how did cellulose tape got its name?

Answer 1

The first transparent adhesive tape was made from cellophane, which is made from cellulose. That name probably came from the fact that it is the primary ingredient in the cell walls of plants.

Answer 2

True-the original tape was cellulose backed. The big problems with celluloids are they burn fast and quickly embrittle. The MMM company came out with a tape (I don't recall if they were originally involved with cellulose materials or not) In their Scotch brand product area, thus becoming Scotch Tape, now used as a generic name for all adhesive tapes in the same manner as Kleenex is generally used for all tissues (much to the dismay of the brand owners).