EP2282303B1 - Multilayer label - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a multilayer label having a splittable layer.

Information labels are, as the name suggests, information, mostly in the printing process. To apply these labels on a substrate, they have a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, which fixes the label after the dispensing process.

In conventional labels, therefore, only the surface of the label is available as a printing area.

An optimized variant of a label is characterized by the fact that the carrier of the label is printed on top and bottom side. To get to the information on the bottom, the label must be separable. For this purpose, the label is designed such that the carrier can be removed from the adhesive. The disadvantage is that an open adhesive remains on the ground, which tends to foul or adhere to the undesirable things.

In order to prevent this, there are labels in which the PSA does not remain tacky after separation. For example, a laminating adhesive is applied for this purpose between adhesive and carrier. Subsequently, the laminating adhesive is cured (for example, by UV light or thermal), so that the laminating adhesive after irreversible curing no longer has pressure-sensitive adhesive properties.

The bond between the carrier and laminating adhesive is preferably designed so that the carrier is removable from the laminating adhesive. Then he stays Laminating adhesive without adhesive properties on the adhesive, the disadvantages described do not occur.

In addition, there are labels in which the customer is offered the opportunity to accommodate as much information in a relatively small space. For this purpose, the adhesive, which fixes the label on the substrate, printed on the top with the desired information.

The carrier is printed on the top and bottom sides. Both layers are brought together and a compound is formed between two of the print layers. When separating the label, this splits between the print layers, so that the adhesive is still covered.

Furthermore, there are so-called "VOID labels" which are used as a security label and indicate unauthorized opening of packages or the like.

If the bonded, mostly colored "VOID label" is removed from the substrate, a defined splitting of the color and adhesive layers between the carrier material and the substrate takes place and a specific lettering or the like appears.

The deformations during the cleavage process mean that the layers can not be brought over one another after separation, so that even after re-gluing the lettering or the like remain recognizable and thus the unauthorized opening is signaled.

The usually single-layer labels are constructed in such a way that certain portions of the label base are equipped with a primer and others are not. By virtue of this different adhesion of the underside of the film, for example, a paint separates on removal of a bonded label from the film side and remains on the adhesive.

Since the color has also lost its positive connection to the film after the separation and, if necessary, elongation effects have led to dimensional changes, the lettering remains recognizable even after renewed sticking due to air inclusions or deformations.

These labels are for example in the DE 199 12 709 A1 . DE 199 12 710 A1 . DE 199 12 711 A1 or DE 100 22 002 A1 described.

The US 2002/0176975 A1 describes a security tag which can be separated along a fissile layer.

The EP 1 403 190 A2 discloses a tamper-evident seal with a splittable backing which irreversibly splits the backing upon breaking the tamper-evident seal.

Object of the present invention is to provide a label that is easy to open, which provides a lot of space for printing and leaves after leaving no free adhesive surface.

This object is achieved by a label or method, as set forth in the main claim 1 and 17. The subject of the dependent claims are advantageous developments of the subject invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to proposed uses of the label according to the invention.

Accordingly, the invention relates to a multilayer label with a carrier whose upper side is printed with a first print layer and on the lower side of the layers according to claim 1 are applied in the specified descending order.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second print layer is applied to the carrier, more preferably the first and second print layers simultaneously.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a protective lacquer layer is present between the support or the second printing layer and the gap-capable printing layer.

The weakest link within the label is represented by the splittable print layer. Between all layers of the label, the bond is stronger than the cohesion within the splittable print layer. The individual layers are also designed in such a way that no cohesive fracture can be observed in them.

Preferably, the bond strength with which the label can be adhered to the substrate is also higher than the cohesion in the splittable layer, so that the entire label does not peel off from the substrate during the opening attempt of the bonded label, but the label is actually in the splittable printing layer splits. However, use cases are conceivable where it is possible to dispense with a column of the label, that is, the removal has higher priority.

The first, second and third print layers carry the information that is to be disseminated through the label. They can also consist of several individual layers, which are printed one after the other and which can have different colors. The pressure can be next to or to each other.

Preferably, the first, second and third printed layers are partially applied.

The protective lacquer layer serves to protect the second print layer.

The Klebemassenabdeckschicht serves to tap the adhesive side facing the label side of the adhesive layer, since this is covered by the imprint of the layer.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleavable printing layer, the adhesive compound covering layer and, if appropriate, the protective lacquer layer are applied over the entire surface of the support.

The third printing layer may be printed on the cleavable printing layer, preferably it is printed on the adhesive layer, so that the Klebemassenabdeckschicht protects the third printed layer.

Further preferably, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to the Klebemassenabdeckschicht or the third printing layer such that in an edge region the label is a Klebemassenfreier stiffening on the Klebemassenabdeckschicht and optionally the third printing layer.

This adhesive mass-free projecting region on the adhesive mass covering layer and optionally on the third printing layer can serve as a handle if - after the separation of the label - also the Klebemassenabdeckschicht including the third printing layer should be removed from the substrate.

In order to remove the adhesive at the same time, it is advantageous if the bond between the adhesive compound covering layer and optionally the third printing layer and the PSA is stronger than the adhesive force with which the label is glued to the substrate.

Instead of providing the strip with an adhesive, a non-adhesive strip can be produced on the PSA layer by partially rendering the adhesive in the region inactivated (for example by irradiation, powdering or partial neutralization).

A low tack streak can also be achieved by using two different adhesives within the adhesive layer. For this purpose, a removable adhesive having low bond strength is used in the area in which the grip is to be formed.

A second handle may be provided on the carrier layer.

Preferably, an area on the underside of the substrate in this area is not coated or the bond to the underlying layer is weakened. the. This area then serves as a handle for grasping and peeling off the wearer.

This grip can also be formed in that an additional, preferably uncoated surface is formed on the carrier.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cleavable printing layer, the Klebemassenabdeckschicht and the third printing layer are partially applied so that PSA is in contact at least in an edge region of the label with the overlying the cleavable printing layer.

When the label is opened, the splittable layer, while no cohesive failure is observed in the adhesive layer, does not split even in the region in which the adhesive with the layer above the cleavable printing layer is in Contact stands. This area rather forms a hinge, over which the label can be opened and closed.

For example, this adhesive tape is 5 mm wide in the edge region of the label. The hinge preferably lies opposite the adhesive-mass-free area forming a grip and / or the grip formed on the support.

In an advantageous further development of the embodiment described, a second recess is additionally present in the cleavable printing layer, in the adhesive mass covering layer and in the third printing layer so that the pressure-sensitive adhesive is in contact with the layer located above the cleavable printing layer in a second area. This recess may be cylindrical (for example, with an oval base), in particular circular cylindrical and should have a small area compared to the total area of the label. This recess is in relation to the described strip of adhesive, which forms the hinge, as close as possible to the opposite edge of the label, because this area allows a reversible bonding of the opened label, so that a previously opened label can be closed again at this point and a "fluttering" and kinking of the label can be prevented.

Due to the described purpose of this area, the skilled person selects a suitable area for the recess, depending on the size of the label and on the adhesive used. The resistance opposed to opening the label must not be too great; on the other hand, the area must be sufficient to ensure that the label is re-bonded.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the label is additionally provided with an additional and variable printing by means of a further printing method, such as, for example, an inkjet printing (preferred), a laser marking or a thermal transfer printing. For example, it is alphabetic, numeric or alphanumeric codes, logistics codes, EAN codes, bar codes, etc., to use the inventive label for competitions, pricing, logistics purposes, etc. can.

This printing is integrated in particular in the second or particularly preferred in the third printing layer, so that it is not immediately visible, but only after the label has been opened. The printing can also be applied to the second or third printing layer.

The labels according to the invention may be circular, for example with a diameter of 30 mm, oval, polygonal or rectangular and square, the latter moreover also having rounded corners.

The outer shape of the labels can be varied almost unrestrictedly adapted to the respective application.

As a carrier of the label are papers or different slides to choose from.

According to the invention can be used as materials films, in particular monoaxially and biaxially oriented films based on polyolefins, then films based on stretched polyethylene or stretched copolymers containing ethylene and / or polypropylene units, optionally also PVC films, PET films, films Base of vinyl polymers, polyamides, polyesters, polyacetals, polycarbonates

Biaxially oriented polypropylene is characterized by its very high tensile strength and low elongation. Preferred for the production of the labels according to the invention are biaxially oriented films based on polypropylene. The thicknesses of the biaxially oriented films based on polypropylene are preferably between 20 and 100 μm, in particular between 25 and 75 μm, very particularly between 30 and 65 μm.

Biaxially oriented films based on polypropylene can be produced by blown film extrusion or by means of conventional flat film systems. Biaxially stretched films are produced in one or more layers. In the case of multilayer films, the thickness and composition of the different layers may be the same, but also different thicknesses and compositions are known.

Suitable for the labels according to the invention are monolayer, biaxially or monoaxially stretched films or multilayer, biaxial or monoaxial films based on polypropylene, which have a sufficiently strong bond between the layers, since delamination of the layers during use is disadvantageous.

Films based on rigid PVC are used for the production of labels as well as films based on soft PVC.

For the labels according to the invention also films based on rigid PVC can be used. The thicknesses of the films are preferably between 20 and 100 μm, in particular between 25 and 65 μm, very particularly between 30 and 60 μm.

Polyester-based films, for example polyethylene terephthalate, are also known and can also be used to make the labels of the invention. The thicknesses of the films based on PET are between 20 and 100 μm, in particular between 25 and 65 μm, very particularly between 30 and 60 μm.

The films used are preferably nontransparent. They can be dyed, foamed or unfoamed in any way.

For example, the film can be a BOPP film from EXXON which is 60 ZH 247 with a thickness of 60 μm, white and foamed.

The support and also the adhesive layer can be transparent, in such a way that each layer preferably has a transmission of greater than 60%, in particular a transmission greater than 90% at a wavelength of 350 to 1150 nm.

The transmittance - sometimes referred to as transmittance for short - which is usually given in%, means the ratio of the light power arriving at the back of a light-irradiated body to the light power arriving at the front. The transmission is trimmed by reflection and absorption. $$\mathrm{So\; it\; applies}:\mathrm{Tran}\mathrm{s}\mathrm{mission\; degree}=\left(\mathrm{1}-\mathrm{reflectivity}\right)x\left(1-\mathrm{absorptance}\right)\mathrm{,}$$

The labels according to the invention may contain, as adhesives, a pressure-sensitive adhesive based on natural rubber, PUR, acrylates or styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers. A pressure sensitive adhesive is a viscoelastic composition that remains permanently tacky and tacky at room temperature in a dry state. The bonding takes place by light pressure immediately on almost all substrates.

Suitable masses are for example in the " Handbook of pressure-sensitive adhesive technology, second edition, edited by Donatas Satas, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1989 described.

The self-adhesive composition used is in particular a commercially available pressure-sensitive adhesive composition based on PUR, acrylate or rubber, preferably a UV-crosslinkable hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive mixed with additives and resins. The Adhesive Novarad RC 21151 from Novamelt is an example.

As an adhesive, it has proven particularly advantageous to use an acrylate hot melt base which has a K value of at least 20, in particular greater than 30, obtainable by concentrating a solution of such a composition into a system which can be processed as a hotmelt.

Such an adhesive is in the DE 43 13 008 A1 explained.

In the adhesive on Acrylathotmeltbasis benzoin derivatives may be copolymerized, such as benzoin acrylate or benzoin methacrylate, acrylic acid or methacrylic acid ester. Such benzoin derivatives are in the EP 0 578 151 A1 described. The adhesive on Acrylathotmeltbasis can also be chemically crosslinked.

An adhesive which is suitable is a low molecular weight acrylate hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive, such as that marketed under the name acResin UV or Acronal®, in particular Acronal DS 3458, by BASF. This adhesive with a low K value obtains its application-oriented properties through a final radiation-induced crosslinking.

The adhesive application is preferably between 5.0 and 50.0 g / m ² , more preferably between 10.0 and 30.0 g / m ² and particularly preferably between 15.0 and 25.0 g / m ² . The latter corresponds to a thickness between 15 and 25 microns.

Preferably, the application of the adhesive takes place in the curtain coating process.

The release film used may be a PET film which is siliconized on one or both sides, preferably with a thickness of 30 .mu.m, for example the silicone film Silphan S30 M74F from Siliconature.

However, it is also conceivable on one side and on both sides provided with a corresponding release layer support materials of film materials such as PP or the like and paper conceivable, each with a preferred thickness between 20.0 and 40.0 microns.

The individual print layers and the protective lacquer layer can be applied in any printing process such as (UV) flexo, offset or screen printing.

The first, second and third printing layers can also consist of several successive printed layers. Each individual layer preferably has a thickness of between 1 and 2 .mu.m, so that the maximum total thickness of the respective print layer-if several layers are printed on one another-results from the addition of the thicknesses of the layers forming the print layer.

• erste Druckschicht zwischen 1 und 6 µm (bei bis zu drei Lagen)
• zweite Druckschicht zwischen 1 und 6 µm (bei bis zu drei Lagen)
• Schutzlackschicht zwischen 2 und 3 µm
• spaltfähige Druckschicht zwischen 3 und 4 µm
• Klebemassenschicht 7 bis 10 µm und/oder
• dritte Druckschicht zwischen 1 und 6 µm (bei bis zu drei Lagen)

The thicknesses of the individual layers are preferably within the following limits:

• first print layer between 1 and 6 μm (up to three layers)
• second print layer between 1 and 6 μm (up to three layers)
• Protective lacquer layer between 2 and 3 μm
• cleavable printing layer between 3 and 4 microns
• Adhesive layer 7 to 10 microns and / or
• third print layer between 1 and 6 μm (up to three layers)

UV-curing flexographic printing inks are preferably selected for the three printing layers, for example from the Flint series UFZXXXXX from Flint Group Switzerland AG. "XXXXX" encrypts the color, for example, UFZ50082 (cyan), UFZ30082 (magenta), UFZ10082 (yellow), UFZ80082 (black).

As coloring agents in the UV-curing flexographic printing inks, organic pigments (selected in the fastnesses as required), basic dyes (mainly for commercial printing), gold bronze (brass) and silver bronze (aluminum), pearlescent pigments, titanium dioxide, carbon blacks, zapon dyes ^® (metal complex dyes ) Use.

The binders used are cellulose derivatives such as cellulose nitrate, ethylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose or cellulose acetopropionate or vinyl polymers such as polyvinyl butyrals, PVC copolymers, polyacrylates and methacrylates, styrene / maleic acid copolymers or polyamide resins or polyesters or polyurethanes, or ketone resins or maleate resins or shellac.

For the solvents, alcohols such as ethanol, propan-2-ol, propan-1-ol are glycol ethers such as methoxypropanol, ethoxypropanol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, esters such as ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, propyl acetate, methoxy and ethoxypropyl acetate, ketones for special cases such as butane-2 -on, 4-methylpentan-2-one, acetone, cyclohexanone or aliphatic hydrocarbons such as gasolines, mostly used in conjunction with cosolvent polyamide resins.

For optimization purposes, additives are used, for example plasticizers, waxes (polyethylene and polypropylene waxes), lubricants (silicones, fatty acid amides), wetting agents or dispersants. In the case of water-based inks, fungicides and bactericides are also used.

The first print layer reflects the customer's design wishes. The first print layer forms the image that the customer sees when looking at the label. The imprint or the reproduction of the design can be implemented in a printing press in many ways.

The second print layer is - as the third print layer - visible only after separation of the label.

All three layers are preferably made by the same process using the same printing inks (optionally with different hue).

The printing can be done, for example, in gravure printing using solvent inks or offset printing process using appropriate offset inks. In addition to the Flint Group, paint suppliers include companies such as Sun Chemical, Siegwerk or Stehlin + Hostag.

Preferably, the flexographic printing process using UV-curable ink systems of the UV ink series "Flexocure Sigma" of the Flint Group is applied.

In the flexographic printing process, the ink application per ink is determined by the scoop volume of the anilox roller used and is between nominally 3.0 and 12.0 cm ^{3 of} ink per m ^{2 of} substrate.

Effectively, about one third of the ink volume is transferred to the substrate from the scoop volume of the anilox roller. For coloring, anilox rollers with a nominal scoop volume between 3.0 and 8.0 cm ³ / m ² are preferably used. Still further preferred screen rollers have a cell volume between 4.0 and 5.0 cm ³ / m ^2.

For the protective lacquer layer can also be a UV-curing flexo color such as those from the Flint series UFZXXXXX the company Flint Group Switzerland AG be selected, for example UFZ00061 (transparent white). The effective ink application is here preferably between 1.0 and 4.0 cm ³ / m ² , more preferably between 2.0 and 3.0 cm ³ / m ² .

To ensure the proper functionality of the label, the printed on the basis of the design specification partly not fully printed second printing layer with a uniformly homogeneous, full-surface and preferably transparent protective lacquer layer can be overprinted. As a result, interfering interactions between the different colors from the second printing layer and the fissile print layer are prevented. The transparency is made for the reason that the underlying pressure (the second printing layer) is easy to read.

The essential feature of the label is based on the use of a splittable ink with "separating" properties. Radical or cationic UV-based silicone-based ink systems can be used.

This layer is also transparent according to an advantageous embodiment. Preference is given to a water-based mixture consisting of an aqueous flexo ink such as Flint SOP00090, which is additionally blended with a thickener (for example HAW00104 from Flint Group Switzerland AG) and a fluorescent raw material (for example SQH00100 from Flint Group Switzerland AG).

The order of the water-based mixture also takes place in the flexographic printing process with a preferred, effective ink application between 1.0 and 8.0 cm ³ / m ² and a particularly preferred order volume between 3.0 and 4.0 cm ³ / m ² .

To counteract segregation or concentration of the individual components in the release coating, the release coating mixture should be constantly stirred during processing. The drying of the aqueous release coating is carried out thermally at drying temperatures between 40 to 100 ° C, preferably 60 to 80 ° C.

All of the raw materials used for the release coating are preferably from the company Flint Group Switzerland AG.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mixture consists of 80.0 to 98.0% by weight of a UV-curing flexographic ink such as "SOP00090", 1.0 to 8.0% by weight of a thickener such as, for example " HAW00104 "and 1.0 to 12.0 wt .-% of a fluorescent additive such as" SOH00100 ", more preferably from 90.0 to 95.0 wt .-% of the flexographic ink, 2.0 to 4.0 wt. -% of the thickener and 3.0 to 6.0 wt .-% of the fluorescent additive.

A thickener like "HAW00104" increases the viscosity of the aqueous paint system. In particular, aqueous ink systems also tend to coalesce on carefully physically pretreated (polyolefin) films, that is, the paint is repelled from some areas of the film and coalesces in other areas. As a result of this confluence, so-called "pinholes" form on the printing substrate after the application of the printing ink; the ink is not present in a homogeneous, coherent film. The color "is restless" (mottling).

Increasing the viscosity suppresses mottling. As a result, the color transfer increases during the printing process and the emptying of the anilox roller improves.

In order to be able to print the transparent release lacquer precisely on the label, a fluorescent raw material such as "SQH00100" is added to the release lacquer mixture. As a result, the machine operator has the ability to control using a black light lamp, the accuracy of fit of the release coating and readjust if necessary.

The Klebemassenabdeckschicht serves for perfect neutralization of the adhesive after separation of the label. When the adhered label is peeled from a substrate, the label separates at the splittable printing layer, that is, a part of the splittable printing layer remains at the upper part of the label, a part at the lower part. Since the third printing layer is usually applied partially and the splittable printing layer optionally separates so that it remains only partially at the bottom of the label, there is a risk that the adhesive layer is not completely covered and thus at least partially still sticky, which is more likely is undesirable.

The full-surface application of the Klebemassenabdeckschicht ensures that the adhesive is completely covered and thus neutralized, so that after the Peel off the label, the remaining adhesive on the substrate shows no sticky properties.

In order to completely neutralize the adhesive, a printing ink for particularly high paint application is used as neutralization printing. Preferably, the paint is applied by screen printing. For transferring the color preferably RSS screens (plate thickness 66 microns, mesh 290 mesh / inch, 21% open mesh area, mesh size 40 microns, ink layer thickness 10 microns, resolution line width 150 microns) are used by Gallus, which has a color layer thickness of 10 transferred. HM sieves (plate thickness 57 μm, mesh size 275 mesh / inch, open screen area 21%, mesh size 40 μm, ink layer thickness 7 μm, resolution line width 130 μm) from Gallus with a color-transmitting layer thickness of 7 μm have proven to be particularly suitable.

Information about the sieves: see attachments

Preference is given to a transparent white, UV-curing screen printing ink, for example from the "Uvoscreen II" ink series with the designation "USC00061" from the company of Flint Group Switzerland AG.

In particular, for applications in the food industry, a color mixture of a UV-curable transparent white flexo ink of the UV color series "Flexocure Gemini" with the name "UFG00061" by Flint Group Switzerland AG has proven to be preferred.

In order to be able to process this UV flexo ink by screen printing, the mixing of the ink with 0.5 to 3.0 wt .-%, particularly preferably 1.0 to 2.0 wt .-% of a silicone-based leveling agent such as the raw material "UAS00100" of the Flint Group Switzerland AG necessary.

As with the printing of the splittable printing layer, the accurate printing of the label is also of crucial importance when printing the adhesive compound covering layer. In order to make visible the blended, transparent white UV flexo under black light, the color is additionally 0.5 to 3.0 wt .-%, particularly preferably 1.0 to 2.0 wt .-% with a UV Blended suitable fluorescent raw material such as "UAA00105" of Flint Group Switzerland AG.

In order to take counterfeit-proof aspects into account in the labels used, it is additionally possible to use different color pigments and substances in the printing inks.

Most widely used are photoluminescent (phosphorizing) or fluorescent pigments, which are excited only or predominantly by UV radiation and emit in the visible region of the spectrum (for an overview see, for example Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, 4th edition, 1979, Verlag Chemie ).

However, IR-active luminescent pigments are also known. Examples of systems with UV fluorescence are xanthenes, coumarins, naphthalimides, etc., which are sometimes referred to in the literature under the generic term "organic phosphors" or "optical brighteners". The addition of a few percent of the relevant phosphors is sufficient.

For example, formulations with RADGLO® pigments from Radiant Color N.V./Holland or Lumilux® CD pigments from Riedel-de-Haen can be used. Also inorganic phosphors are suitable. As photoluminescent substances, especially with the emission of light in the yellow range, metal sulfides and oxides, usually in combination with suitable activators, have proved favorable. These are available, for example, under the trade name Lumilux® N or as luminescent pigments improved in terms of stability, luminosity and persistence under the trade name LumiNova® from Nemoto / Japan.

Also suitable in principle are phosphors which are excited by electron beams or X-rays and thermochromic pigments which reversibly change color when the temperature changes. The use of electrically conductive colors is possible.

When selecting the color pigments, care must be taken that they are sufficiently stable for the production process of the label (for example adhesive coating) and do not change irreversibly in the process conditions (optionally thermal drying, electron beam or UV curing).

The label according to the invention combines many advantages.

The label offers the novel possibility of providing the customer with a label in which up to three pages can be provided with an individual text or the like, despite a single-layer carrier material.

The special product structure enables the two sides of the carrier material (substrate) to be printed with customized information. It is advantageous and novel that additional information can be applied between the splittable layer and the adhesive in the form of the third layer.

As a carrier material for this additional information no further substrate in the form of a film or the like is required. In principle, the substrate to which the label is adhered acts as a carrier for the adhesive remaining thereon with the additional information.

Since the label consists of only one carrier layer, preferably a film layer, an adhesive layer and various print layers, the material thickness is significantly thinner compared to the conventional labels. This advantage makes it much easier and trouble-free to process the label material with the classic labeling machines.

In the case of the known label, it is desired that the label applied to the substrate (background) can be removed without residue and without pressure-sensitive adhesive properties. In order to achieve this property, in a conventional label the carrier is usually placed in a reversible composite with a self-adhesive material. This results in a relatively stiff and possibly difficult to process material.

Compared to the classic label, the new label consists of only one carrier layer (usually white, foamed BOPP film) on which the adhesive is directly and reversibly applied.

The use of an additional carrier material in the form of a self-adhesive material is eliminated, making the single-layer label significantly thinner than a classic label.

The label can be optimally used on cardboard or foil packaging.

With reference to the figures described below, a label is explained in more detail in a particularly advantageous embodiment, without thereby wanting to limit the invention unnecessarily.

Figur 1

das mehrschichtige Etikett in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform im seitlichen Schnitt,

Figur 2

das mehrschichtige Etikett gemäß Figur 1 nach der Auftrennung,

Figur 3

das mehrschichtige Etikett in einer anderen bevorzugten Ausführungsform im seitlichen Schnitt,

Figur 4

das mehrschichtige Etikett gemäß Figur 3 nach der Auftrennung

Figur 5

das mehrschichtige Etikett in einer anderen bevorzugten Ausführungsform im seitlichen Schnitt,

Figur 6

das mehrschichtige Etikett gemäß Figur 5 nach der Auftrennung

Show it

FIG. 1

the multilayer label in a preferred embodiment in the lateral section,

FIG. 2

the multilayer label according to FIG. 1 after separation,

FIG. 3

the multilayer label in another preferred embodiment in the lateral section,

FIG. 4

the multilayer label according to FIG. 3 after the separation

FIG. 5

the multilayer label in another preferred embodiment in the lateral section,

FIG. 6

the multilayer label according to FIG. 5 after the separation

According to FIG. 1 The multilayer label 10 has a carrier 2, the upper side of which is printed with a first print layer 1. The first print layer 1 consists of a total of three-ply imprint 11, 12, 13, wherein each layer 11, 12, 13 is partially applied, partially also one above the other, and has a different color. According to the illustrated embodiment, the first printing layer 1 gives a three-color image.

On the lower side of the carrier layer 2, the following layers are applied.

First, a second print layer 3, which is also partially printed, further information that is accessible to the customer after separating the label 10. Since the second printing layer 2 consists of only one layer, the imprint is monochrome.

The carrier 2 or the second printing layer 3 are covered with a protective lacquer layer 4 applied over the entire surface.

On the protective lacquer layer 4, a cleavable printing layer 5 is applied over the entire surface, wherein the force for inducing the cohesive failure within the cleavable printing layer 5 is smaller than the forces with which the cleavable printing layer 5 is connected to the overlying and the underlying layer 4 and 7 , This force is also smaller than any force associated with each of two superposed layers within the label.

In order to realize one of the inventive concept of accommodating as much information as possible on the smallest possible area of the label 10, a third printing layer 6 is provided, which is also partially printed. This information is accessible to the customer only after separation of the label 10. Since the third printing layer 6 also consists of only one layer, the imprint is again monochrome.

The third printing layer 6 is printed on the layer of adhesive layer 8, so that the third printing layer 6 is protected by the overlying adhesive layer covering layer 7.

The adhesive masking layer 7 is applied over the entire surface of the label 10. Furthermore, the adhesive compound covering layer 7 completely covers the adhesive layer 8 as well as the third printing layer 6, which in turn is covered with a release film layer 9, which is removed for bonding the label 10 to the substrate or substrate.

The PSA layer 8 is not applied over the entire surface, but instead on the adhesive compound cover layer 7 such that in an edge region of the label 10 there is a stick-free strip 14 on the adhesive-mass covering layer 7.

This adhesive mass-free projecting region 14 on the Klebemassenabdeckschicht 7 can serve as a handle if - after the separation of the label 10 - and the Klebemassenabdeckschicht 7 together with the third printing layer 6 and the adhesive 8 is to be removed from the ground.

FIG. 2 shows the multilayer label 10 according to FIG. 1 after the separation. The splittable printing layer 5 has split into two layers 5a, 5b, which cover the protective lacquer layer 4 as well as the third printed layer 6 and the adhesive mass covering layer 7.

Due to the special design of the label 10, neither the upper part of the label 10 is sticky nor the lower part remaining on the substrate.

After the separation, both the second printing layer 3 and the third printing layer 6 become legible for the customer.

FIG. 3 shows the multilayer label 10 in another preferred embodiment in the lateral section. In essence, the structure of the label 10 corresponds to that of the FIG. 1 is known.

The cleavable printing layer 5, the adhesive compound covering layer 7 and the third printing layer 6 are absent in an edge region of the label 10, namely the adhesive mass-free region 14, so that the PSA layer 8 in this edge region of the label 10 with the layer above the cleavable printing layer 5 4 is in contact.

When opening the label as it is in the FIG. 4 is shown splits the cleavable layer 5, while in the adhesive layer 8 no cohesive failure is observed, not even in the region 81 in which the adhesive 8 is in contact with the layer 4 overlying the cleavable printing layer 5. This area 81 rather forms a hinge, over which the label 10 can be opened and closed.

If enough force is required, the hinge can be separated.

FIG. 5 shows the multilayer label 10 in another preferred embodiment in the lateral section. In essence, the structure of the label 10 corresponds to that of the FIG. 3 is known.

In the splittable printing layer 5, in the adhesive composition covering layer 7 and in the third printing layer 6, an additional second recess 82 is present, so that the pressure-sensitive adhesive 8 in a second region 82 with the above the splittable Print layer 5 lying layer 4 is in contact. This recess 82 is circular cylindrical.

The recess 82 is located in the vicinity of the opposite edge of the label 10, ie in the vicinity of the adhesive-mass-free region 14 with respect to the described strip 81 adhesive which forms the hinge.

After opening the label 10, as in the FIG. 6 is shown, this area 82 allows a reversible bonding of the opened label 10 by the label 10 is folded back so that the area 82 with the protective lacquer layer 4 or the upper layer 5a of the fissile pressure layer 5 comes into contact and exerts an adhesive effect.

In order not to oppose the opening process too much, the area 82 has a small area compared to the total area of the label 10.

Claims (17)

1. A multilayer label with a backing (2) in the form of a non-transparent backing film or a paper, whose upper side is printed with a first print layer (1) with information which is to be disclosed by the label and on whose lower side the following layers are deposited in the specified descending sequence:

   a) as the case may be, a second print layer (3) which is not visible until after unravelling the label and is with information to be disclosed by the label,

   b) a transparent, cleavable print layer (5) which is deposited in a flexo-printing or screen printing method, wherein the force for causing the cohesion breakdown within the cleavable print layer (5) is smaller than the forces, with which the cleavable print layer (5) is connected to the layer lying thereabove and the layer lying therebelow, and wherein this force is smaller than any force, with which two layers lying on one another within the label are connected in each case,

   c) an adhesive mass cover layer (7) printed with a flexo-printing or screen printing method, for the bonding-technological neutralisation of the side of a pressure-sensitive adhesive mass layer (8) which faces the label, after unravelling the label,

   d) a third print layer (6) which is not visible until after unravelling the label and which is with information to be disclosed by the label,

   e) a pressure-sensitive adhesive mass deposition (8) between 5.0 and 50 g/m²,

   f) as the case may be, a liner paper or liner film (9) on the pressure-sensitive adhesive mass.
2. A label according to claim 1, characterised in that a protective varnish layer (4) is present between the backing (2) or the second print layer (3), and the cleavable print layer (5).
3. A label according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the cleavable print layer (5), the adhesive mass cover layer (7) as well as, as the case may be, the protective varnish layer (4) are deposited on the backing (2) over the whole surface.
4. A label according to at least one of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first, the second and/or the third print layer (1, 3, 6) are deposited in a partial manner.
5. A label according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pressure-sensitive adhesive mass (8) is deposited on the adhesive mass cover layer (7) or the third print layer (6), in a manner such that a strip which is free of adhesive mass is present in an edge region of the label on the adhesive mass cover layer (7) as well as, as the case may be, on the third print layer (6).
6. A label according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleavable print layer (5), the adhesive mass cover layer (7) and the third print layer (6) are partially deposited in a manner such that the pressure-sensitive adhesive mass (8) is in contact with the layer lying above the cleavable print layer (5), at least in an edge region of the label.
7. A label according to claim 6, characterised in that a second recess is present in the cleavable print layer (5), in the adhesive mass cover layer (7) and the third print layer (6), so that the pressure-sensitive adhesive mass (8) in a second region is in contact with the layer (4) lying above the cleavable print layer (5).
8. A label according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the interconnection between the adhesive mass cover layer (7) and the third print layer (6) and the pressure-sensitive adhesive mass (8) is greater than the bonding force with which the label is bonded on the substrate.
9. A label according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the thicknesses of the individual layers are:

   first print layer (1) between 1 and 6 µm,

   backing (2) between 20 and 100 µm, in particular between 25 and 75 µm, very particularly between 30 and 65 µm,

   second print layer (3) between 1 and 6 µm,

   protective varnish layer (4) between 2 and 3 µm,

   cleavable print layer (5) between 3 and 4 µm,

   adhesive mass cover layer (7) 7 to 10 µm,

   third print layer (6) between 1 and 6 µm and/or

   pressure-sensitive adhesive mass layer (8) between 15 and 25 µm.
10. A label according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the backing (2) is a biaxially orientated polypropylene film, which is preferably foamed and/or coloured.
11. A label according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adhesive mass deposition lies between 10.0 and 30.0 g/m² and particularly preferably between 15.0 and 25.0 g/m².
12. A label according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that UV-curing flexo-printing inks are selected for the first, second and/or third print layer (1,3,6).
13. A label according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the protective varnish layer (4) is a UV-curing flexo-printing ink which is preferably transparent.
14. A label according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleavable print layer (5) is a radically or cationically UV-curing ink based on silicone, which is preferably mixed with a thickener and/or a fluorescing raw material and which further is preferably transparent.
15. A label according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adhesive mass cover layer (7) is a transparently white, UV-curing screen printing ink which is preferably blended with a silicone-based levelling agent and/or with a fluorescing raw material.
16. The use of a label according to at least one of the preceding claims, on packages or cardboard or film.
17. A method for manufacturing a multilayer label with a backing (2) in the form of a non-transparent backing film or a paper, according to the claims 1 to 15, with the following steps:

    printing the upper side of the backing (2) with a first print layer (1) with information to be disclosed by the label;

    depositing the following layers on the lower side of the backing (2) in the specified descending sequence:

    a) as the case may be, a second print layer (3) which is not visible until after unravelling the label and is with information to be disclosed by the label,

    b) a transparent, cleavable print layer (5) which is deposited in a flexo-printing or screen printing method, wherein the force for causing the cohesion breakdown within the cleavable print layer (5) is smaller than the forces, with which the cleavable print layer (5) is connected to the layer lying thereabove and the layer lying therebelow, and wherein this force is smaller than any force with which two layers lying on one another within the label are connected,

    c) an adhesive mass cover layer (7) printed with a flexo-printing or screen printing method, for the bonding-technological neutralisation of the side of a pressure-sensitive adhesive mass layer (8) which faces the label, after unravelling the label,

    d) a third print layer (6) which is not visible until after unravelling the label and which is with information to be disclosed by the label,

    e) a pressure-sensitive adhesive mass deposition (8) between 5.0 and 50 g/m²,

    f) as the case may be a liner paper or liner film (9) on the pressure-sensitive adhesive mass.

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