What is a washi tape? Why is it called washi tape?

A industrial masking tape factory received an email one day from a small group of women. Said they have a book of art made with masking tape that was originally intended for use as a tool, not an art supply. They requested the company to manufacture colourful masking tapes for artists.

This was the start of "masking tape". Though there were only 20 colors in the beginning, the tape became popular in Japan by artists, crafters, and design lovers. With success came new colours, patterns and sizes. Thus, washi tape was born!

To define washi tape, washi is made of up the two Japanese characters, (Wa) and (shi). (Wa) symbolizes Japan, and (shi) means paper. You can click here to see more about “washi” on wiki. So washi means Japanese paper. However, the term “washi tape” has really only been used in the west. In Japan it’s just called “masking tape”.

Washi tape is commonly made from the bark of trees that are native to Japan —the paper mulberry, the bark of the gampi tree, or the mitsumata shrub. Besides, it's also made using bamboo, rice, and wheat.

Because of it's highly renewable resources, washi tape is regarded eco friendly and biodegradable.Unlike washi tapes, duck / duct tape is made of plastic and is stickier than washi tape.

The second reason that washi tape is eco friendly comes from its reusability. Washi tape comes off way easier than duct tapes. Unlike duct tape, washi tapes does not leave a sticky mess. But the longer you leave it on the harder it is to get off.

1. The images are only for reference only; actual spec. and color are based on the real product.
2. If the quantity less than you required due to the QC or material shortage will be according to the actual quantity count.

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