EP4599006A1 - Layered constructions with removable layers - Google Patents

Abstract

Layered constructions with removable layers, such as those used in pressure-sensitive adhesive constructions and release liners and components parts thereof, are disclosed. Methods of using the layered constructions are also disclosed.

Description

Title: LAYERED CONSTRUCTIONS WITH REMOVABLE LAYERS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No.63/476,746, filed December 22, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD [0002] The present invention generally relates to layered constructions. More particularly, the invention relates to layered constructions, such as those used in pressure-sensitive adhesive constructions and release liners and components parts thereof, and to methods of using the layered constructions. BACKGROUND [0003] Packaging is generally marked with information and/or decoration. In some cases, the information and/or decoration is provided in the form of a label, which is generally a multilayered construction containing a facestock (such as paper, polymeric film, fabric, or metallized foil) coated on one side with an adhesive and printed on the opposite side with printed indicia. Before the label is applied it may optionally have a release liner that protects the adhesive. Moreover, the label may have a topcoat to enhance printing. While this construction works well for the purpose of providing information and/or decoration, it poses a problem when the item to which the label is applied is to be disposed through reuse or recycling. For example, the label should ideally be easily removable for purposes of recycling of the underlying article, such as a single- use plastic bottle. Furthermore, the ink used for the printed indicia must stay on the label facestock for certain recycling processes, such as those used in PET recycling. In monomaterial recycling, the ink used for the printed indicia must separate from the label facestock. Moreover, it would be desirable to either enable recycling of the release liner or eliminate the release liner in its entirety to avoid the material in the waste stream. [0004] Thus, what is needed is packaging, including labeling, that not only serves its packaging function (i.e., hold, protect, handle, deliver, and/or present the goods to which it is associated or affixed) but also can be removed to enable recycling, reuse, composting, providing a biodegradable form, and/or proper disposal of the material. The invention is directed to these, as well as other, important needs. SUMMARY [0005] The present invention relates to removable layers, to layered constructions, such as those used in pressure sensitive adhesive constructions, release liner constructions, or printed facestock, wherein at least one of the layers can be removed, and to methods of using the layered constructions. [0006] Accordingly, the invention is directed to compositions, comprising: at least 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one binder that has a polymeric backbone with pendent hydroxyl or carboxyl groups that have been esterified or acetalized or ketalized to such an extent that the binder component has an acid value of 0-200 mg KOH/g or a hydroxyl value of 0-600 mg KOH/g; at least one hydrophobic resin; and at least one crosslinker. [0007] The invention is also directed to layered constructions, comprising: a facestock with a first surface and a second surface; an adhesive on the first surface; and a top coat on the second surface, wherein the top coat comprises the composition disclosed herein. [0008] The invention is also directed to methods of recycling, comprising: providing an article with a label adhered thereto; wherein the label comprises the layered construction disclosed herein; and wherein the layered construction further comprises printed indicia on the top coat; and exposing the label to a non-ambient stimulus for a time sufficient to separate 100% of the printed indicia from the facestock. [0009] The summary of the invention is provided as a general introduction to some of the embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to be limiting. Additional example embodiments, including variations and alternative configurations, of the invention are provided herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: [0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-section of one illustrative embodiment of the layered construction of the invention, where the layered construction has a removable printable top coat layer. [0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of one illustrative embodiment of the layered construction of the invention, where the layered construction is a release liner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Definitions [0013] As employed above and throughout the disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings. [0014] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended are open-ended and cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Also, use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include “one” or “at least one” and the singular also includes the plural, unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise by the context. As used herein, the term “about,” when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±10%, preferably, ±8%, more preferably, ±5%, even more preferably, ±1%, and yet even more preferably, ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods. [0015] As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to a moiety containing fully-saturated hydrocarbons that are linear, branched, and cyclic, where the number of carbon atoms permit branching or cyclization. [0016] As used herein, the prefix “(meth)acryl-” refers to both “methacryl-” and “acryl-”, such as in “(meth)acrylic” (meaning both methacrylic and acrylic), “(meth)acrylate” (meaning both methacrylate and acrylate), and “(meth)acrylonitrile” (meaning both methacrylonitrile and acrylonitrile). The term “(meth)acrylate” refers to monomeric acrylic or methacrylic esters of alcohols. Acrylate and methacrylate monomers are referred to collectively herein as “(meth)acrylate” monomers. Polymers prepared from (meth)acrylate monomers are referred to as (meth)acrylate polymers. [0017] As used herein, the term “acrylate resin” refers to at least one (meth)acrylate polymer or copolymer and may include a blend of different (meth)acrylate polymers and copolymers. [0018] As used herein, the term “polymer” will be understood to include polymers, copolymers (e.g., polymers formed using two or more different monomers), oligomers, and combinations thereof. [0019] The term “copolymer” is used herein to refer to polymers containing copolymerized units of at least two different monomers (i.e., a dipolymer). [0020] As used herein, the term “facestock” means a layer or multiple layers of film material (such as paper, polymeric film, fabric, metallic foil, or combinations thereof) to which printed indicia is added and which optionally be corona treated. The facestock has two sides, including a side that is outward facing and that can receive printed indicia (directly or indirectly) and the other side that is inward facing and that can receive the adhesive layer. Suitable facestocks include paper, polymeric film, co-extruded films, metallic films, coated versions thereof, recycled content version thereof, or combinations thereof. Representative examples include, without limitation, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, biaxially-oriented polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride and the like. The thickness of the facestock typically ranges from 10 µm to 250 µm, preferably 10 µm to 180 µm for film and 30 µm to 220 µm for paper. [0021] As used herein, the term “adhesive layer” means a layer or multiple layers of the same or different pressure sensitive adhesives applied to at least a portion of the surface of the facestock. The thickness of the adhesive layer typically ranges from 20 µm to at least 125 µm. The adhesive layer preferably comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive, which may be permanent or removable. [0022] As used herein, “pressure sensitive adhesive” or “PSA” refers to a material that may be identified by the Dahlquist criterion, which defines a pressure sensitive adhesive as an adhesive having a one second creep compliance of greater than 1x10^-6 cm²/dyne as described in Handbook of PSA Technology, Donatas Satas (Ed.), 2^nd Edition, page 172, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, N.Y., 1989. Since modulus is, to a first approximation, the inverse of creep compliance, pressure sensitive adhesives may also be defined as adhesives having a Young’s modulus of less than 1x10⁶ dynes/cm². Another well-known means of identifying a pressure sensitive adhesive is an adhesive that it is aggressively and permanently tacky at room temperature and firmly adheres to a variety of dissimilar surfaces upon mere contact without the need of more than finger or hand pressure, and which may be removed from smooth surfaces without leaving a residue, as described in Glossary of Terms Used in the Pressure Sensitive Tape Industry provided by the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council, 1996. Another suitable definition of a suitable pressure sensitive adhesive is that it preferably has a room temperature storage modulus within the area defined by the following points as plotted on a graph of modulus versus frequency at 25°C: a range of moduli from about 2x10⁵ to 4x10⁵ dynes/cm² at a frequency of about 0.1 radians/sec (0.017 Hz), and a range of moduli from about 2x10⁶ to 8x10⁶ dynes/cm² at a frequency of approximately 100 radians/sec (17 Hz). See, for example, Handbook of PSA Technology (Donatas Satas, Ed.), 2^nd Edition, page 173, Van Nostrand Rheinhold, N.Y., 1989. Any of these methods of identifying a pressure sensitive adhesive may be used to identify suitable pressure sensitive adhesives for use in the labels of the invention. Pressure sensitive adhesives are permanently tacky in dry form and can firmly adhere to a substrate with very light pressure. The adhesive requires no activation by solvent, water, or heat to exert sufficient holding power. [0023] As used herein, the term “permanent” as it relates to “pressure sensitive adhesive” means a pressure sensitive adhesive that is not easily removable without total or partial destruction of the layered construction (of which it is a part) or substrate (to which the layered construction is applied). Permanent adhesives present adhesion values greater than 230 N/m, based on Finat Test Method 1 - Peel adhesion (180°) at 300 mm/minute. An example of a permanent adhesive is S0290 adhesive, available from Avery Dennison Corporation. [0024] As used herein, the term “removable” as it relates to “pressure sensitive adhesive” means a pressure sensitive adhesive that is removable without destruction of the layered construction (of which it is a part) or substrate (to which the layered construction is applied). Removable adhesives present adhesion values greater than 30 N/m, based on Finat Test Method 1 - Peel adhesion (180°) at 300 mm/minute. Such removable pressure sensitive adhesives have low adhesion to the substrate, allowing for the easy hand removal of the layered construction from the substrate to which it is applied. Removable pressure sensitive adhesives include true removable adhesives, which are chemically designed for removability, and permanent adhesives that are applied at a low coat weight such that they remain removable. An example of a removable adhesive is R185 adhesive, available from Avery Dennison Corporation. [0025] As used herein, the phrase “release liner” means film sheet (typically paper such as kraft or glassine, or polymeric film such as PET or polyolefin, usually applied during the manufacturing process) used to prevent a sticky surface from prematurely adhering. It is coated on one or both sides with a release agent, which provides a release effect against any type of a sticky material, such as an adhesive or a mastic. The release agent may be applied a coating level of 0.5-3 gsm. [0026] As used herein, the phrase “printed indicia” means any string of alphanumeric or special characters used to convey information (such as name, residence or mailing address, telephone number, prescription number, and the like) and/or provide aesthetic appeal. The indicia may be printed in any suitable means including printing by hand, typewriter, or convention printing (such as flexographic printing, offset printing, inkjet printing, laser inkjet printing, videojet printing, thermal transfer, direct printing, gravure printing, and the like). [0027] As used herein, the term “label” means a two-dimensional piece of paper, fabric, plastic, or similar material configured to be attached to an object and giving information about it and/or decoration to it. The label may be any suitable shape or design, such as, for example, rectangular, square, circular, oval, triangular, multisided and irregular shapes. The label may have edges and corners that are sharp, rounded, or irregular. Labels may be formed from the layered constructions described herein (which are also referred to as labelstock and may formed in rolls, strips, sheets, and the like) with optional printed indicia thereon. [0028] As used herein, the phrase “non-ambient stimulus” means a material or condition that is in not in the environment in which the layered construction is conventionally used but when introduced in the presence of the layered construction causes some type of response by one or more components in the layered construction. [0029] As used herein, “gsm” means grams per square meter. [0030] All percentages noted herein are percentages by weight based upon the weight of the composition, unless indicated otherwise. [0031] Accordingly, the invention is directed to compositions, comprising: at least 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one binder that has a polymeric backbone with pendent hydroxyl or carboxyl groups that have been esterified or acetalized or ketalized to such an extent that the binder component has an acid value of 0-200 mg KOH/g or a hydroxyl value of 0-600 mg KOH/g (preferably 0-400 mg KOH/g) (preferably, wherein the polymeric backbone comprises carbon and optional heteroatoms); at least one hydrophobic resin; and at least one crosslinker. [0032] The invention is also directed to layered constructions, comprising: a facestock with a first surface and a second surface; an adhesive on the first surface; and a top coat on the second surface, wherein the top coat comprises the composition disclosed herein. [0033] The invention is also directed to methods of recycling, comprising: providing an article with a label adhered thereto; wherein the label comprises the layered construction disclosed herein; and wherein the layered construction further comprises printed indicia on the top coat; and exposing the label to a non-ambient stimulus for a time sufficient to separate 100% of the printed indicia from the facestock. [0034] In certain embodiments, wherein the non-ambient stimulus is a temperature of 80°C for 15 minutes of exposure with 1% caustic solution. [0035] In certain embodiments, the compositions further comprise at least one antiblocking agent. [0036] In certain embodiments, the compositions further comprise at least one auxiliary resin selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, polyester, ketonic resin, maleic resin, polyurethane, and combinations thereof, such as those disclosed in WO2021/165081, and WO2022/002734, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [0037] In certain embodiments, the compositions further comprise at least one soft resin, preferably having a glass transition temperature as measured at differential scanning calorimetry at a rate of 20°C/minute. Some examples of suitable soft resins include, but are not limited to, dioctyl adipate, acetyl tributyl citrate, sucrose acetate butyrate, and combinations thereof, such as those disclosed in WO2021/165081, and WO2022/002734, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [0038] In certain embodiments, the compositions further comprise at least one solvent. Some examples of the suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, C2-C3 alkyl acetate (ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate), C₂-C₃ alkyl alcohol (ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol), and combinations thereof. [0039] In certain embodiments, the binder is selected from polyester (such as polyvinyl ester, polyacrylate, and combinations thereof), polyvinyl acetal (such as polyvinyl butryal), polyvinyl ketal, and combinations thereof, such as those disclosed in WO2021/165081, and WO2022/002734, which are incorporated herein by reference. [0040] In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic resin is selected from poly(meth)acrylate, aliphatic polyether polyurethane, aliphatic polyester polyurethane, aliphatic urethane acrylate, and combinations thereof, such as those disclosed in US-B- 9,061,536, which are incorporated herein by reference. [0041] In certain embodiments, the crosslinker is selected from the group consisting of polyaziridine, polycarbodiimide, melamine formaldehyde, isocyanate, multifunctional epoxy, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the crosslinker is selected from the group consisting of polyaziridine, polycarbodiimide, and combinations thereof. [0042] In certain embodiments, the compositions further comprise at least one antiblocking agent. Antiblocking agents are generally inorganic fillers and certain organic fillers that reduce “sticking” by reducing the intimate contact between adjacent layers or materials. Suitable antiblocking agents include, but are not limited to inorganic mineral filler (preferably, diatomaceous earth, talc, calcium carbonate, glass, and the like), crosslinked polymethylmethacrylate (MMA), synthetic silica, and combinations thereof. [0043] In certain embodiments, the binder is present at a level of at least 20% (preferably, at least 25%) by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. [0044] In certain embodiments, the crosslinker is present at a level of 0.1 parts to 30 parts based on 100 parts total solids in the composition. [0045] In certain embodiments of the layered construction, the facestock is selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and combinations thereof. [0046] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises: at one binder component that has a polymeric backbone with pendent hydroxyl or carboxyl groups that have been esterifled or acetalised or ketalised to such an extent that the binder component has an acid value of 0-200 mg KOH/g (preferably, 0-50 mg KOH/g) or a hydroxyl value of 0-600 mg KOH/g, preferably 0-400 mg KOH/g (preferably carbon backbone but could include heteroatoms in backbone); at least one waterborne aliphatic polyether or polyester polyurethane; at least one waterborne aliphatic urethane acrylate; and at least one water-dispersible crosslinker (preferably, polyfunctional aziridine) (such as those described in US-B-9.061,536 at column 6:lines 4-27, which are incorporated herein by reference). In certain embodiments, the binder component is present in an amount from 5% by weight to 20% by weight, preferably 7% by weight to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. [0047] The layered constructions of the invention may be used a variety of different applications and methods where it is desirable to remove one or more of the layers, such as, for example, to permit recycling of the layered construction, recovery of the component layers or the construction, expose masked layers of the layered construction to avoid the use of non-essential layers of the layered construction, and the like. [0048] In certain embodiments, the top coat may have a thickness of 0.5-5 gsm. In certain embodiments, the release coating may have a thickness of 0.5-3 gsm. [0049] One possible layered construction of this type is shown in FIG.1, where the printable topcoat construction 100 with the facestock 10 (with first side 11 and second side 12) and is shown with the top coat layer 30 on the first side 11 of the facestock 10. [0050] One possible layered construction of this type is shown in FIG.2, where a release liner 200 with the base layer 210 (with first side 211 and second side 212) and release coating 220 (with first side 221 and second side 222) are shown with the functional layer 230 there between. [0051] The present invention is further defined in the following Examples, in which all parts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise stated. It should be understood that these examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these examples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. EXAMPLES Deinking [0052] Deinking is measured during wash-off testing at 40°C, 60°C, and 80°C in 1% caustic solution. [0053] To test alkaline responsiveness of the printed and non-printed samples, the following wash-off procedure was used. In the 200 mL beaker, around 150 mL of 1% caustic solution was added, and the mixture was heated to the required temperature (40°C-80°C). The tested sample was cut into smaller samples of 4x3 cm. These samples together with clean PET flakes (200) were then added to the wash-off solution when the required temperature was achieved. [0054] The test was done under mixing (600 rpm) for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, tested samples were collected and analyzed visually as well as using FT-IR. Visual observation was used to test whether ink remained on the sample or not. In the case of printed samples, when all ink was washed off, FT-IR was used to analyze whether the topcoat was still present on the sample. [0055] The test water was also analyzed for potential coloration by the removed inks. This was done by filtering out removed ink and PET flakes through filter paper. The water was then visually analyzed. Printability Testing [0056] Printability is measured by ink adhesion on polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) across inks, including UV flexo (both conventional and low migration). [0057] UV Flexo ink adhesion was tested using lab scale flexo press: Flexiproof 100 UV Flexo Printer. Printing was done using 2 band anilox, 3 cm³/m² and 4 cm³/m², at speed of 40mJ/cm² and the following three inks: ^ Flint Flexocure Force (conventional) ^ Zeller+Gmelin Y81(Low Migration) ^ Siegwerk-Nutriflex (Low Migration) Ink anchorage was evaluated by doing a tape test using a SCOTCH-brand 810 tape. Tape was mounted on the print by use of a FINAT 2KG roller. Tape was then pulled at angle of 135°. It was then mounted on the dedicated form. Test was repeated four times at time zero (T0). To quantify amount of ink removed, Image J software was used. Water Resistance Testing [0058] Water resistance testing is measured under two conditions: (1) at 90°C for 30 minutes; and (2) at 0°C for 24 hours.

Testing Results [0059] The results are shown in the table below. Example Description Printability Deinking Water Resistance Comments (-C as measured by as measured designates ink adhesion on during comparative) PP and PE washoff across inks, testing at including UV 40°C, 60°C, flexo (both 80°C in 1% conventional caustic and low migration) 90°C for 0°C for 24 30 hours minutes 1-C Urethane acrylate Yes No Not tested Not tested Requires one dispersion pass for Polyester urethane manufacture dispersion Crosslinker Antiblocking agent 2-C AQUANTUM primer from No Yes Not tested Not tested Requires one Siegwerk pass for manufacture 3-C Dual layer (1-C on 2-C) Yes Yes 100% 23.3% Requires two See Examples 1-C and 2-C passes for manufacture (not commercially viable) 4 99:11-C:2-C Yes No Not tested Not tested Requires one pass for manufacture 5 90:101-C:2-C Yes No Not tested Not tested Requires one pass for manufacture 6 75:251-C:2-C Yes Yes 100% 100% Requires one pass for manufacture 7 50:501-C:2-C Yes Yes 100% 100% Requires one pass for manufacture [0060] It was found out that when Example 1-C used by itself, the construction provides the required UV flexo ink anchorage but only provides poor deinking at a temperature range of 40°C-80°C in 1% caustic solution. It was further found out that when Example 2-C used by itself, the construction provides excellent deinking at a temperature range of 40°C-80°C in 1% caustic solution but does not provide the required UV flexo ink anchorage. When Example 1-C was layered on top of Example 2-C, the dual layered construction provides the required UV flexo ink and deinking at a temperature range of 40°C-80°C in 1% caustic solution by failed the water resistance testing at 0°C for 24 hours. This problem was solved by the present invention when Example 2-C was blended at a level of at least 25% by weight with Example 1-C. [0061] When ranges are used herein for physical properties, all combinations, and subcombinations of ranges specific embodiments therein are intended to be included. [0062] The disclosures of each patent, patent application, and publication cited or described in this document are hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. [0063] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A composition, comprising: at least 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one binder that has a polymeric backbone with pendent hydroxyl or carboxyl groups that have been esterified or acetalized or ketalized to such an extent that the binder component has an acid value of 0-200 mg KOH/g or a hydroxyl value of 0-600 mg KOH/g (preferably 0-400 mg KOH/g) (preferably, wherein the polymeric backbone comprises carbon and optional heteroatoms); at least one hydrophobic resin; and at least one crosslinker.

2. The composition of claim 1, further comprising: at least one antiblocking agent.

3. The composition of claim 1, further comprising: at least one auxiliary resin selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose, polyester, ketonic resin, maleic resin, polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

4. The composition of claim 1, further comprising: at least one soft resin.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the soft resin is selected from the group consisting of dioctyl adipate, acetyl tributyl citrate, sucrose acetate butyrate, and combinations thereof.

6. The composition of claim 1, further comprising: at least one solvent.

7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of C2-C3 alkyl acetate, C₂-C₃ alkyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the binder is selected from polyester, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl ketal, and combinations thereof.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the polyester is selected from group consisting of polyvinyl ester, polyacrylate, and combinations thereof.

10. The composition of claim 8, wherein the polyvinyl acetal is polyvinyl butryal.

11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic resin is selected from poly(meth)acrylate, aliphatic polyether polyurethane, aliphatic polyester polyurethane, aliphatic urethane acrylate, and combinations thereof.

12. The composition of claim 1, wherein the crosslinker is selected from the group consisting of polyaziridine, polycarbodiimide, melamine formaldehyde, isocyanate, multifunctional epoxy, and combinations thereof.

13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the crosslinker is selected from the group consisting of polyaziridine, polycarbodiimide, and combinations thereof.

14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the antiblocking agent is selected from the group consisting of inorganic mineral filler, crosslinked polymethylmethacrylate (MMA), synthetic silica, and combinations thereof, and combinations thereof.

15. The composition of claim 1, wherein the binder is present at a level of at least 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

16. The composition of claim 1, wherein the binder is present at a level of at least 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

17. The composition of claim 1, wherein the crosslinker is present at a level of 0.1 parts to 30 parts based on 100 parts total solids in the composition.

18. A layered construction, comprising: a facestock with a first surface and a second surface; an adhesive on the first surface; and a top coat on the second surface, wherein the top coat comprises the composition of claim 1.

19. The layered construction of claim 18, wherein the facestock is selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and combinations thereof.

20. A method of recycling, comprising: providing an article with a label adhered thereto; wherein the label comprises the layered construction of claim 18; and wherein the layered construction further comprises printed indicia on the top coat; and exposing the label to a non-ambient stimulus for a time sufficient to separate 100% of the printed indicia from the facestock.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the non-ambient stimulus is a temperature of 80°C for 15 minutes of exposure with 1% caustic solution.