A new shade of green for 3M's Scotch tape

In 1961, 3M launched its iconic Scotch Magic Invisible Tape for the mass market, touting its virtual invisibility on paper and the first tape that could be written upon with pen or pencil.

The product, which was actually invented in 1930 and originally marketed as a moisture-proof wrap for bankers and grocers, became a hit in homes, offices and schools.

A half century and millions of rolls later, 3M is launching "Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape."

Sold with a refillable dispenser, the made-in-the-USA tape contains 75 percent renewable or recycled materials and is billed as stronger than the original. The sticky side is made with a plant-based adhesive.

3M says after 50 years Scotch tape also sticks to its position as the No. 1 tape in offices and homes across the land.

"We want to stay relevant to our consumers, particularly the next generation of users that ranks environmental impact highly," said Pete Ley, a business unit manager in 3M's stationery division. "In the short term, our material costs will increase . . . As we consume more of the recycled raw materials, the production costs will decrease. That's our goal."

The green wave of recycled and plant-derived products is driven by rising energy and commodity prices, as well as consumer preference as companies move to recycle yesterday's "garbage" into everything from countertops made from recycled glass to pavers, roofing material and furniture from recycled plastics and tires.

Pepsi, first guzzled more than a century ago, has created what it says is the first plastic bottle made completely from plant-based materials. A test run is pending. Scott bath tissue makes a product from 50 percent recycled fiber.

A couple of Minnesota business veterans with French connections will join top diplomats to offer expert advice and insights on cracking into the French market at a Minnesota International Center symposium Thursday at the Radisson Plaza Hotel downtown.

"This symposium provides a great opportunity to discuss how to best take advantage of business opportunities in France and Europe," said Hubert Joly, the French-born CEO of Carlson, the globe-spanning travel and hospitality concern. "General Mills, Carlson, Cargill and other flagship Minnesota companies all have extensive operations in France and Europe. The European Union is the largest single market, or economy, in the world. France, within this, is the country with the highest GDP per capita. Paris is a wonderful hub to the rest of the world. And the labor force is first class."

Joly will be joined by Ken Powell, now the boss at General Mills, who helped launched Cereal Partners Worldwide in Europe in 1990 and also ran the General Mills-Nestlé global partnership that is now a $2 billion business.

Gov. Mark Dayton will deliver the welcome address and François Delattre, French ambassador to the United States, will deliver the keynote address.

The conference will cover fiscal, social and labor issues, as well as trade legislation in France and the European Union. France is the eighth-largest trading partner with the United States.

The cost is $150 for Minnesota International Center members and $185 for others. More information: www.micglobe.org/calendar/france.

Investment Advisor magazine, a national publication for financial planners, has named software entrepreneur Spenser Segal one of the top 25 movers in the financial adviser world, according to its annual survey.

Segal, CEO of Plymouth-based ActiFi, is in big-name territory. The group includes several bosses of large independent advisory firms including Mohamed El-Erian, chief executive of PIMCO; Mary Schapiro, chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, who is struggling to get the funds to fully enforce the Dodd-Frank financial reforms act, and Rep. Spencer Bachus, Republican chair of the House Financial Services Committee, who is trying to gut the new law.

"When selecting the Investment Adviser 25 ... we look for individuals who are transforming the financial services industry," said Investment Advisor editor James Green. "Spenser and ActiFi give advisers the insight and tools to turn their advisory practices into more efficient, effective, and profitable businesses."

Eight-year-old ActiFi, best known for its core product, Roadmap, employs 24 and expects to generate more than $4 million in revenue this year. Before founding ActiFi, Segal was vice president of e-commerce strategy at American Express Financial Advisors.

•Jodi Harpstead, an MBA who spent 23 years as a Medtronic executive, is chief operating officer of Lutheran Social Service, where she focuses on "the compassion to serve the neighbor ... and the competence to make a difference so that our client's lives are enhanced by walking with us."

Harpstead will speak about empowering clients to surmount housing, mental health, financial, disabilities and other challenges at the next "Good Leadership Breakfast" on May 20, at Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville.

The monthly breakfasts are the brainchild of leadership consultants Paul Batz and Tim Schmidt, who have written "What Really Works," a guide to not compartmentalizing your life. The authors advocate blending the "Seven F's": faith, family, finances, fitness, friends, fun and future with good people and common purpose to accomplish much. More info: www.whatreallyworkstoday.com.

•Doug Lennick, the long-time Ameriprise Financial executive, prolific author and consultant to executive teams, has co-authored a book about ethics, values and the corner office. There are plenty of interesting, real-life anecdotes from the top brass rooted in the financial crisis. It is called: "Moral Intelligence 2.0." More information: www.lennickaberman.com.

Neal St. Anthony • 612-673-7144 nstanthony@startribune.com