ChronoFive
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Setting the scene
3M scientist Spencer Silver had invented a weak adhesive in 1968 that stuck lightly without residue, but the company struggled to find a product until colleague Art Fry used it to bookmark hymn pages.
What happened
Post-it Notes launched nationwide in 1980 under the brand name Post-it, with Canary Yellow squares marketed as a tool for office reminders and creative brainstorming.
Why it still matters
The accidental-adhesive story became a business-school parable about innovation and internal entrepreneurship. Memorable detail: 3M initially called the product "Press 'n Peel" before the Post-it name took off.
Background
The accidental adhesive story became a creativity parable.