Scratch and sniff

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Scratch and sniff technology generally refers to stationery that has been treated with a microfragrance coating. When scratched, the coating releases an odor that is normally related to an image being displayed under the coating. The technology has been used on a variety of surfaces from stickers to compact discs.

Scratch and sniff is created through the process of micro-encapsulation. The desired aroma is surrounded by tiny micro-capsules that break easily upon scratching. Because of the micro-encapsulation, the aroma can be preserved for extremely long periods of time.

Stickers are probably the most common and well known use of the technology. They became common in the late 70's and grew in to big business for several companies throughout the early and mid 80's. As the technology evolved to an 'acid free' design (comonly recognizable by the glossy appearance of the sticker surface as opposed to the older, more matte appearance) the sticker craze seemed to come to a close. Today scratch and sniff stickers, in particular the older 'matte' stickers, are highly collectible and sought after by collectors. Auctions for packaged stickers have seen bids go in to the multiple hundreds of dollars on Ebay.

While there were hundreds of companies that put out Scratch and Sniff stickers, the most well known are Trend Enterprise's Stinky Stickers line, Sandylion, Creative Teaching Press (CTP), Spindex, Gordy, and Mello Smello.

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Hundreds of pictures of Scratch and Sniff Stickers