Applied as a thin layer—approximately matching the 50-100 micrometer thickness of the note's paper backing—the adhesive is coated via emulsion or solution processes to achieve uniform distribution without excess buildup.^[23] While exact monomer ratios and additives remain undisclosed due to proprietary status, the base consists of acrylic esters selected for their balance of viscoelastic properties, providing tack at room temperature (around 20-25°C) and shear resistance under load.^[19] This contrasts with conventional PSAs, which prioritize higher peel adhesion through fuller surface contact and tackifiers.^[23]

Materials Composition

The standard Post-it note comprises a lightweight paper substrate coated on one side to facilitate adhesion, paired with a narrow strip of repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive applied along one edge.^[23] The paper is typically derived from PEFC-certified fibers sourced from sustainably managed forests and controlled origins, ensuring compatibility with recycling processes without degrading the adhesive or coating properties.^[24] Paper weights for standard notes generally range from 70 to 85 grams per square meter (gsm), providing flexibility and writability while minimizing bulk in pad form.^[25] The adhesive formulation, developed by 3M chemist Spencer Silver in 1968, consists of an acrylate copolymer synthesized to form discrete, cross-linked microspheres approximately 4-6 micrometers in diameter.^[23] These microspheres create a sparse monolayer on the paper surface, resulting in a pebbled texture visible under scanning electron microscopy, with contact points limited to tangential adhesion for removability and restickability up to several hundred cycles on smooth surfaces like paper or glass.^[23] The adhesive layer thickness averages 14 µm, enabling pressure-sensitive bonding without residue under normal use, though prolonged exposure can lead to minor residue accumulation from microsphere deformation.^[23]^[26] This composition remains proprietary to 3M, but its acrylic base distinguishes it from higher-tack rubber-based alternatives, prioritizing shear strength over peel adhesion for temporary note attachment.^[23]

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of Post-it notes occurs exclusively at 3M's facility in Cynthiana, Kentucky, which employs over 500 workers and handles global production volumes exceeding billions of notes annually.^[27] The process begins with the preparation of raw materials, including sustainably sourced paper from PEFC-certified fibers and a repositionable polymer-based adhesive, transitioned to water-based formulations for environmental efficiency.^[28]^[1] Large rolls or sheets of paper, typically 70-80 gsm in weight for optimal writability and adhesion, undergo optional flexographic printing for lines, logos, or branding using eco-friendly inks before adhesive application.^[29]^[30] Adhesive preparation involves mixing synthetic rubber or acrylate polymers with microspheres for low-tack repositionability, loaded into coating machines that apply a thin, uniform layer—approximately 20-25 microns thick—along the top edge of the paper's back side, often over a primer substrate for bonding enhancement.^[29]^[31] The coated sheets then pass through heated drying tunnels controlled at specific temperatures (around 100-150°C) and humidity levels to cure the adhesive without altering paper integrity, ensuring consistent tackiness rated at 2-5 N/cm peel strength.^[30]^[29] Subsequent steps involve stacking multiple sheets (typically 50-100 per pad) using automated collators to align adhesive strips precisely, followed by guillotine cutting to standard sizes such as 3x3 inches or 4x6 inches, minimizing waste through high-precision machinery with tolerances under 0.1 mm.^[31]^[29] A backing sheet with branding is affixed to the bottom, and pads undergo quality checks for adhesive uniformity, print alignment, and stack cohesion via automated testing stations.^[30] Final packaging wraps pads in plastic film or shrink-wrap, bundles them into cartons, and prepares for distribution, with processes optimized for yields above 98% to support annual output supporting a $4 billion market.^[29]^[32]

Product Varieties

Standard Specifications

The standard Post-it note, as originally developed by 3M, measures 3 inches by 3 inches (76 mm × 76 mm) and consists of canary yellow, unlined paper sheets with a narrow strip of repositionable adhesive applied to the top edge.^[33] Each pad contains 100 sheets, designed for easy dispensing from a stacked block format secured by a cardboard backing.^[34] The paper is lightweight and uncoated to support writing with common instruments such as ballpoint pens and markers without smearing.^[23] The adhesive formulation employs acrylate copolymer microspheres dispersed in a continuous phase, creating a pebbled texture with limited contact points that enables temporary adhesion to surfaces like paper, wood, and painted walls while allowing clean removal and repositioning.^[23]^[35] This microspheres-based design ensures the glue remains on the note rather than transferring to the substrate, distinguishing it from conventional pressure-sensitive adhesives.^[23] Standard notes adhere reliably to vertical surfaces under normal indoor conditions but may detach from highly textured or oily substrates.^[36] Standard specifications prioritize simplicity and functionality, with the canary yellow hue selected for high visibility and low glare during reading.^[33] Pads are packaged in units of 12 for distribution, reflecting the product's core utility in note-taking and temporary labeling without specialized features like lines or enhanced tack.^[37]

Specialty Features

Post-it Super Sticky notes employ an enhanced adhesive that delivers approximately twice the adhesion strength of standard Post-it notes, enabling secure attachment to vertical surfaces, rough textures, and areas subject to frequent handling or environmental factors like humidity.^[38]^[39] This formulation supports multiple repositionings without significant loss of tackiness, making it suitable for demanding applications such as labeling equipment or prioritizing tasks in dynamic workspaces.^[40] Die-cut Post-it notes introduce non-rectangular shapes, including thought bubbles, speech bubbles, stars, and daisies, which facilitate targeted communication like highlighting ideas or adding playful emphasis.^[41]^[42] These variants often integrate Super Sticky adhesive to ensure longevity on diverse substrates, with pad configurations typically containing 75 sheets per die-cut form for concise, thematic use.^[43] Limited-edition color collections, such as Supernova Neons for high-visibility marking or Wanderlust Pastels for subtle differentiation, expand beyond basic hues to support advanced color-coding systems in organizational tasks.^[44] Seasonal themes, including holiday motifs like jingle bells or festive patterns, offer occasion-specific designs that maintain the core repositionable adhesive while incorporating decorative elements for gifting or event annotation.^[45]

Sustainable Variants

3M offers Post-it® Recycled Notes, produced using 100% recycled paper sourced from post-consumer waste, thereby avoiding the harvesting of new trees for production.^[46] These notes maintain standard adhesive performance while incorporating higher recycled content compared to conventional variants.^[47] Certain sustainable Post-it variants, such as Post-it® Greener Notes, utilize an adhesive formulated with 67% plant-based materials by weight, derived from renewable resources like annual crops.^[47] This composition reduces reliance on petroleum-derived components without compromising removability or sticking power. Super Sticky editions within this line combine recycled paper with enhanced adhesion for heavier-duty applications.^[48] Post-it Notes, including sustainable models, are curbside recyclable in standard paper waste streams, as the adhesive formulation does not hinder pulping processes at recycling facilities, per trials conducted by 3M with paper mills.^[46] Packaging for these products often employs recyclable materials, further minimizing environmental footprint.^[49]

Applications

Organizational and Professional Uses

Post-it notes serve as versatile tools for visual task tracking in professional settings, particularly in methodologies like Kanban, where individual tasks or work items are inscribed on notes and positioned on boards divided into columns representing workflow stages such as "to do," "in progress," and "done."^[50] This physical manipulation of notes allows teams to limit work-in-progress, identify bottlenecks, and adjust priorities dynamically without reliance on digital software.^[51] Originating from lean manufacturing principles but adapted for knowledge work, Kanban boards using Post-it notes gained prominence in software development teams during the early 2000s as a low-tech means to foster continuous improvement.^[52] In Scrum frameworks, Post-it notes represent user stories, tasks, or impediments during sprint planning and daily stand-ups, enabling teams to break complex projects into manageable modules and visualize progress across iterations typically lasting two to four weeks.^[53] Teams affix notes to walls or dedicated boards, moving them as items advance, which promotes collective ownership and rapid retrospectives on inefficiencies.^[54] This tactile approach contrasts with purely digital tools by encouraging physical interaction that can enhance team communication and reduce misalignments in distributed or hybrid environments.^[55] Beyond project management, professionals employ Post-it notes for desk organization, such as labeling files, drawers, or shelves to minimize search times and maintain clutter-free workspaces.^[56] Color-coded notes facilitate prioritization, with distinct hues denoting urgency levels or categories like meetings, deadlines, or follow-ups, thereby supporting efficient information retrieval and decision-making.^[57] In brainstorming sessions, notes capture ideas from participants, allowing easy grouping, regrouping, and voting—such as by dotting or stacking—to distill consensus without permanent commitments.^[58] Case studies from 3M highlight applications in inventory management, where notes label shelves for quick stock checks, and in sales environments, where custom-printed notes serve as business cards or promotional reminders to streamline client interactions.^[59] For individual productivity, limiting daily to-do lists to five concise items on a single note has been recommended to combat overload and focus on high-impact actions, drawing from cognitive principles that favor brevity over exhaustive enumeration.^[60] These uses underscore the notes' role in bridging analog simplicity with structured professional workflows, though efficacy depends on consistent application and integration with broader systems.^[61]

Educational and Workspace Integration

Post-it notes enhance educational environments by supporting interactive and visual learning strategies. Teachers utilize them for annotating readings, connecting concepts to prior knowledge, and facilitating ranking activities during discussions, promoting active engagement without requiring digital tools.^[62] In group settings, students affix notes to walls or boards for brainstorming, idea generation, and summarizing key points, which encourages mobility, conversation, and iterative refinement of thoughts while minimizing distractions from permanent markings.^[63] Research demonstrates their role in bolstering metacognitive literacy, as real-time note-taking on sticky notes improves text comprehension and retention over delayed summarization by allowing immediate capture and reorganization of ideas.^[64] For students with diverse needs, Post-it notes serve as tools for data collection, reinforcement schedules, visual cues, and communication aids, enabling personalized feedback and progress tracking in classroom management.^[65] They also function in formative assessments, such as affixing notes to models for adding evidence or revising explanations, which consolidates learning and reveals conceptual gaps.^[66] Empirical observations indicate that providing time for sticky note-based reflection prompts students to process information more deeply, countering rushed instruction and boosting engagement through choice in note placement and content.^[67] In workspaces, Post-it notes integrate into organizational systems for task management, with color-coding for prioritization and deadlines, and repositionable boards mimicking Kanban methods to visualize workflow and project stages.^[58] Professionals employ them for short, actionable to-do lists that reduce cognitive overload, as completing visible tasks generates accomplishment signals, thereby sustaining motivation and doubling output in focused sessions.^[60] Studies on collaborative cognition highlight how their affordances aid in visualizing part-whole relationships and mitigating group productivity losses during ideation, making them suitable for agile planning and problem-solving in team environments.^[68]^[69] This tactile, low-tech approach complements digital tools by enabling rapid prototyping of ideas on shared surfaces, fostering real-time adjustments without software dependencies.^[70]

Creative and Artistic Applications

Post-it notes have been employed in large-scale mosaic artworks, where arrangements of colored notes form intricate images visible from a distance. One notable example is a mosaic depicting Ray Charles, constructed using thousands of Post-it notes to create a pixelated portrait, as featured in compilations of sticky note art projects.^[71] Similar mosaics, such as those recreating portraits of figures like Marilyn Monroe or Steve Jobs, demonstrate the medium's versatility for replicating famous artworks or icons through grid-based color placement.^[72] Participatory installations leverage Post-it notes for collective expression. In 2016, artist Matthew Chavez initiated "Subway Therapy" in the New York City subway system following the U.S. presidential election, inviting commuters to affix notes with messages of hope and solidarity, resulting in over 20,000 notes covering station walls and evolving into a grassroots emotional outlet.^[73] This project highlighted the notes' role in ephemeral, public art that fosters community interaction and temporary urban interventions. Individual artists utilize Post-it notes for intimate drawings and sketches. British artist Ed Atkins produces daily illustrations on the notes, exploring themes of digital mediation and human form; a selection of these works was exhibited at Tate Britain from April 2 to August 25, 2025, underscoring their value as a constrained yet prolific creative substrate.^[74] Additionally, stop-motion animations have incorporated Post-it notes for dynamic scenes, such as rearranging notes to simulate movement in short films, capitalizing on their repositionable adhesive for iterative filming without residue.^[71] In educational and hobbyist contexts, Post-it notes enable pixel art projects, where participants follow templates to build symmetrical designs, teaching principles of color theory and composition through accessible materials.^[75] These applications extend to window or wall decorations, forming patterns or quotes via layered notes, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal in non-permanent installations.^[76]

Digital and Software Analogues

Digital sticky note applications replicate the core utility of physical Post-it notes by enabling users to create temporary, visually prominent reminders that can be positioned, resized, and color-coded on digital interfaces such as desktops or virtual boards. These tools emerged alongside graphical user interfaces in personal computing, addressing needs for quick jotting and low-commitment organization without the physical constraints of paper and adhesive. Unlike physical notes, digital versions often incorporate searchability, automatic syncing across devices, and integration with productivity suites, though they lack the tactile feedback that some users report aids retention.^[77] Microsoft's Sticky Notes, one of the pioneering desktop implementations, debuted in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition in 2002 as a tool for handwriting and text input on tablet devices.^[78] By Windows Vista in 2007, it evolved into a sidebar gadget, and subsequent updates added cloud synchronization via OneDrive, Cortana reminders, and cross-app linking, allowing notes to persist and be shared without manual replication.^[79] As of 2025, it supports ink-to-text conversion and Microsoft 365 integration, with over 100 million users reported in ecosystem analytics.^[80] Third-party software like Notezilla, developed by Conceptworld Corporation, enhances analogue functionality by permitting notes to "stick" to specific windows, documents, folders, or websites rather than floating generically on the desktop, a feature absent in native OS tools.^[81] Released in versions traceable to the early 2000s, Notezilla includes scheduling, encryption, and multimedia attachments, positioning it as a more versatile option for professional workflows where contextual attachment reduces oversight.^[80] Cloud-based and collaborative platforms have expanded digital analogues into team environments. Miro, launched in 2011, offers infinite virtual canvases with draggable, resizable sticky notes that support real-time multiplayer editing, voting, and export to formats like PDF or images—ideal for brainstorming sessions replicating physical note clusters on walls.^[82] Similarly, Mural provides free-tier access to unlimited sticky notes for remote teams, emphasizing visual clustering and integration with tools like Slack for notifications.^[83] These web apps, popular in agile methodologies, logged millions of boards created annually by 2025, per usage metrics.^[84] Specialized apps from Post-it's parent company, 3M, such as the Post-it App, bridge physical and digital by scanning paper notes via mobile camera for import into editable virtual pads, with features like GPS-tagging and sharing.^[85] Alternatives like Google Keep, introduced in 2013, function as lightweight sticky notes with label-based organization and voice input, syncing seamlessly across Android, web, and iOS devices for over 1 billion Google account holders.^[86] While these tools mitigate issues like note loss or environmental waste from physical counterparts, empirical studies on productivity indicate mixed results, with some users preferring digital for scalability but reverting to analog for creative ideation due to screen fatigue.^[87]

Cultural and Economic Impact

Productivity and Behavioral Effects

Empirical research indicates that Post-it notes facilitate productivity in task management by externalizing cognitive load, allowing users to visualize and rearrange priorities without rigid structures. A 2024 analysis in Psychology Today highlights their utility for short to-do lists, which foster a sense of accomplishment through quick task completion and reduce overwhelm from lengthy digital lists.^[60] In design processes, sticky notes support rapid iteration and information clustering, as demonstrated in a 2025 ASME study where interactions with physical notes improved engineering design productivity by enabling flexible idea manipulation over static tools.^[88] In collaborative ideation, sticky notes mitigate group productivity losses such as production blocking and social loafing by promoting parallel idea generation and easy regrouping. A chapter in Human-Centred Swarm Intelligence (2019) argues that their tangibility encourages socio-cognitive processes, countering brainstorming inefficiencies noted in prior meta-analyses.^[68] Comparative studies, including one from 2018, find physical sticky notes outperform digital equivalents in fostering divergent thinking and synthesis during team sessions, with participants reporting higher engagement due to haptic feedback and spatial affordances.^[89] Behaviorally, Post-it notes exert a persuasion effect, increasing compliance in requests through perceived personal touch. Four experiments published in the Journal of Consumer Research (2005) showed that attaching a handwritten Post-it note to survey packets raised response rates by 36-76% compared to controls, attributed to interpretations of the note as a favor rather than impersonal demand; this held across variations like signed versus unsigned notes.^[90] ^[91] Such effects extend to everyday reminders, where the note's informality signals relational investment, though over-reliance may signal underlying disorganization rather than sustained habit formation.^[92]

Representation in Media and Culture

Post-it notes frequently appear in television and film as emblems of informal reminders, workplace humor, and relational drama. In the HBO series Sex and the City season 6 episode "The Post-It Always Sticks Twice" (aired August 10, 2003), the character Jack Berger ends his relationship with Carrie Bradshaw by leaving a note reading "I'm sorry. I can't. Don't hate me," an event that has been cited as a hallmark of callous modern breakups and inspired discussions on communication etiquette.^[93] In the 1997 comedy film Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, protagonists Romy White and Michele Weinberger fabricate a backstory claiming they invented Post-it notes, a lie exposed by the real inventor Art Fry, underscoring the product's cultural recognition as an iconic office invention.^[94] Additional depictions highlight organizational and motivational uses. The NBC sitcom The Office (2005–2013) features Post-it notes in its pilot episode, where Michael Scott feigns firing Pam Beesly for allegedly stealing them, satirizing corporate pettiness and office supply culture.^[95] In ABC's Grey's Anatomy (2005–present), surgeons Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd formalize their marriage by exchanging vows written on a blue Post-it note in a hospital supply closet during season 5 (2008), later framing it as a symbol of their unconventional union.^[96] Films like Bruce Almighty (2003) portray notes overwhelmed with prayer requests stuck to a protagonist's home, illustrating themes of divine overload, while Ex Machina (2014) shows them clustered on walls for plotting artificial intelligence development.^[96] Beyond screen media, Post-it notes have entered artistic and museological contexts as exemplars of functional design. The Museum of Modern Art in New York included the Post-it note in its 2004 exhibition "Humble Masterpieces," curated by Paola Antonelli, presenting it alongside everyday objects like paper clips and Band-Aids to celebrate unassuming innovations that permeate daily life.^[97] The notes have also inspired large-scale mosaic artworks, such as those using thousands of colored pads to form images like portraits or motivational displays, demonstrating their versatility in visual expression.^[71]

Market Dominance and Competition

3M's Post-it brand commands a dominant position in the global sticky notes market, holding approximately 77% market share by revenue as of recent analyses.^[98] ^[27] This leadership stems from the product's introduction in 1980, following accidental discovery of a low-tack adhesive in 1968 by chemist Spencer Silver, which enabled repositionable notes without residue.^[98] Post-it notes quickly became a staple in offices and homes, with annual global sales contributing significantly to 3M's consumer segment, though exact revenue figures for the brand remain bundled within broader categories exceeding $23 billion in company-wide adjusted sales for 2024.^[99] The brand's success reflects superior adhesive technology and extensive product diversification, including super sticky variants and recycled options, fostering consumer loyalty over generics. Competition primarily arises from lower-cost alternatives, including private-label products from retailers and branded rivals such as Taiwan-based Hopax and 4A Paper Mills, which capture the remaining market share through price-sensitive segments.^[98] European competitor Tesa, under Beiersdorf, offers similar repositionable notes but trails in global penetration due to Post-it's entrenched trademark and marketing, which emphasizes reliability and versatility. 3M maintains its edge via continuous innovation, such as antimicrobial coatings introduced in response to hygiene demands, and exclusive production at a single Kentucky facility handling worldwide output, ensuring quality control amid commoditized rivals.^[27] Market growth projections, estimated at 1-4% CAGR through 2030, favor incumbents like Post-it, as demand persists in hybrid work environments despite digital note-taking alternatives.^[100]

Criticisms and Challenges

Environmental Concerns

The production of Post-it notes involves paper derived from trees in sustainably managed forests, with some variants utilizing up to 100% post-consumer recycled content to reduce demand for virgin materials.^[46]^[47] The adhesive, often water-based or partially plant-derived, is formulated to be compatible with paper recycling processes, as demonstrated by 3M's trials at paper mills where it does not significantly hinder repulping.^[101]^[46] Additionally, manufacturing facilities like 3M's Cynthiana plant have achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status since late 2016 through material recovery and process efficiencies.^[102] Despite these measures, the single-use nature of Post-it notes generates substantial waste, as their temporary application encourages frequent disposal rather than reuse, contributing to paper stream volume in landfills or incineration when not recycled.^[103]^[104] Recycling feasibility varies by locality; while paper mills accept them in mixed paper flows, small loose notes often evade curbside collection and end up in trash due to sorting challenges or guidelines requiring attachment to larger paper items.^[105]^[106] Residual adhesive can also contaminate other recyclables by adhering particles or attracting contaminants, potentially reducing overall recycling efficiency in practice.^[104]^[107] Critics argue that reliance on such disposable products perpetuates resource inefficiency compared to reusable alternatives, with production still entailing energy, water, and chemical inputs that alternatives like digital notes or washable boards could minimize.^[108] 3M's sustainability initiatives, including renewable adhesive components, address some impacts but do not fully mitigate the environmental footprint of high-volume consumption.^[109]

Practical Limitations

The adhesive on Post-it notes, formulated for low-tack temporary bonding, exhibits reduced efficacy on non-porous or oily surfaces, such as glass or plastic, where notes may detach under minimal disturbance or vibration.^[110] This limitation stems from the acrylate copolymer chemistry, which prioritizes removability over robust initial grip, as evidenced by user reports of frequent repositioning needs in dynamic environments like workshops. Improper removal—such as peeling at angles greater than 90 degrees—causes the paper to curl, compromising flat adhesion on subsequent applications and increasing the likelihood of notes falling off vertical or curved surfaces.^[111] Experimental comparisons of 23 sticky note variants confirm that standard Post-it formulations lose conformability after 2–3 mishandlings, exacerbating detachment in high-traffic areas. The compact dimensions, typically 3 inches by 3 inches for standard pads, constrain legible content to brief phrases, rendering them impractical for detailed annotations or data-heavy tasks where handwriting legibility declines below 10-point equivalents.^[112] This spatial restriction is particularly evident in collaborative planning sessions, where overcrowding leads to illegible scrawls and requires supplementary tools for expansion.^[112] Adhesive durability wanes after 5–10 reattachments, as the microsphere structure degrades, preventing reliable reuse beyond short-term cycles and necessitating frequent pad replacements in prolonged applications.^[113] Handling tests demonstrate that exposure to moderate humidity (above 60% relative) accelerates this degradation by softening the tack, with notes failing to hold after 24–48 hours in such conditions.^[114] For users with visual impairments or color vision deficiencies, the reliance on hue-based organization—without tactile or high-contrast alternatives in base models—limits accessibility, as distinguishing shades becomes unreliable under varying lighting.^[110] Physical notes further disadvantage remote or distributed teams, confining utility to in-person settings where digital transcription is absent.^[110]

Intellectual Property Disputes

In 2016, inventor Alan Amron filed a lawsuit against 3M in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, claiming he conceived the concept of a peelable, repositionable adhesive note in the early 1970s—predating 3M's timeline—and accusing the company of unjust enrichment, false advertising, and misappropriation of his idea after he allegedly shared prototypes with 3M representatives.^[115] Amron, holder of patents for other adhesive products, sought $400 million in damages, asserting that 3M's Post-it Note, developed internally by chemist Spencer Silver (weak adhesive patented in 1972) and product developer Art Fry (repurposed application in 1974), infringed on his prior invention.^[116] 3M denied the claims, maintaining that Amron's notes lacked the proprietary low-tack, repositionable adhesive formula central to Post-it's functionality and that no evidence supported technology transfer.^[117] The district court dismissed Amron's complaint in July 2021, ruling that his allegations failed to establish prior inventorship or misappropriation under applicable patent and trade secret laws, as Amron's purported prototypes did not demonstrate the specific adhesive properties patented by Silver (U.S. Patent No. 3,857,731, issued December 31, 1974).^[118] Amron subsequently filed a $1.7 billion breach-of-contract suit in New York federal court in 2023, challenging the terms of a prior settlement agreement related to his claims and alleging 3M undervalued the intellectual property transfer.^[119] On September 30, 2025, U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho dismissed this action with prejudice, finding the claims barred by the settlement's release provisions and lacking merit on contractual grounds.^[119] 3M has also pursued trademark enforcement actions to protect the "Post-it" brand, registered as U.S. Trademark No. 1,121,244 (issued March 6, 1980, for adhesive-backed note paper). In 1997, 3M sued Microsoft Corporation in Minnesota federal court, alleging trademark dilution and infringement from the inclusion of virtual "Post-it"-style notes in Microsoft Outlook software, which mimicked the product's appearance and functionality without authorization.^[120] The parties settled the dispute out of court later that year, with Microsoft agreeing to modify or remove the feature in future versions.^[120] Additional trademark disputes include 3M's 1999 suit against Beautone Specialties Ltd. in Minnesota federal court, where 3M successfully obtained a preliminary injunction against Beautone's sale of opaque sticky notes marketed under names evoking "Post-it," arguing consumer confusion with 3M's distinctive yellow pads and branding.^[121] The court found a likelihood of dilution under the Federal Trademark Dilution Act, emphasizing 3M's substantial market recognition since the product's 1980 launch.^[121] Internationally, in 2018, 3M initiated proceedings in China against Deli Group Co., Ltd., for infringing the "POST-IT" trademark through sales of similar adhesive notes, resulting in a 2019 court order for Deli to cease use and pay damages after evidence of market confusion.^[122] These cases underscore 3M's strategy of aggressive IP defense to maintain exclusivity over the Post-it name and format against generic competitors.

References

[1]
History of Post-it® Notes | Post-it® Brand
Dr. Spencer Silver, a 3M scientist, was busily researching adhesives in the laboratory. In the process, he discovered something peculiar: an adhesive that stuck ...
[2]
Timeline of 3M History | 3M United States
1980 – Something to Post About 3M introduced Post-it® Notes, creating a whole new category in the marketplace and changing people's communication and ...
[3]
Patent History: Post-it Notes - Suiter Swantz IP
Jun 18, 2018 · On March 16, 1993, Arthur Fry was granted the patent for REPOSITIONAL PRESSURE-SENSITIVE ADHESIVE SHEET MATERIAL, U.S. Patent No. 5,194,299.
[4]
Post-it - DPMA
Official Publications and Register for patents, utility models, trade marks and designs ... Today, more than 50 billion Post-it notes are sold every year in more ...
[5]
Art Fry & Spencer Silver - Lemelson-MIT
In 1968, Silver developed a high-quality but "low-tack" adhesive, made of tiny, indestructible acrylic spheres that would stick only where they were tangent to ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[6]
The Invention of the Post-it® Note | National Inventors Hall of Fame®
Jun 5, 2020 · Co-invented by National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) Inductees Art Fry and Spencer Silver, the Post-it Note would go on to become commonly used in offices ...
[7]
Spencer Silver, an Inventor of Post-it Notes, Is Dead at 80
May 14, 2021 · Silver worked in 3M's central research laboratory developing adhesives. In 1968, he was trying to create one that was so strong it could be used ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[8]
Spencer F. Silver - Minnesota Science and Technology Hall of Fame
In 1968, Silver was a senior scientist at 3M working to develop new classes of adhesives when he discovered an acrylic adhesive with unique properties. It was ...
[9]
Spencer F. Silver, inventor of sticky note adhesive, dies at 80 - C&EN
May 14, 2021 · Silver worked at 3M for 30 years, from 1966 to 1996. He was awarded 37 patents for his work with the company, along with numerous honors, ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[10]
The TRUE story of Post-It Notes, and how they almost failed
Apr 20, 2017 · In 1968, 3M researcher, Spencer Silver, researched a durable adhesive for aircraft application. A mistake led to a new adhesive that was […].
[11]
Art Fry: Post-it® Note Inventor | Lemelson
Apr 14, 2014 · The Post-it® Note was born. “This of course was just the beginning of the innovation process. Samples had to be tested for every [possible] ...
[12]
How Did Art Fry Co-Invent Post-it Notes?
Dec 17, 2024 · At 3M, Fry began making sample bookmarks with a single layer of Silver's microspheres. As he began using these clever bookmarks to exchange ...
[13]
'Post-Its' Beat the Odds : Glue's Failure Backs 3M's Biggest Success
Dec 14, 1985 · When 3M began distributing the notes in 1976, the naysayers appeared to be right. Going through its usual marketing channels, 3M offered the ...
[14]
On the Origin of the Post-it Note: Intelligently Designed?
the Post-it note didn't spring from foresighted or intelligent design but from an entirely serendipitous discovery—a weak adhesive resulting from an ...
[15]
Post-it Notes - Minnesota Historical Society
Nov 7, 2016 · This marketing test became known as the Boise Blitz and was wildly successful. ... Black and white photograph of Arthur Fry inspecting his product ...
[16]
History of Post-it® Notes | Post-it® Brand
For over 40 years, the Post-it® Brand has helped people be more productive, communicate better and express themselves in a number of creative ways.
[17]
3M's Post-it Notes: An Accidental Innovation
Oct 30, 2024 · 3M launched the product nationally in 1980 under a new name: Post-it Notes. What started as a failed adhesive experiment had now become an office essential.
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https://www.minnpost.com/mnopedia/2016/11/how-failed-glue-experiment-and-church-choir-singer-s-frustration-led-invention-post/
[19]
NIHF Inductee Spencer Silver, Who Invented Post It Notes
Oct 15, 2025 · Spencer Silver was a senior scientist working to develop new classes of adhesives at 3M when he discovered an acrylic adhesive with unique properties.
[20]
Arthur Fry | National Inventors Hall of Fame® Inductee
Oct 18, 2025 · Art Fry and Spencer Silver co-invented Post-it Notes, which are among the bestselling office products in the US.
[21]
3M Carlton Society | History, Purpose & All Inductees
Learn about the purpose, history and all the inductees, past and present of the 3M Carlton Society which honors the best among our scientific community.
[22]
Arthur L. Fry - Minnesota Science and Technology Hall of Fame
Inducted in the National Inventor's Hall of Fame; 1996 National Medial of Technology awarded to 3M, citing Post-it Notes and Microreplication Technologies. In ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[23]
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - WHAT'S THAT STUFF? STICKY NOTES
Apr 5, 2004 · "The key to the adhesive is that it forms a sparse monolayer," Silver explains. Viewed with a scanning electron microscope, the adhesive has a ...Missing: formulation | Show results with:formulation
[24]
Post-it® Z-Notes, Canary Yellow, 76 mm x 76 mm, 100 Sheets/Pad ...
Post-it® Notes are made from PEFC certified paper fibres, coming from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. The packaging made from recycled ...
[25]
[PDF] Post-it Extreme Notes_PIS - RS Online
Paper: Paper Type: Paper Type: Saturated Crepe Paper. Saturated Crepe Paper. Saturated Crepe Paper. Paper weight of reference : 85 rence : 85 rence : 85 gsm*.
[26]
Preparation and optimization of a lignin-based pressure-sensitive ...
Aug 6, 2025 · PSA deposited on these Post-it® have an average thickness of 14 µm ± 4 µm (Gendron et al., 2022) . The thickness of the experimental adhesive ...
[27]
Every post-it note in the world is made in a Kentucky town
Dec 5, 2024 · The largest employer in the city is the 3M factory, where employees glue, cut, wrap and bundle the company's flagship product – Post-it Notes. “ ...
[28]
Commitment to Sustainability - Post-it
Post-it® Notes use paper made with trees from sustainability managed forests. These renewable and responsibly managed forests are carefully harvested and trees ...
[29]
Self-Adhesive Note - How Products Are Made
A machine applies the adhesive, stacks the paper, and cuts the paper pads to the specific sizes. The Manufacturing Process. Preparing the glue. 1 The polymer- ...
[30]
Sticky Notes Revealed: Making, Benefits, and Custom Options
Sticky notes are crafted using eco-friendly, lightweight paper from sustainable sources, ensuring compatibility with the adhesive and ink for longevity and ...
[31]
Ever Wonder How Sticky Note Pads Are Made on a Production Line?
May 12, 2025 · Sticky note production involves precise paper cutting, adhesive application, stacking, and packaging, all orchestrated by specialized machinery for efficiency ...
[32]
How Post-it Notes Are Made – The $4 Billion Accidental Invention
Sep 22, 2025 · How Post-it Notes Are Made – The $4 Billion Accidental Invention | THE MAKING In 1968, a 3M scientist set out to create the world's ...
[33]
Post-it® Notes | 3M United States
Post-it® Super Sticky Notes 5845-SS, 5 in x 8 in. Post-it Notes, 3 in x 5 in, 12 Sticky Notes Pads, 100 Sheets per Pad, Canary Yellow, The Original Post-it Note.
[34]
Amazon.com : 3M Post-It Notes, Original Pads, 3 X 3 Inches, 100 ...
Post-it Notes are the perfect size for notes, numbers and lists · Repositionable adhesive won't mark paper and other surfaces · Attach notes without staples, ...
[35]
One scientist, good. Many scientists, even better. - 3M
Spencer Silver, developed a new adhesive. ... Art needed a repositionable bookmark - and in applying the microspheres to paper, the first Post-it® Note was born.
[36]
Post-it | 3M United States
Post-it Super Sticky Notes, 3 in. x 3 in., Summer Joy Collection, 12 Pads/Pack, 90 Sheets/Pad Post-it Super Sticky Notes 654-12SSJOY, 3 in x 3 in (76 mm xPost-it for Consumer · Post-it for Manufacturing · Office Supplies
[37]
Post-it® Notes, Canary Yellow, 51 mm x 76 mm, 100 Sheets/Pad, 12 ...
Post-it® Notes, Canary Yellow, 51 mm x 76 mm, 100 Sheets/Pad, 12 Pads/Pack, Cardboard Pack, 100% PEFC, SGSCH-PEFC-COC-110078.
[38]
Post-it® Super Sticky Notes - Post-it® Custom Printed Products
$$0.87. Available Paper Colors: Super Sticky Available. Made in USA with globally sourced materials ... Key Features: Pressure sensitive adhesive, removes cleanly, ...Missing: composition | Show results with:composition
[39]
Post-it® Super Sticky Notes | Post-it® Brand
Post-it Super Sticky Notes stick vertically, can be re-stuck, stay stuck, and stick in many places, making any surface a field for creativity.
[40]
https://www.officecrave.com/post-it-7350ssstr.html
[41]
Post-it® Shaped Notes | 3M United States
7100139354. UPC. 00051141935751. Post-it(R) Notes BC-2030-RBO Die Cut Shapes. Post-it® Printed Notes, 3 in x 3 in, Rainbow designs, 2 Pads/Pack, 30 Sheets/Pad.
[42]
https://www.ontimesupplies.com/mmm7350blb-super-sticky-die-cut-notes-150-x-assorted-3-x-3-thought-bubble-75-sheets-per-pad-assorted-die-cut-self-adhesive.html
[43]
Post-it® Super Sticky Die-Cut Notes - Parker's Workplace Solutions
Die-cut pads offer a fun Daisy shape, and each contains 75 sheets. Super Sticky Notes hold stronger and longer than most self-adhesive notes so you can be sure ...<|separator|>
[44]
The Collections - Post-it
Post-it offers collections like Supernova Neons, Energy Boost, Playful Primaries, Wanderlust Pastels, Oasis, Summer Joy, Simply Serene, Beachside Cafe, Floral ...
[45]
Post-it®: Specialty Notes - Amazon.com
Fun designs for any occasion. ... Post-it Jingle Sticky Notes & Label Sheets, Christmas Hostess Present, Assorted Sizes, 2 Holiday Themed Cute Sticky Note Pads ...
[46]
Commitment to Sustainability - Post-it
For those who want notes with higher recycled content, turn to our Post-it® Recycled Notes range. No new trees are used to make Post-it® Recycled Notes.Missing: variants | Show results with:variants
[47]
A note to nature. - 3M
The “greener” version of popular 3M note pads is made with an adhesive that is 67% plant-based material by weight. It's also made with 100 percent recycled ...Missing: variants | Show results with:variants
[48]
Post-it® Recycled Notes | 3M United States
Post-it 100% Recycled Paper Super Sticky Notes, Canary Yellow, 3 in. x 3 in., 5 Sticky Note Pads, 70 Sheets per Pad, Scho... 4.9 out of 5 stars. 54 reviews.Missing: variants | Show results with:variants
[49]
Take Note! - 3M
By evolving our manufacturing processes and products 3M is preparing Post-it® Brand for the future. Learn More about Post-it® 100% Recycled Super Sticky Notes.
[50]
What is a Kanban Board: From Sticky Notes to Digital Transformation
Jul 26, 2023 · Kanban is a visual project management tool, a signboard for mapping and tracking planned work, work in progress, and work done.
[51]
Is Kanban just putting sticky notes onto a wall? - Medium
Jan 14, 2021 · If you break it down, Kanban is not more than putting sticky notes on a wall, sorted into different columns. Is that really true?
[52]
Sticky notes on the wall – but why? | Sprint Agile Blog
A wall full of sticky notes is the shared mind, the central unit, the short-term memory of the team. It is where the team's shared understanding, shared ...
[53]
Make the leap from to-do to done with the scrum methodology - Post-it
The Scrum method– powered by Post-it® Products– breaks a project up into modules, helping track all the project tasks through various stages of completion.
[54]
Simple agile with stickies - Medium
Mar 9, 2016 · Putting each backlog item on a sticky note keeps things concise and to the point. The product owner should explain the item on the note to the ...
[55]
Post-It Notes and Agile - LinkedIn
Nov 28, 2015 · If you've worked in an Agile Team with a real Kanban Board you'll know just how important a good Post-It Note is!
[56]
Imaginative Uses of Post-it® Notes in the Workplace
Cluttered desks are a productivity killer. Use Post-it® Notes to create a customised, ever-evolving organisation system. Label drawers, folders, and shelves ...
[57]
https://www.captainnotepad.com/blog/color-coded-post-it-notes-in-the-workplace/
[58]
Post-it Note Professional | Sticky Notes as a Productivity Tool
Jun 21, 2025 · Sticky notes are a cheap, instant, tacky solution to so many organizing and communications problems. It's no wonder so many people stick to ...
[59]
Case Studies - Post-it® Custom Printed Products
Case Studies · Inventory Shelves (1 page) · Revitalizing Hotel Traffic (1 page) · Effective Communication with Post-it® Business Cards (1 page) · Online Retailer (1 ...
[60]
The Effective and Simple Post-It Note for Productivity
Jan 31, 2024 · Try the simple five-item Post-it note. Avoid any list that contains more than a dozen items. Instead, create five or six clear and concrete tasks.
[61]
Office Organization - Post-it
We know administrative professionals have a lot on their plates - from keeping projects moving forward to helping the people you support be better organized ...
[62]
Sticky Notes: The Low Tech Teaching Tool - College of LSA
Jan 20, 2022 · Sticky notes are versatile, flexible, and inexpensive. They can be used to annotate readings, connect to personal knowledge, and for ranking ...
[63]
Sticky notes as a teaching tool
Sep 2, 2014 · Sticky notes help students share problems, move around, initiate conversations, and narrow down ideas, while also preventing distractions.
[64]
A Research Study Using Sticky Notes in the Classroom
Sticky notes allow me to think in the moment and remember more about the text than if I were just summarizing in the end….[they] grant me the freedom to express ...
[65]
7 Ways to Use Post-It Notes in the Classroom
Post-it notes can be used for data collection, feedback, reinforcement, schedules, visual cues, and communication scripts in the classroom.
[66]
Sticky Note Student Feedback - Ambitious Science Teaching
Sep 17, 2023 · Through sticky note student feedback, students can add or change ideas, evidence, and questions to developing models or explanations.<|separator|>
[67]
Sticky Notes and Student Choice Can Go a Long Way Toward ...
Oct 19, 2023 · The sticky notes serve as a great reminder for teachers to slow down and provide time for students to consolidate some of their learning. Even ...Sticky Notes And Student... · Giving Options · Greetings<|separator|>
[68]
How sticky notes support cognitive and socio-cognitive processes in ...
In this way, sticky notes may help to counteract group “productivity losses” in brainstorming (see Nijstad & Stroebe, 2006). Show abstract.
[69]
How sticky notes support design cognition and design collaboration
We find that the affordances of sticky notes make them well-suited to supporting cognitive processes associated with visualizing and understanding “part/whole” ...
[70]
Post-it® Study - Teachers
Post-it provides easy-to-use, visual tools for teachers to help students tackle subjects, stay focused, and organize study essentials.
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https://www.stik2it.com/blog/5-of-the-coolest-pieces-of-postit-note-artwork/
[72]
50+ Cool Sticky Note Artworks That Will Amaze You - JobMob
Apr 25, 2019 · 12. Elvis · 13. Post-It Note Art Collage · 14. Marilyn Monroe · 15. Hippie Art · 16. Flower Mural · 17. Mona Lisa · 18. Steve Jobs · 19. Art Gallery ...
[73]
An Artist's Sticky-Note Project Spreads Post-Election Solidarity
Nov 14, 2016 · Thousands of sticky notes have accumulated in the NYC subway, a movement of post-Trump solidarity evolved from artist Matthew Chavez's ...
[74]
Note perfect: Ed Atkins's daily Post-it drawings – in pictures
Mar 22, 2025 · Post-it notes drawn daily by the artist Ed Atkins that are on show at Tate Britain gallery in London, 2 April – 25 August 2025.
[75]
Sticky Note Pixel Art Project- With Printable Templates
Nov 13, 2024 · This sticky note pixel art project is tons of fun, but also educational. It is a math-art project that teaches counting and symmetry.
[76]
30+ Post-it Note art, crafts and activities | Mum In The Madhouse
Create instant party decorations by sticking some sticky notes to the wall in the shape of a banner. Such a great idea for beautiful simple home decorations.
[77]
Great Digital Alternatives to Post-it Notes for a More Organized ...
Aug 10, 2021 · Digital alternatives include Microsoft To-Do, Windows 10 Sticky Notes, Outlook Notes, Mac Stickies, Notezilla, Simple Sticky Notes, and the ...
[78]
Microsoft Sticky Notes | Logopedia - Fandom
Sticky Notes started as a feature in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2002. This feature would be shortly re-introduced in Windows Longhorn Build 4042.
[79]
Sticky Notes updates - Windows Insider Program - Microsoft Learn
August 7, 2019. We're very pleased to announce that today, Sticky Notes 3.7 is now available to everyone on Windows 10 version 1803 and higher!
[80]
Top 10 Sticky Notes Alternatives & Competitors in 2025 - G2
The best overall Sticky Notes alternative is Microsoft OneNote. Other similar apps like Sticky Notes are Notezilla, Evernote, Notion, and Fathom. Sticky Notes ...
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Windows sticky note alternative: Digital sticky notes that actually stick!
Notezilla lets you stick digital notes to websites, documents, apps, folders, and emails, unlike Windows sticky notes, and is a professional app.
[82]
FREE Online Sticky Notes - Miro
Using Miro, you can easily create a new sticky note or take it from a virtual sticky note pad. Digital sticky notes can be color-coded, resized, and organized ...
[83]
Free Online Sticky Notes for Team Collaboration - Mural
Mural's online sticky notes allow easy drag-and-drop, shared workspace, real-time or async collaboration, and organization by theme.
[84]
10 Best Free Online Sticky Notes Apps in 2025 - ClickUp
May 14, 2025 · Lino is an English version of the popular Japanese app Linoit, a free virtual sticky notes board for sharing post-it notes and photos. In ...
[85]
Post-it® App Alternatives: 25+ Sticky Notes Apps - AlternativeTo
Aug 12, 2025 · The best Post-it® App alternative is Stickies, which is free. Other great apps like Post-it® App are SnappyNotes, Microsoft Sticky Notes, Notefox and SideNotes.
[86]
10 Sticky Notes Apps: Brainstorm and Keep Sticky Notes Online
Sep 24, 2024 · Google Keep is a popular sticky notes app that integrates seamlessly with other Google services. It is perfect for both personal and ...
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https://fluidstance.com/blogs/news/sticky-notes-alternatives-digital-and-desk-options
[88]
stickynexus: Leveraging Sticky Note Interactions to Improve ...
Jun 27, 2025 · Sticky notes are widely used as a design material to support the management of information and ideas. Existing research shows that sticky notes ...
[89]
(PDF) Physical Versus Digital Sticky Notes in Collaborative Ideation
In this paper, we compare the use of physical and digital sticky notes in collaborative ideation. ... Post-It Notes. in Design Team Cognition. In B. T. Christe ...
[90]
Post-It® Note Persuasion: A Sticky Influence - ScienceDirect.com
Attaching a Post-it note to a survey packet significantly increased return rates and promptness of completion, suggesting a personal favor interpretation.
[91]
Post-It ® Note Persuasion: A Sticky Influence - ResearchGate
Aug 7, 2025 · Four studies examine the influence of attaching a seemingly insignificant Post-it note to a survey packet on the likelihood of completing ...
[92]
Sticky notes and remembering: a productivity system or a symptom ...
You stop taking care of yourself, exercising, taking 'me time', whatever it is you do for just you (and not your family/loved ones). You start to become more ...
[93]
"Sex and the City" The Post-It Always Sticks Twice (TV Episode 2003)
Rating 7.9/10 (886) Charlotte is engaged, while Carrie is angry about a post-it breakup. The episode is a comedy, drama, and romance.Full cast & crew · Release info · Candace Bushnell · Plot
[94]
Post-It Notes Were Introduced to the World 45 Years Ago - People.com
Apr 7, 2025 · From Romy and Michele to Carrie Bradshaw and Berger, Post-It Notes have left their mark on pop culture. The pressure-adhesive note was first ...Missing: media | Show results with:media
[95]
The Best Post-It Note Moments from TV and Movies - Parade
Apr 6, 2015 · The notes have been present, or even a part of plot points, in many TV shows and movies over the last three decades. Here are the most prominent prime-time ...
[96]
Pop Culture Post-Its: The Moments That Will Always Stick | Decider
Jun 9, 2016 · Post-Its are an important prop for some of your favorite TV shows and movies. They have joined characters together, broken them apart, and even been bathed in.
[97]
Art Fry, Spencer Silver. Post-it® Note. c. 1977 - MoMA
... adhesives for aerospace use, Spencer Silver, a research scientist at the company 3M, inadvertently invented a formula for a removable and reusable adhesive.<|separator|>
[98]
Post-It & Sticky Notes- Market Size - Valuates Reports
In stockAns: 3M is the world leading manufacturer in global Post-It & Sticky Notes market with the market share of 77%, in terms of revenue, followed by Hopax, 4A ...
[99]
3M Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results
Jan 21, 2025 · Adjusted sales of $23.6 billion, up 1.3 percent year-on-year with adjusted organic sales increase of 1.2 percent year-on-year. 3M returned $3.8 ...
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Post-It & Sticky Notes Market Size, Share & Growth Report, 2030
The post-It & sticky notes market size was valued at USD 1.42 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 1.48 billion in 2025 to USD 2.09 billion by 2030 ...
[101]
FAQs | Post-it® Brand
The paper used to make Post-it® Notes and Post-it® Easel products is subject to 3M's Pulp and Paper Sourcing Policy. Pursuant to that Policy, 3M applies due ...
[102]
Sustainability in 3M Consumer Products | Overview
We are proud that our Cynthiana, Kentucky plant, maker of Post-it® Notes and Scotch® Packaging Tapes, has maintained zero-waste-to-landfill status since Q4 2016 ...
[103]
Post-it Notes - Design Life-Cycle
A Post-It note, a three by three inch sheet of paper that often holds important content that would be forgotten without its presence.
[104]
The Dark Side of Sticky Notes - The Atlantic
Jul 28, 2010 · A revolutionary new invention 30 years ago, Post-its may seem harmless, but they can ruin books and interfere with recycling.
[105]
Are Post-it Notes Recyclable? | AF&PA
Yes, post-it notes are recyclable by paper mills! It's best to attach them to printer paper, mail, magazines, or other larger paper items and place them in ...<|separator|>
[106]
Post-it notes - North London Waste Authority
Post-it notes can be recycled if stuck to larger paper, otherwise they go in the rubbish bin. Loose post-it notes will not be recycled.<|separator|>
[107]
To Post-it or Not to Post-it - Smithsonian Institution Archives
Sep 5, 2013 · All sticky notes leave behind a harmful residual adhesive that attracts dirt and sticks to other papers or objects, no matter if you remove it immediately or ...
[108]
Three Reasons Why it's Time to Move On from Post-its and an Eco ...
They are environmentally friendly: With our notebooks and anchor charts, you won't create a pile of tiny little papers that get discarded after a single-use.
[109]
Sticky Notes Get Sustainable: How Post-it® Notes are Sticking with ...
Jul 11, 2024 · Discover how Post-it® Notes are reducing their environmental impact with recycled paper, water-based adhesives, and more.
[110]
In Defense of Post-its - NN/G
Mar 25, 2018 · Other Limitations. Physical Post-Its are limited to colocated teams and disadvantage team members who are hard of sight or colorblind. While ...
[111]
How to stop Post-it Notes curling and falling off - Enablers of Change
Aug 17, 2020 · Pulling them upwards or sideways causes the notes to bend, and they then don't adhere well to flat surfaces.
[112]
The 5 Biggest Drawbacks of Planning Using Sticky Notes
This covers a range of practical considerations, including problems getting rooms big enough to hold the event in, the cost of brown paper and its lack of re- ...
[113]
The Power of the Sticky Note - Influence Magazine
Aug 4, 2017 · The stickiness only lasts so long. If you try to restick them too often, you'll lose them forever. That means their value is immediate. But they ...
[114]
Activity – How Many Times Can You Stick a Post-It Note?
Spencer F. Silver, discovered the adhesive on Post-It Notes by accident, but did not have a use for it at first because it was not very sticky. Later, Art ...Missing: composition | Show results with:composition<|separator|>
[115]
Sticky lawsuit: $400M dispute lingers over Post-it inventor | AP News
Mar 11, 2016 · An inventor with dozens of patents for a range of products is suing 3M Company, saying he created what became the ubiquitous Post-it Note.
[116]
Guy sues 3M after a 40-year battle over who invented an everyday ...
Jan 28, 2016 · Alan Amron claims that he, and not Minnesota-based 3M, invented the original sticky note, in a new lawsuit he filed in the US District Court in Florida Tuesday.
[117]
3M Sticks to Its Story in Post-It Notes Lawsuit | IndustryWeek
Mar 11, 2016 · 3M Company, maker of the ubiquitous Post-it note, has been sued by an inventor who says he first conceived of the sticky message products.<|separator|>
[118]
Judge Dismisses Post-it Note Inventor Lawsuit | FreeAdvice
Jul 16, 2021 · A federal district court judge in Florida has dismissed a lawsuit against the 3M Company by a man who claims to have invented Post-it Notes.
[119]
3M Wins Toss Of $1.7B Suit Over Post-It Notes IP Deal - Law360
Sep 30, 2025 · A New York federal judge has tossed an inventor's $1.7 billion lawsuit challenging the terms of a settlement of his earlier intellectual ...Missing: disputes | Show results with:disputes
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3M Not Happy with Microsoft's Post-It Emulation - WIRED
Jan 9, 1997 · Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing, better known as 3M, has filed suit against Microsoft for infringing on its trademark for Post-It notes.
[121]
Minnesota Min. and Mfg. v. Beautone Specialties, 82 F. Supp. 2d ...
This case arises out of a trademark dispute between rival sticky note manufacturers, plaintiff Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, Inc. ("3M") and defendants ...
[122]
3M vs. Deli Group Co., Ltd Regarding Infringement of "POST-IT ...
Mar 29, 2019 · This is a complicated trademark infringement case, involving a multinational corporation and a domestic industry leader, who later united ...