JP2006512594A - Colored label - Google Patents

Abstract

In a colored transparent polymer label that can be secured to a preselected colored transparent region of an article (possibly by a wet adhesive method) to achieve a label-free appearance on the article, the label, the label-attached article, and the label Color parameters measured in the CIE color space of each non-attached article together indicate that conditions (a) and / or (b): (a) (i) the modulus of ΔC is less than about 5, more preferred Is less than about 4, most preferably less than about 3.5, for example, approximately 0, where: ΔC = C _{L + A} −C _A Formula 1, where C _{L + A} = (a _{L + A} ² + b _{L + A} ² ) ^1/2 and C _A = (a _A ² + b _A ² ) ^1/2 ; and (ii) the modulus of ΔL is less than about 7, preferably less than about 4, most preferably less than about 3, for example approximately 0 Ri, _{where: ΔL = L L + A -L} A type 2; and (iii) modulus of ΔE is less than about 10, more preferably less than about 6, and most preferably less than about 4, for example, be approximately 0 Where: ΔE = (Δa ² + Δb ² + ΔL ² ) ^1/2 Equation 3; where Δa = a _{L + A} −a _L and Δb = b _{L + A} −b _L ; and (iv) the modulus of ΔH is about 7 Small, more preferably less than about 5.5, most preferably less than about 2.5, eg, approximately 0, where: ΔH = (ΔE ² + ΔL ² + ΔC ² ) ^1/2 Equation 4 and / or Or (b) the modulus of the transmission color ratio (R _trans ) is greater than 0.9, preferably substantially about 1.0, where R _trans = 2 (E _{L + A} ) / (E _L + E _A ) A label characterized by satisfying 5 is described Yes. This provides a method for color matching that gives a label to a particular item, such as a bottle to which the label is attached, giving the item an unlabeled appearance.

Description

  The present invention relates to the field of colored labels, such as, but not limited to, labels (so-called wet glue labels) to which water-based adhesives are applied, which are fixed to articles. Preferably, the present invention relates to a label that gives the article an unlabeled appearance. Any suitable label, such as a label comprising a colored transparent and / or translucent bio-polymer film, for example a film made from cellulose and / or polylactic acid It can be used in the present invention.

  Labels made from thermoplastic films have traditionally been secured to articles with a pressure sensitive adhesive (herein indicated as PSA) previously coated on a label stock. Such label films include polyolefins such as biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). The PSA label sheet material is distributed on the article to be labeled from the release liner. Another labeling method that is often used with paper labels is another method that uses an adhesive dispersed in an aqueous medium. The adhesive is applied when the label is secured to the article. These are often referred to as wet glue labels, but can also be referred to as cold glue labels or just glue labels.

  The market for alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine or spirits is becoming increasingly competitive, and breweries can find ways to figure out their customers and have them buy their products Need to find a way to do so. Packaging is a key part of various promotional promotions, especially in terms of selling at supermarkets, and there is an active movement to differentiate among manufacturers.

  Recently, the “no-label” appearance has become popular for PSA labels. This is because retailers have found many benefits from the appeal of this new form of display shelf. An unlabeled appearance is achieved by applying a transparent and / or translucent label to the article. If the label is transparent, the printing on its back side (ie, the “inside” side that is bonded to the article) appears to have been applied directly to the article, so the term “no label appearance” is used. It has been. Such inner coatings are better protected from abrasion and tearing (friction, solvent erosion, etc.) because they are not on the outside of the article.

  However, due to the method used to apply wet adhesive labels, conventional transparent plastic films (OPP, polyester PE, polyethylene phthalate PET) currently used in the PSA market are transparent wet adhesive labels. When used as a planar material for, there are various disadvantages. The properties of these thermoplastic films are different from the paper labels used in conventional wet adhesive machines.

  For example, thermoplastic films have a large barrier to moisture (they are not semi-permeable to water), so it takes a long time for the wet adhesive to dry (thus fixing the label in place) It takes more time to do), which can be a drawback in high speed labeling lines, or requires accurate positioning of the label on the article. Thus, thermoplastic films are not an ideal replacement for paper labels in conventional production lines set up to apply wet adhesive labels to articles such as bottles. Aqueous coatings are not easily compatible and do not adhere well without film surface treatment of such thermoplastic films, which are often hydrophobic.

  A substrate conventionally used to produce wet adhesive labels is paper that is not transparent. Although the thermoplastic film is transparent, pressure sensitive adhesives are used to give the article an unlabeled appearance with acceptable performance due to the disadvantages previously described for thermoplastic films and wet adhesive coatings. There was a need. Thus, manufacturers currently using labeling equipment for paper wet adhesive labels can be at a great capital expense and confusion to change to equipment compatible with pressure sensitive labels if they want to move to a label-free appearance. confronting.

  Applicant's ongoing application PCT / EP 02/02726 applies a clear biopolymer label (eg, cellulose film) to a transparent article to give the appearance of a clear label without the use of PSA The use of a wet adhesive method is described. This method can use existing machines suitable for wet adhesive labels on paper, but still allows the use of biopolymer labels that have various advantages over paper. Biopolymer labels can be transparent or translucent to achieve a label-free appearance. The wet adhesive on the biopolymer substrate can also be dried within a reasonable time without the need for an external coating. This method provides the manufacturer with an alternative path for a clear label appearance without the disadvantage of changing existing label lines from wet adhesive to PSA. The contents of PCT / EP 02/02726 are included here for reference.

  However, unexpectedly, the Applicant has found that problems still remain to provide an acceptable label-free appearance using wet adhesive labels compared to PSA labels.

  The PSA label has a pressure sensitive adhesive applied in advance during manufacture of the label stock. In contrast, the wet adhesive method requires the wet adhesive to be applied to the label in situ. Wet adhesive is applied to the adhesive roller and then transferred to a rubber coated pallet from which the adhesive is transferred to the back side of the label. The label is then applied to an article, such as a glass bottle or PET bottle, at a typical output rate that results in 300-500 + articles labeled per minute. At these line speeds, particularly wet and dry, and in a range of conditions such as warm or cold bottles, the adhesive transfer characteristics of wet adhesives are satisfactory for label-free appearance comparable to that of conventional PSA labels. Applicants have found that it is difficult to optimize as is achieved with wet adhesive labels on bottles.

  For example, the Applicant can apply a clear cellulose film label to a transparent flint glass bottle with a wet adhesive to achieve an acceptable appearance, but unexpectedly this is the case when a colored bottle is used. It is found that this is not the case. For example, applying a clear cellulose label or a thermoplastic polymer label to a glass bottle colored green, amber, brown, or black with a wet adhesive cannot achieve a satisfactory label-free appearance. Although not wishing to be bound by any mechanism, Applicants believe that the method of applying the adhesive will result in more defects under the label as compared to the PSA label. Surprisingly, these spots can be more easily seen when there are clear transparent labels on transparent colored articles (eg, colored glass bottles or PET bottles), thus compromising unlabeled appearance illumination. That is. Further, although not wishing to be bound by any mechanism, Applicants speculate that this may be due to the sub-optimal optical contrast of the label / adhesive / bottle assembly. .

  Thus, if dealing with this unexpected observed problem, a wide range (preferably whatever) color or brightness of the article to which the label is to be attached, more preferably an article (not just a wet adhesive label) ) Is translucent or transparent, a satisfactory or improved label-free appearance could be achieved with wet adhesive labels.

  The disclosure herein relates primarily to wet adhesive labels made from biopolymers (especially cellulose and / or polylactic acid), but other transparent or translucent planar materials (eg, polyolefins such as BOPP, for example). If a satisfactory means of applying a wet adhesive to a new thermoplastic film) can be found, the problem identified and solved here is compared to the method used in the case of PSA labels. It will be appreciated that the present invention applies equally to those substrates, as it occurs primarily due to the nature of the agent labeling process.

  There are a variety of documents that teach that the optical properties of label face materials or label adhesives can be altered.

  EP 0664534A (Fuji Seal) describes a heat-shrinkable label (a label made from an ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer film optionally containing vinyl acetate in an amount ranging from 1 to 6% by weight). In this case, the refractive index of the label is in the range of 1.512 to 1.516 in the circumferential direction when attached to the container, and in the range of 1.513 to 1.520 in the vertical direction of the container. Therefore, it is unlikely that wrinkles, sagging, etc. occurred on the surface of the label when heated compared to conventional labels made from polyethylene film. This addresses the problem that occurs with another type of label, which is completely different from the problem of the present invention.

  Several documents in the field of PSA teach relative index values for PSA used as transparent labels.

  EP 1124213 A (Heineken) describes a clear PSA label, in which the PSA layer has a particle size not exceeding 50 μm and has a refractive index of at least 1.4 to 1.6. Contains one type of inorganic particulate material. This is stated to improve the transparency of the bottle label.

  WO 0130933A (3M) describes PSA labels, where the pressure sensitive adhesive has a refractive index of at least 1.48. The pressure sensitive adhesive includes at least one monomer that includes a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic moiety.

  The literature in the field of PSA labels is independent of the problems discovered by the applicant in the field of wet adhesive labels.

  US 6306242 (Dronzek) describes a method of applying a polymer label to an article with a hydrophilic adhesive by applying the label to the article and then curing the label in situ. In column 5, lines 30 to 32 (also column 8, lines 46 to 49), the polymer substrate for this hydrophilic adhesive includes "clear, opaque, or colored polypropylene. "(Clear, opaque or colored polypropylene)". This document recognizes certain problems encountered when achieving a label-free appearance using transparent labels and wet adhesives, for example, since no distinction is made between clear labels and colored labels is not.

  It is an object of the present invention to solve some or all of the problems identified herein, for example to provide an article label attachment method that provides an improved label-free appearance.

In general, the following symbols are used throughout the specification and claims to indicate the various color space parameters and measurements made here:
“L + A” is a measurement made in the area of the article attached to the label, ie a combination of both a translucent or transparent label (including its wet adhesive) in situ and a translucent or transparent article. The measured value with transmitted or reflected light (preferably reflected light) is shown.
“L” for bottles, including passing a wet adhesive applied to the inner side of the label (unless otherwise specified) a solid (ie not printed) translucent or transparent label Shows measurements made with transmitted or reflected light (preferably reflected light) through.
“A” is a measurement made with transmitted or reflected light (preferably reflected light) passing through an unlabeled translucent or transparent article (or its translucent or transparent subregion) to which no wet adhesive has been applied. Point to.
Unless otherwise specified herein, color space measurements were made from the front side of the sample, as seen when the sample was placed on the label, and the measurements were made with reflected light.

  One method used in accordance with the present invention directly measures the difference between an article with a label and an article without a label.

In this method, ΔC, ΔL, ΔE, and ΔH are defined by equations 1-4 as follows (L, a, and b are measured directly by the relevant sample):
ΔC = C _{L + A} −C _A Formula 1
Here, C _{L + A} = (a _{L + A} ² + b _{L + A} ² ) ^1/2 and C _A = (a _A ² + b _A ² ) ^1/2
ΔL = L _{L + A} −L _A Formula 2
ΔE = (Δa ² + Δb ² + ΔL ² ) ^1/2 formula 3
Where Δa = a _{L + A} −a _L and Δb = b _{L + A} −b _L
ΔH = (ΔE ² + ΔL ² + ΔC ² ) ^1/2 formula 4

The labeled bottle according to the invention preferably exhibits the following values independently in each case:
The modulus of ΔC is less than about 5, more preferably less than about 4, most preferably less than about 3.5, eg, approximately zero.
The modulus of ΔL is less than about 7, more preferably less than about 4, and most preferably less than about 3, for example, approximately zero.
The modulus of ΔE is less than about 8, more preferably less than about 6, most preferably less than about 4, for example approximately zero.
The modulus of ΔH is less than about 7, more preferably less than about 5.5, most preferably less than about 2.5, eg, approximately zero.

  The simply labeled bottles of the present invention include those where both the ΔL and ΔE moduli are less than about 4 and more conveniently both are less than about 3.

  ΔC, ΔE, and ΔH are experimentally selected for a given article to define the area of the label's CIE color space that gives an acceptable unlabeled appearance when the label is applied to the article with a wet adhesive. Has been. While not wishing to be bound by any theory, applicants believe that this provides a sufficiently low visual contrast between the label / adhesive / bottle assembly and the bottle to achieve an unlabeled appearance. I believe that this is the case.

  However, Applicants believe that a specific range for ΔL (matched luminescence) is also required so that a colored label matched in another way can produce a satisfactory unlabeled appearance. Heading. Although not wishing to be bound by any theory, Applicants also select appropriate luminescence, in addition to other CIE parameters, to hide visible spots caused by defects in the wet adhesive layer I think it helps. The upper limit of the value of ΔL also ensures that dark (eg, black) labels are not selected and used for bright (eg, clear) bottles that would not be apparent in the result of giving an unlabeled appearance.

  The CIE L, C, H color space difference (cylindrical coordinates corresponding to the CIE color space L, a, b) is the difference between the label-attached article and the unlabeled article measured by reflected light passing through the transparent sample In, it is measured conventionally.

Each of the above parameters used herein is otherwise measured and / or defined by methods similar to those described in the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) standard CIE94 or used in this standard. ing. Measurements are made according to standard reference test conditions specified in CIE 94 (excluding those modified here): CIE D ₆₅ , CIE viewing direction 10 °, 1000 lux illumination, gray background, minimum sample spacing, homogeneous sample structure, Measurements were taken with normal color vision and with reflected light as defined herein.

  Another or additional method used in accordance with the present invention measures the difference between a colored sample and a clear uncolored standard (labels, labeled articles, and unlabeled articles).

As used herein, the color ratio of transmitted light (also indicated as R _trans ) can be given from the ratio of the color of the label-attached article complex to the average color of the label and article separately. This can be defined as Equation 5 as follows:

Where
E _{L + A} = [(a _{L + A} ) ² + (b _{L + A} ) ² + (L _{L + A} ) ² ] ^1/2 , which describes the color for the transparent / translucent area of the labeled item And
E _L = [(a _L ) ² + (b _L ) ² + (L _L ) ² ] ^1/2 , which describes the color for the label as a sample, and E _A = [(a _A ) ² + (b _A ) ² + (L _A ) ² ] ^1/2 , which describes the color for a transparent / translucent article that is not labeled as a sample.

For optimal color matching, the modulus of the transmitted color ratio R _trans is preferably greater than 0.9, preferably substantially about 1.0.

The transmitted color ratio R _trans using the label + article composite measurement can be distinguished from the results obtained from more conventional color matching based on reflected light. Two transparent colored objects arranged side by side may look the same, but when stacked on top of each other, the color changes, so the method described here achieves an unlabeled appearance that is acceptable for a transparent article of a given color It is excellent for identifying and selecting the color of the wet adhesive label required to do so.

Optimal with the values and formulas in the individual R _trans, to determine the best color value E _L of the label, the article given a specific color values E _A and example [Delta] C, [Delta] H, and the parameters such as ΔL A satisfactory label-free appearance can be achieved with the other given values specified here as follows.

  The present invention relates to a requirement that was unexpectedly discovered in order to minimize the visual perception of contrast between the label and the bottle and its contents. Contrast can be caused by differences in brightness. The Applicant has unexpectedly found that the tolerance of the label-free appearance depends on the reflection by the sample and the intensity of the scattered / reflected light by the transmitted light. The contrast may be due to a color difference at a constant brightness. Thus, contrast can be defined in relation to color and luminance standard (CIE Lab) measurements (ie, L, a, and b values). The optimum value is when the CIE difference between the bottle, the contents and the film is as small as possible, i.e. close to zero.

  Applicants have found that as a first approximation, other parameters of the label or bottle (eg, refractive index, reflectance or difference between the bottle surface and the label, or spectral analysis of glass versus label film) achieve a label-free appearance. I also unexpectedly discovered that it wasn't too important to do, and I don't need to consider it here.

Thus, according to the present invention, in a broad sense, a colored transparent / semi-transparent weight that can be secured to a pre-selected colored transparent / semi-transparent region of the article by a wet adhesive method to achieve an unlabeled appearance on the article. A coalesced label is provided, which means that the color parameters measured in the CIE color space for each of the label, the label-attached article, and the non-labeled article are combined together under the following conditions (a) and / or (b ) Is characterized by:
(A) (i) The modulus of ΔC is less than about 10, preferably less than about 5, more preferably less than about 4, and most preferably less than about 3.5, for example, approximately 0 (eg, ± 0. 5) where:
ΔC = C _{L + A} −C _A Formula 1
Where C _{L + A} = (a _{L + A} ² + b _{L + A} ² ) ^1/2 and C _A = (a _A ² + b _A ² ) ^1/2 ; and (ii) the modulus of ΔL is less than about 7, preferably about 4 Smaller, most preferably smaller than about 3, for example approximately 0 (eg ± 0.5), where:
ΔL _{= L L + A} -L _A type 2; and (iii) modulus of ΔE is less than about 10, more preferably less than about 6, and most preferably less than about 4, for example, approximately 0 (e.g., ± 0.5 ) And here:
ΔE = (Δa ² + Δb ² + ΔL ² ) ^1/2 formula 3
In which Δa = a _{L + A} −a _L and Δb = b _{L + A} −b _L ; and (iv) the modulus of (ΔH) is less than about 7, more preferably less than about 5.5, most preferably about 2. Less than 5, for example, approximately 0 (eg, ± 0.5), where:
ΔH = (ΔE ² −ΔL ² −ΔC ² ) ^1/2 Equation 4
And / or (b) the modulus of the transmission color ratio R _trans is greater than 0.9, preferably substantially about 1.0, where

  The term “transparent” means “see-through”, whereas the term “translucent” transmits and diffuses light, so that the opposite object cannot be clearly seen. That means. However, in the context of the present invention (unless clearly meaning otherwise), the terms translucent and transparent are used interchangeably herein and one term in the specification and claims. May be replaced with the other term and / or used to encompass the other.

  Any suitable transparent adhesive and / or any suitable transparent and / or translucent wet adhesive label sheet material is colored to achieve a label-free appearance, as described herein. It will be appreciated that it can be done. Preferred wet adhesive labels that can be colored as described herein are those exemplified, specifically shown and preferred in PCT / EP 02/02726, but in some cases also in US 6306242 The described transparent and / or translucent labels can also be colored as described herein. More preferred planar materials are cellulose, BOPP, and / or polylactic acid film, most preferably cellulose film or polylactic acid film, for example, cellulose film.

  If necessary, unless otherwise specified herein, the wet adhesive used to obtain the color space values herein is the conventional wet adhesive described in the examples herein.

The color matching methods described herein can be accomplished by any suitable known method of coloring a label, for example, by one or more of the following methods and / or combinations thereof: :
a) The label film is colored directly by incorporating dyes and / or pigments therein.
b) applying a colored lacquer to one or both surfaces by a suitable application method;
c) coloring the surface of the substrate with colored ink by an appropriate printing method;
d) Color conventional transparent wet adhesives to produce colored translucent adhesives used in combination with clear films, and / or e) Color both label films and wet adhesives applied to them To do.

  The overall desired color of the label + wet adhesive is the specific available color of a suitable colored film that is commercially available from a partial combination and / or product range from any of the above (or other) methods. It will be further appreciated that this can be achieved by selecting that the film should be measured to have the desired color space value as calculated here.

  Coloring can be achieved by using pigments; dyes such as powder dyes, liquid dyes, reactive dyes; and / or encapsulates of dyes and / or pigments.

  Colorants that have been found to be used in the method of the present invention include Crisofeniana G280 (yellow), Rojo Eliamina 8BLEC (red), and Azul Marina 15REC. A mixture of (blue); or a mixture of direct dye yellow index (60% w / w), direct dye red index 81 (10% w / w), and acid dye blue index 113 (30% w / w). It is.

  However, it will be appreciated that the particular colors used and the absolute respective concentrations will vary in each case. Because they depend on the color space values required for the film and / or adhesive to achieve an improved label-free appearance on the selected article to be labeled. These values can be calculated for a given article as described herein.

  In the case of a regenerated cellulose film, a colorant is added to a liquid containing dispersed cellulose (eg, viscose), and then the cellulose film is regenerated. The method of coloring the film can be accomplished by simple calculations that achieve the appropriate color by the method of the invention described herein.

  Alternatively, when the label is applied to each article, it can be colored in real time, for example, by coloring the wet adhesive just prior to applying it to the label. In this aspect, in some cases, the color of each article to which the label is attached can be sensed by suitable means (eg, a camera or other sensor) and this information is used to the next article to which the label is attached. The concentration of the colorant (s) added to the applied adhesive and / or the respective mixture can be adjusted (eg by means of other means). This method provides a means for adjusting the color variation of individual bottles or bottle batches (eg, from different suppliers) so that the label-free appearance of the labeled bottles remains optimal.

  Such an adhesive coloring method can also be used in combination with a colored film. The color of the film can be selected as described herein to give the optimum label-free appearance for the average color of the article to which the label is attached. The wet adhesive can then be colored in real time on the labeling line to adjust for slight color variations for each article and to fine-tune the label-free appearance of each article.

The present invention for color matching a label to an article exhibits some or all of the following advantages (with respect to a clear label):
An improved fusion of the applied label edge, especially found in brown glass bottles, with the glass bottle.
Improved shielding of fine bubbles entrained in the adhesive layer between the bottle surface and the inner surface of the applied label.
Improved shielding of transfer marks or stains on the rubber plate, thereby allowing the operating window to be significantly wider with respect to surface defects or finishes on the rubber application pallet used in the bottle line for transferring adhesive to the label.
Improving the opacity of surface-printed white ink that allows labels to be printed by the offset litho sheet feeding method currently used to print on the body of wet adhesive paper labels.
Eliminate the “wet T-shirt effect” seen when using single hit white ink as part of the label color design palette.
For any color article, the labels can be accurately aligned so that a label-free appearance can be achieved for a very wide range of articles.

  Thus, one aspect of the present invention provides a label-free appearance when the label is applied to a translucent article of color and lightness (defined by its position in the CIE color space) given by the wet adhesive method. It provides a method for predicting the color and / or brightness required for a label film to achieve with reliability and reproducibility in advance. This is when the applicant finds the label attached article with light and / or reflected light that is found through trial and error and the color space area for the article is transmitted through the transparent / translucent label / article aggregate. The equations here and the variables of those equations are given here so that they are sufficient to hide the blemishes that are necessarily obtained from the wet adhesive method (eg compared to PSA labels). This is because the applicant has determined using the parameter limits.

  Further aspects, embodiments and preferred features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

  The present invention is a photograph of five bottles in which a clear transparent cellulose label (FIG. 1) and a colored (different brown) transparent cellulose label of the present invention (FIGS. 2 and 3) were applied by a wet adhesive method, respectively, for comparison. Illustrated by the drawings herein.

  The invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following non-limiting examples. First, some general means are described.

Production of labels Cellulose label films were produced as follows for both the comparative label and the label used in the method of the present invention as follows. The production machine was set up in the conventional manner of producing regenerated cellulose film by the well-known viscose method. The viscose used had a cellulose content of 9.3% and the film obtained had a substrate with an uncoated part of 62 g / m ² and a coated part of 64.5 g / m ² . When the colorant was omitted, the resulting film was a conventional clear transparent cellulose film such as that available from UCB under the trade name Cellophane 645E711. In another embodiment, when the uncoated portions cellulose film having a substrate 75 g / m ² and the cover part 77.5 g / m ² is also prepared and tested in the same manner and the film illustrated herein, satisfactory in the method of the present invention Gave the result.

Optional labeling Optionally, a suitable (eg, brown) dye or pigment can be added to the viscose stream that is absorbed into the regenerated film. The colorant (type and concentration) is selected so that the color of the resulting film web satisfies the equation here with respect to the color space values previously measured for the colored (eg brown) glass bottle to be labeled. can do. This gives a clear film with the color necessary to achieve a label-free appearance in a given colored glass bottle (eg a dark brown bottle filled with very dark beer).

It was prepared as described in the adhesive, on one side of the cellulose film colored by case, with a coating weight of 2.5 g / m ^2, coated with conventional coating vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer did. Next, a synthetic adhesive (50% water), a standard wet adhesive, was applied on the same side as the copolymer during label attachment with a conventional wet adhesive labeling device. Applicants have found that this adhesive may be applied at a coating weight of 2.5-3.5 g / m ² and still give satisfactory performance with the method of the invention.

The same type of clear bottle was used in each of the examples herein, except where indicated. However, in order to resemble the effect of a range of different colored (brown) bottles on the bottles tested, solutions of the various dyes indicated by B, C, D, and E (or e in FIGS. 1-3) Met. Four special lightness and hue brown liquids were prepared, and in each case the same lightness and hue brown are indicated by the same letters BE (FIGS. 1-3 here). It will be appreciated that it is irrelevant how a given color (as defined by the CIE data here) is achieved. For example, BE can be made by separately selecting the appropriate dye (s) for each sample and / or using the same dye (s) at different concentrations in each sample. . For comparison, the label was also applied to an empty clear bottle (shown as A). This method provided a simple means to test many different lightness and hue combinations of brown labels on (pseudo) brown bottles. It will be appreciated that this was convenient because it was more difficult to obtain bottles with various grades of brown.

A label film was applied to the bottle in a conventional manner using an unmodified (or only slightly modified) conventional labeling device set up for a wet label paper label, and a transparent label was provided thereon .
Using the methods described herein (and equations 1-5 herein), the following CIE values were determined from experimental data for various labels applied to various glass bottles.

Results Color space coordinates (CIE) for various bottle / label combinations were conventionally measured in reflected light. The obtained CIE data (modulus value) is given in the table below up to two decimal places (dimensionless, no unit). For each example, the number (i) refers to the bottle before labeling (empty or filled according to the instructions) and the number (ii) is the data obtained after the relevant label is applied. A pair of data sets is given. NA indicates “not applicable” (eg, in an unlabeled appearance, ΔL, ΔH, ΔC, and ΔE were not determined for unlabeled bottles).

Comparative Examples The following comparative examples were prepared (Comparative Examples I to VIII).

Label (Comparative Examples I and II)
Comparative Example I was a label made from a clear colorless transparent cellulose marketed by UCB under the trade name Cellophane 645E711.
Comparative Example II was the label when the colorant added to the cellulose was a blue color that did not match the color of the brown bottle attached with the label (ie, did not satisfy Equations 1-4 here).

Label attached bottle
Clear label (Comparative Examples III-VII)
Comparative Examples III-VI are various comparative labeling bottles made with a clear cellulose label applied (as described above) to a clear glass bottle optionally filled with various brown dyes B-E. is there.

  Each labeled bottle was visually inspected to give a rough “pass” or “fail” based on the contamination seen on the label with reflected light and the unlabeled overall illusion. A photograph of the evaluated labeled bottle is shown here in FIG. As can be seen from the data, the Applicant has (not expected) that not all cloudy (colorless) clear labels can produce a satisfactory unlabeled appearance when applied to a bottle (expectedly). On the contrary, I found it unexpectedly. This is, for example, comparative example V when the non-fog label when applied to dark bottles [(pseudo) brown bottles C to E] shows an unexpectedly large value ΔL (luminance). ~ Visible from VI. Although not wishing to be bound by any theory, Applicants may see (luminescent) stains caused by uneven application of adhesive particularly well through a cloudless label against a dark bottle background. I think I can do it.

Mismatched color label and bottle (Comparative Example VIII)
For further comparison, a blue cellulose label colored as described herein was applied to a brown bottle to produce a dark label on a dark bottle and measured as described. This labeled bottle failed the unlabeled appearance test.

ΔL ΔC ΔH ΔE
Comparative Example VIII = Amber Bottle / Comparative Example Label II 6.3 7.76 7.54 12.52

  The Applicant has provided a means to solve the above identified problems, as illustrated by the following examples according to the present invention.

Examples 1-10
With reference to Tables 2-3 here and FIGS. 2-3, labels were attached to the bottles according to the present invention as follows.

Labels Five bottles (one Sukitori, four pseudo brown) to each of the attached cellulose label as described herein by a wet adhesive process. Two labels were used. Examples 1-5 used dark brown labels of a certain hue (shown here at B1) as shown in FIG. 2 with reference to the data in Table 2. Examples 6-10 used a brown label with a light hue (shown here as B2) different from B1, as shown in FIG. 3 with reference to the data in Table 3. A conventional brown dye was used to produce (by the method described here) two different brightness values (B1 and B2) of the brown cellulose label used here. These labels (B1, B2) were applied to clear bottles and various brown colors were simulated using dyes B-E. Labels were applied using the wet adhesive method described herein.

Results Next, each labeled bottle was compared to the top of the label with reflected light, based on the grading conditions given in Table A for each of the parameters ΔL, ΔH, ΔC, and ΔE. The appearance of unlabeled appearance was visually evaluated based on the specific illusion. The meaning of the grade value was displayed as “unlabeled appearance grade” for each example tested. These labeled bottles are also photographed and are shown here in FIG. 2 (Table 2) and FIG. 3 (Table 3).

  The CIE value was then correlated to these passed label / bottle combinations to validate the method of the present invention for pre-selecting labels that yield an acceptable unlabeled appearance for a given bottle.

Colorant Using the following colorant mixture with the brown labels B1 and B2 of Examples 1-10 here added in respective weight ratios (B1 and B2) of 20 and 9 (in each case the film web speed is Colored as described herein (by the same addition to a standard viscose bath). (Each dye was commercially available from the Colorant Industry).

Colorant Weight ratio Direct dye yellow index 12: 0.6
Direct dye red index 81: 0.1
Acid dye blue index 113: 0.3
Total 1.0

Examples 11 (i)-(vi) —Labeled Brown Bottles As described herein with reference to Table 4, labels were also attached to dark brown glass bottles, which were shown in FIGS. Not shown in the photo. A variety of different colored brown labels (indicated by the Greek letters α-ε) were applied to the same empty dark brown bottle by the wet adhesive method. It is recognized that the brown color of a given label can be achieved by selecting the appropriate dye (s), pigment (s), and / or mixtures thereof at their various concentrations. Will be done. Each labeled bottle was tested as described above (Example 11 (i) is an unlabeled bottle) and the data is given in Table 4.

  These various brown labels [Examples 11 (ii)-(vi)] were found to match the brown bottle and achieve an unlabeled appearance. The evaluation values calculated as for “Label-free appearance evaluation” in Tables 2 and 3 above are preferable compared to other examples. The use of color and brightness matched labels is particularly useful for achieving a label-free appearance in dark bottles.

FIG. 1 is a photograph of five bottles in which a clear transparent cellulose label was applied by a wet adhesive method. FIG. 2 is a photograph of five bottles in which the colored (different brown) transparent cellulose labels of the present invention were applied by the wet adhesive method. FIG. 3 is a photograph of five bottles in which the colored (different brown) transparent cellulose labels of the present invention were applied by the wet adhesive method.

Claims (10)

In a colored transparent polymer label that can be secured to a preselected colored transparent area of the article (possibly by a wet adhesive method) to achieve an unlabeled appearance on the article, attach the label, label-attached article, and label The color parameters measured in each CIE color space of the unfinished article together are the following conditions (a) and / or (b):
(A) (i) The modulus of ΔC is less than about 5, more preferably less than about 4, most preferably less than about 3.5, eg, approximately 0, where:
ΔC = C _{L + A} −C _A Formula 1
Where C _{L + A} = (a _{L + A} ² + b _{L + A} ² ) ^1/2 and C _A = (a _A ² + b _A ² ) ^1/2 ; and (ii) the modulus of ΔL is less than about 7, preferably about 4 Smaller, most preferably smaller than about 3, for example approximately 0, where:
ΔL _{= L L + A} -L _A type 2; and (iii) modulus of ΔE is less than about 10, more preferably less than about 6, and most preferably less than about 4, for example, approximately 0, where:
ΔE = (Δa ² + Δb ² + ΔL ² ) ^1/2 formula 3;
Where: Δa = a _{L + A} −a _L and Δb = b _{L + A} −b _L ; and (iv) the modulus of ΔH is less than about 7, more preferably less than about 5.5, most preferably less than about 2.5. Small, eg, almost zero, where:
ΔH = (ΔE ² + ΔL ² + ΔC ² ) ^1/2 formula 4,
And / or (b) the modulus of the transmission color ratio R _trans is greater than 0.9, preferably substantially about 1.0, where

A label characterized by satisfying   The label according to claim 1, wherein the label comprises a polymer film made from cellulose, cellulose derivatives, polyolefins, and / or polylactic acid.   The label according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the label comprises a cellulose film or a BOPP film. In the method for producing a colored transparent label that can be fixed to a colored transparent article and / or one region thereof with a wet adhesive and achieve a label-free appearance,
(A) a step of measuring L, a, b values of the article or one region thereof;
(B) calculating the corresponding L, a, b values required for the label using equations 1-5 and the parameter limits given here;
(C) The step of coloring the polymer transparent label so as to have the values of L, a, and b calculated in the step (b).
(I) coloring the label directly by incorporating a dye or pigment therein;
(Ii) applying a transparent coloring composition to one or both label surfaces;
(Iii) printing the surface of the label with pigmented or transparent ink; and / or (iv) when applying adhesive to the label, coloring the clear wet adhesive formulation to produce a colored transparent adhesive layer And / or (v) any combination of the above methods to achieve the desired total color space value;
A coloring step selected from at least one of
Manufacturing method. In a method for producing and / or applying a colored transparent article and / or a label applied to one area thereof,
(A) The process of coat | covering the aqueous composition which the adhesive agent disperse | distributed in the at least one surface of the label of any one of Claims 1-4,
(B) treating at least the opposite surface of the sheet, optionally both surfaces, to improve printability;
(C) drying the film to remove excess water;
(D) applying the label to the article; and (e) optionally drying the article to secure the label on the article;
Manufacturing method and / or application method. In a method of attaching a wet adhesive label to a colored transparent article and / or a region thereof to achieve a label-free appearance thereon,
(A) a step of measuring L, a, b of the article or one region thereof;
(B) calculating the corresponding L, a, b values required for the label using equations 1-5 and the parameter limits given here;
(C) The step of coloring the polymer transparent label so as to have the values of L *, a *, b calculated in the step (b).
(I) coloring the label directly by incorporating a dye or pigment therein;
(Ii) applying a transparent coloring composition to one or both label surfaces;
(Iii) printing the surface of the label with pigmented ink; and / or (iv) when applying adhesive to the label, coloring the clear wet adhesive formulation to form a clear colored adhesive layer. And / or (v) any combination of the above methods to achieve the desired full color space value;
A coloring step selected from at least one of
(D) applying the colored label produced in step (c) to the measured area of the article using a wet adhesive to achieve a labeled article having a label-free appearance;
Including label attachment method.   A label obtained or obtainable by the method according to claim 4.   A label surface material comprising the label according to claim 1, adjacent to the release liner. A labeled article, wherein the label has an unlabeled appearance thereon, the article comprising:
(I) obtained or obtainable by the method according to any one of claims 5 to 6 and / or (ii) the label according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7; Fixed to it by an aqueous adhesive composition,
Labeled article.   The article of claim 9 comprising a colored transparent glass or PET container.

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