Invented in 1942. In World War II, Johnson & Johnson's Revolt Permacell division developed the widely useful tape. The tape's ease of use, durability and water resistance made it ideal for sealing containers and fixing windows or equipment during the war. The basic composition of the product is medical tape with polythene backing.

When used in the army it was typically green, but after the was, it was used in civilian applications such as construction and repair and became recognizable for its silver-gray color.