Self-adhesive kraft paper tape, another recyclable option, is also made of paper but uses a natural rubber-based bonding agent. Like WAT, it is available in standard and reinforced versions, but ...

Natural rubber, pine gum, and turpentine were mixed together for a surgical tape. Water-activated adhesive tapes soon followed. In 1925, Richard G. Drew of 3M created the first masking tape.

The self-cleaning ability is the factor that keeps gecko feet remaining reliably strong over time, whereas adhesive tapes, no matter how sticky they are, become less useful as they pick up dirt.