WO2014041239A1 - A linerless label - Google Patents
A linerless label Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2014041239A1 WO2014041239A1 PCT/FI2013/050861 FI2013050861W WO2014041239A1 WO 2014041239 A1 WO2014041239 A1 WO 2014041239A1 FI 2013050861 W FI2013050861 W FI 2013050861W WO 2014041239 A1 WO2014041239 A1 WO 2014041239A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- adhesive layer
- face
- tacky
- label
- label web
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 60
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000013032 Hydrocarbon resin Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000005038 ethylene vinyl acetate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 229920006270 hydrocarbon resin Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 229920003048 styrene butadiene rubber Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000005026 oriented polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 46
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 46
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 claims description 32
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 claims description 30
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 16
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 11
- 239000004831 Hot glue Substances 0.000 description 8
- -1 poly(vinylchloride) Polymers 0.000 description 7
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 6
- 101100102920 Arabidopsis thaliana WEB1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 5
- 101100309794 Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain ATCC 204508 / S288c) SEC31 gene Proteins 0.000 description 5
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 101100298412 Arabidopsis thaliana PCMP-H73 gene Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 101150069344 CUT1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 2
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011127 biaxially oriented polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N lactic acid Chemical compound CC(O)C(O)=O JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 101150096366 pep7 gene Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 2
- RSWGJHLUYNHPMX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Abietic-Saeure Natural products C12CCC(C(C)C)=CC2=CCC2C1(C)CCCC2(C)C(O)=O RSWGJHLUYNHPMX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-HUOMCSJISA-N Rosin Natural products O(C/C=C/c1ccccc1)[C@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O1 KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-HUOMCSJISA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Vinyl acetate Chemical compound CC(=O)OC=C XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002216 antistatic agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000010980 cellulose Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003851 corona treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007766 curtain coating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007717 exclusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011086 glassine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001519 homopolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000011256 inorganic filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910003475 inorganic filler Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002655 kraft paper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004310 lactic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000014655 lactic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003607 modifier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009832 plasma treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004014 plasticizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002959 polymer blend Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006254 polymer film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000008107 starch Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010998 test method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004408 titanium dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-UHFFFAOYSA-N trans-cinnamyl beta-D-glucopyranoside Natural products OC1C(O)C(O)C(CO)OC1OCC=CC1=CC=CC=C1 KHPCPRHQVVSZAH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010792 warming Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J123/00—Adhesives based on homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Adhesives based on derivatives of such polymers
- C09J123/02—Adhesives based on homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Adhesives based on derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after-treatment
- C09J123/04—Homopolymers or copolymers of ethene
- C09J123/08—Copolymers of ethene
- C09J123/0846—Copolymers of ethene with unsaturated hydrocarbons containing other atoms than carbon or hydrogen atoms
- C09J123/0853—Vinylacetate
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J101/00—Adhesives based on cellulose, modified cellulose, or cellulose derivatives
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J125/00—Adhesives based on homopolymers or copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, each having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and at least one being terminated by an aromatic carbocyclic ring; Adhesives based on derivatives of such polymers
- C09J125/02—Homopolymers or copolymers of hydrocarbons
- C09J125/04—Homopolymers or copolymers of styrene
- C09J125/08—Copolymers of styrene
- C09J125/10—Copolymers of styrene with conjugated dienes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J7/00—Adhesives in the form of films or foils
- C09J7/20—Adhesives in the form of films or foils characterised by their carriers
- C09J7/21—Paper; Textile fabrics
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J7/00—Adhesives in the form of films or foils
- C09J7/30—Adhesives in the form of films or foils characterised by the adhesive composition
- C09J7/35—Heat-activated
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/08—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself
- G09F3/10—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself by an adhesive layer
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J2203/00—Applications of adhesives in processes or use of adhesives in the form of films or foils
- C09J2203/334—Applications of adhesives in processes or use of adhesives in the form of films or foils as a label
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J2400/00—Presence of inorganic and organic materials
- C09J2400/20—Presence of organic materials
- C09J2400/28—Presence of paper
- C09J2400/283—Presence of paper in the substrate
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J2409/00—Presence of diene rubber
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J2423/00—Presence of polyolefin
- C09J2423/04—Presence of homo or copolymers of ethene
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J2423/00—Presence of polyolefin
- C09J2423/10—Presence of homo or copolymers of propene
- C09J2423/106—Presence of homo or copolymers of propene in the substrate
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J2431/00—Presence of polyvinyl acetate
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J2493/00—Presence of natural resin
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
- G09F2003/0225—Carrier web
- G09F2003/0229—Carrier roll
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
- G09F2003/023—Adhesive
Definitions
- a linerless label Field of the Invention relates to label webs, especially linerless label webs provided in roll form and labels produced thereof.
- the present invention also relates to a method for applying linerless labels to articles and to the use of linerless labels.
- Labels can be adhered through an adhesive layer to objects in order to identify, to provide decoration and/or to display information about object to which it is attached.
- conventional pressure-sensitive label web and label L produced thereof comprise a face material layer F having a tacky pressure sensitive adhesive PSA coating on one side of the face material and a release liner RL overlying the adhesive layer.
- the release liner is used in order to allow protect the adhesive layer prior to its use, and in order to prevent adherence to items which should not be labelled. When the label is to be used, the release liner is peeled off and discarded.
- a linerless label web for labels is provided.
- the web may comprise: a face having a first surface and a second surface, an adhesive layer arranged on the second surface of the face.
- the adhesive layer may be non-tacky at room temperature and may have a static friction coefficient less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature when measured according to standard ASTM D1894.
- a use of the linerless label web for labelling of an item is provided.
- the label may comprise a face having a first surface and a second surface, and an adhesive layer arranged on the second surface of the face.
- the adhesive layer may be non-tacky at room temperature and may have a static friction coefficient less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature when measured according to standard ASTM D1894.
- a method for attaching a label to an item comprising may comprise
- a label web comprising a face having a first surface and a second surface, an adhesive layer arranged on the second surface of the face, wherein the adhesive layer is non-tacky at room temperature and has a static friction coefficient less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature when measured according to standard ASTM D1894;
- the non-tacky adhesive layer adhesive may be activatable from non-tacky state to a tacky state at a temperature between 90 and 150°C, preferably between 100 and 150°.
- the adhesive layer may comprise ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), styrene butadiene rubber and hydrocarbon resin.
- the face may comprise at least one a paper and oriented polypropylene film at the first surface.
- the ratio of static friction coefficient of the non-tacky adhesive layer to face may be between 0.3 and 15, preferably between 1 and 4.
- the first surface of the face may comprise a printed layer.
- the surface of the non-tacky adhesive layer may be activated by exerting energy to the surface of the non- tacky adhesive layer.
- the energy may be provided by heating the surface of the adhesive layer to a temperature between 1 10 and 150°C.
- Fig. 1 shows, in a cross sectional view, a label web for labels comprising a release liner
- Fig. 2 shows, in a cross sectional view, a release linerless label web
- Fig. 3 shows, in a perspective view, a release linerless label web reeled to a roll
- Fig. 4 shows, in a top view, an arrangement for labelling
- Fig. 5 shows, in a perspective view, an arrangement for labelling
- Fig. 6 shows, in a top view, an arrangement for labelling
- Fig. 7 shows a label attached to an item
- Fig. 8 shows, in a cross sectional view, a label attached to an item.
- Release linerless label webs or labels which are not provided to users with release liners over an adhesive layer are referred to as release linerless label webs or labels, also referred to as linerless label webs or linerless labels.
- Elimination of release liners reduces the material costs of the labels but also avoids the disposal of the release liner after the application of the labels. Moreover, the exclusion of the liner decreases the thickness in a roll of labels and more labels can be provided per roll.
- a linerless label web WEB1 comprises a face 2 and an adhesive layer 6 on a second surface of the face 2.
- the face layer may also comprise graphical patters, e.g. a printed layer in order to provide a visual effect or to provide information.
- the face may be printed on the first surface of the face opposite to the adhesive layer.
- the second side (reverse side) of the face may be printed so that the print layer is between the face layer 2 and the adhesive layer 6. Thanks to the reverse side printing of the face there will be no need for an additional over-lamination layer to protect the printing. It is also possible that the label web is unprinted.
- the face surface(s) may comprise additional layer(s), for example adhesion promoting layer(s) between the face and adhesive and/or print layer.
- the face surface(s) may also be treated prior to application of other layer(s).
- tie layer, top coat or over-laminate may be applied to the face for protection or to enhance the adhesion of ink and/or adhesive.
- face layer(s) i.e. adhesive and/or print receiving layer(s) may be surface treated by known methods in the art, such as flame treatment, corona treatment, plasma treatment in order to enhance, for example, adhesion.
- the individual labels 100 may be cut from the continuous linerless label web WEB1 prior to attaching one at the time to an item to be labelled.
- the labels may be cut by die-cutting, e.g. by using rotary cutter. Alternatively, the labels may be cut by using laser.
- Label face material may be either paper or plastic film or combination of these. Plastic labels, in contrast to paper labels, are increasingly preferred.
- the face may also be referred to as a substrate, a face film or a facestock layer.
- Fig. 3 provides a perspective view of a continuous linerless label web supplied on a roll 102. Due to the non-tacky adhesive layer 6 the label web can be rolled without using a release liner to prevent the blocking of the web.
- a continuous label web may be cut during labelling in order to provide individual labels having a desired shape and size.
- a face 2 of a label 100 may be a paper based, such as glassine or kraft paper, plastic film or a combination of these.
- the plastic film may comprise polymers, such as polyolefin, polyester, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyamide, poly(vinylchloride) or any combinations of these.
- the face may be biodegradable, such as lactic acid, starch or cellulose based.
- the polymer film may include homopolymers, copolymers or it may consists of a polymer blend.
- the face may comprise mixtures of polyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).
- the plastic film may comprise additives, such as pigments or inorganic fillers to provide, for example, a desired colour for the film (face).
- Additives may include, for example, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate and blends thereof.
- the film may also comprise minor amounts of other additives and/or film modifiers, e.g. plasticisers, stabilizers, anti-static agents, slip/anti-block agents.
- the face may consists of polypropylene film. It may be biaxially or monoaxially oriented. Alternatively non-oriented face films may be used.
- the face may consist of a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film.
- BOPP biaxially oriented polypropylene
- the face may be a monolayer. Alternatively, it may be a multilayer film comprising two or more layers.
- the multilayer film may be co-extruded or laminated.
- the thickness of individual layer in a multilayer structure may vary. In multilayer structure, e.g. three layer structure, the composition of different layers may also be varied. In other words, in a multilayer structure different layers may have e.g. different polymer compositions.
- the plastic face may be clear or opaque/white.
- White/opaque face films may be e.g. cavitated. From the optical point of view, the high transparency of the face layer is preferred. Clear face is substantially transparent to visible light and it allows the objects beneath such layer, i.e. the bottle or its content, to be seen through such layer.
- the haze of the film may be less than 60%, preferably less than 50% or less than 30%, and most preferably equal or less than 25%, when measured according to the standard ASTM D1003.
- the haze may be at least 1 or 10%.
- the haze is between 1 and 60%, or preferably between 1 and 25% or between 1 and 10%.
- the haze may be between 2 and 5%.
- Opaque face film may have an opacity of at least 70%, at least 75%, or at least 80%, for example between 70 and 95% or between 70 and 80%.
- the face layer may have an overall thickness from 20 to100 microns, preferably from 30 to 80 microns or from 30 to 50 microns. The thickness of individual plastic film layers in multilayer face structure may vary.
- the adhesive 6 provides adhesion i.e. adheres or bonds the label 100 to the surface SUE of an item ITE1 .
- the adhesive layer 6 of the label should have a property of adhering i.e. tack (stickiness) in order to stick to an item during labelling process.
- Tack is the property of adhesive that allows the immediate formation of a bond on contact with another surface. The tackiness is needed at the point the label is attached to an item.
- the optimum adhesion between two materials depends on, for example, the wetting and surface energy of the materials.
- the surface tension of the adhesive must be lower than or equal to the surface tension of the article to be labelled.
- the surface tension of the adhesive is lower than the surface tension of the article it leads to good wetting and increased adhesion.
- Low surface energy materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene, may be difficult to bond without special surface preparation.
- Their surface energy level may be from 30 to 32 dynes/cm.
- an immediate adhesion (initial adhesion/strength of adherence) of the adhesive to the item, such as glass plate, may be measured.
- Tack is the force needed to separate the adhesive from the glass surface after a very short contact time. It may be used to indicate the adhesion (strength of adherence) in very fast dispensing lines.
- the strength of adhesion may be at least 0.5 N/25mm, when measured using Finat test method 2 (FTM2) after activation at 95°C.
- hot-melt adhesives are used in an adhesive layer 6 of label webs and labels provided thereof. They are solid thermoplastic adhesives melted during the labelling process. Subsequently they solidify on cooling and form strong bonds between materials.
- the adhesive layer is preferably solid, dry and non-tacky at normal room temperatures 25° prior to activation step during labelling process. Thus, it is not necessary to use a release liner to protect the adhesive.
- the activation step may be performed by heating at least a part of the adhesive layer surface.
- the activation of the adhesive layer changes the non-tacky adhesive to a tacky adhesive.
- Tacky adhesive is capable of adhering to the surface of an item labelled.
- the activation step is carried out before the label is attached to a surface of an item.
- the hot- melt adhesive layer is at least partially in a molten state when the label is applied to the surface of an item.
- the label is attachable with pressure to the surface of an item.
- the hot-melt adhesive may be changed from a non-tacky state to a tacky state by heating at least the surface or at least part of the surface of the adhesive layer to a temperature, which is equal or higher than an activation temperature of the adhesive.
- the adhesive may be activated by heating using hot-air.
- any other method exerting energy to the adhesive layer so as to reach the activation temperature of the adhesive may be used.
- infra-red radiation or laser may be used for activation.
- the activation temperature may be between 90 and 150°C, or between 95 and 140°C, preferably between 100 and 150°, or between 1 10 and 140°C.
- the open time may be between 0.2 and 10 seconds. For example, between 0.5 and 5 seconds or between 0.5 and 2 seconds.
- the open time should be brought into contact with the item labeled within the open time of the adhesive.
- the adhesive may be a hot-melt adhesive comprising thermoplastic polymer composition so that the composition is non-tacky at the room temperature but activatable by heat to a tacky state.
- the adhesive may comprise copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), styrene butadiene rubber and hydrocarbon resin(s), such as hydrocarbon rosin or resin.
- the softening point of the adhesive may be between 60 and 70°C, for example 64°C. Viscosity of the adhesive may be 1900 mPas at 90°C and 1320 mPas at 100°C.
- the adhesive layer 6 may be transparent, thus allowing its use in label applications where clear labels enabling objects to be visible beneath the label are preferred.
- Adhesive layer 6 may be applied to the second surface of the face as a continuous coating covering 100% of the face surface. Alternatively, it may be applied discontinuously as spots or strips covering less than 100% of the second surface of the face. For example, the adhesive may cover between 10 to 90% of the total area of the second surface. Reduced amount of adhesive may reduce the overall label costs. It may also reduce the heating time needed for the activation of the adhesive. Reduced amount of adhesive may also reduce the risk of blocking of adhesive layers together during unwinding of the label web.
- the hot-melt adhesive layer may be coated to the second surface of the face, for example, by using a curtain coating method.
- the adhesive may be in a molten state suitable for coating. After coating the adhesive turns into solid and non-tacky state. Subsequently, the label web comprising a face layer and an adhesive layer may be reeled to a roll.
- Automatic labelling lines may be used for applying labels to items. Referring to Fig. 4 and Fig 5. label web roll 102 may be supplied to a labelling line 500.
- the labelling line 500 may comprise a horizontally orientated label web roll 102, an unwinding section comprising one or more cylindrical rolls, a cutting section, an activation section and an application section, unwinding section the label web WEB1 is unwind from the roll 102 through one or more cylindrical rolls.
- the unwinding section of a label web roll 102 may comprise several unwinding rolls, such as 210, 220, 230, 240, having axes AX1 , AX2, A3 and AX4 respectively. Unwinding rolls may be rotating around axes. The number of unwinding rolls may vary. Before die-cutting section there exist feed rollers 251 and 252 having axes AX5 and AX6, respectively.
- the unwinding rolls and feed rollers should provide a proper tension for the web suitable for cutting into individual labels and application at the cutting point CUT1 and transfer to the vacuum drum VAC1 .
- continuous unwinding of the label web from the reel should be provided.
- proper tension of the web and easy feeding of the web through the roller se-up may be affected by a friction between the label web surface and the surface of the rolls.
- the surface of the unwinding roll in the labelling line may be stainless steel or anodized aluminium alloy.
- the unwinding rolls have at least an anodized aluminium periphery.
- One of the feed rollers may have a rubber based periphery.
- the non-tacky (not activated) hot melt adhesive layer of the web may have a static friction coefficient of less than 1 .5 or less than 1 .0, preferably less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature.
- the static friction coefficient may be in the range of 0.3 - 1 .5, preferably in the range of 0.3-0.8 against aluminium when measured according to standard ASTM D1894. Smaller friction coefficient is beneficial because it helps the feeding and unwinding the label web through the labelling line with correct label web tension without e.g. blocking of the web.
- the face material may have a static friction coefficient equal or smaller than the adhesive layer of the label web.
- Static friction coefficient of paper face against aluminium may be equal or less than 0.5 or equal or less than 0.3, for example between 0.1 and 0.5 or between 0.1 and 0.3.
- Static friction coefficient of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) face film against aluminium may be less than 1 , preferably less than 0.9 or less than 0.8, for example between 0.4 and 0.8 or between 0.5 and 0.7.
- the ratio of friction coefficient of non-tacky adhesive layer and face (FCadh/FCf aC e) may be between 0.3 and 15, or between 0.5 and 10, preferably between 1 and 8 or between 1 and 4. Smaller ratio may be beneficial providing continuous unwinding and accurate labelling process.
- the friction coefficient of the face surface may be in the range of 0.2-0.3, for example 0.25 when measured according to standard DIN EN ISO 8295.
- a static friction coefficient of the hot-melt adhesive before activation against another non-activated hot-melt adhesive surface may be less than 5, preferably less than 3 or less than 2, preferably less than 1 .
- a static friction coefficient of the hot-melt adhesive before activation against another non-activated hot-melt adhesive surface may be less than 5, preferably less than 3 or less than 2, preferably less than 1 .
- Smaller friction coefficient may be beneficial in order to prevent sticking of two adjacent adhesive layers together, for example during unwinding of the linerless label web in labelling process.
- labelling line 500 there may be a distance between parallel unwinding rolls in direction SX, for example between rolls 220 and 240, providing a distance L2 between the label web surfaces passing on parallel to each other. There may also be a distance between sequential rolls L1 , e.g. between rolls 210 and 220 in direction SY.
- sequential rolls L1 e.g. between rolls 210 and 220 in direction SY.
- the labelling line may comprise a cutting section CUT1 , wherein the label web WEB1 is cut so as to form individual separate labels having a desired shape and size.
- the application section comprising rotating vacuum drum (applicator) VAC1 , wherein the labels are activated in activation step HEAT1 so that the non-tacky adhesive layer becomes tacky.
- individual label 100 is applied to the surface of an item ITE1 .
- the activated adhesive layer comes in contact with the surface of the item and the label adheres to the item ITE1 .
- the adherence of the label is increased during cooling of the adhesive, i.e. when the adhesive converts from the heated tacky state to a non-tacky state. In other words, the adhesive converts to non-tacky stage when the temperature of the adhesive is reduced below the activation temperature.
- the labels comprising heat-activatable adhesive may be used for labelling of items of different shapes and materials, such as glass or plastic bottles or other containers. Labels may be used in wide variety of labelling applications and end-use areas, such as beverage labelling, food labelling, home and personal care product labelling, and labelling of industrial products.
- the surface of the item may be plastic, glass, metal, or paper based.
- the item may be polyethyleneterphtalate (PET) bottle.
- Fig. 7 shows a combination of a label and an item, i.e. a label 100 attached to an item ITE1 . Referring to Fig. 8, the heat activated adhesive 6 is in direct contact with the surface of the item SUE-
- the linerless label web comprises an adhesive layer having a friction coefficient in non-activated state (non-tacky adhesive before activation) against surface of the same non-tacky adhesive less than 5, preferably less than 3, for example between 0.1 and 5, or between 0.1 and 2, preferably between 0.1 and 1 or between 0.2 and 0.5.
- Interference during the unwinding may be caused by the friction between the surfaces of label web and unwinding roll.
- stick-slip phenomenon may occur caused by a change in the force of friction due to the local warming up of a material, which increases the friction coefficient.
- a label web in order to provide continuous unwinding and feeding of a label laminate web during labelling process, may have a non-tacky adhesive surface having a static friction coefficient of less than 1 .5 or less than 1 .0, preferably less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature.
- the static friction coefficient may be in the range of 0.3 - 1 .5, preferably 0.3-0.8 against aluminium.
- the face of the label web may have a static coefficient of friction value equal or less than the value of the adhesive.
- the friction coefficient of the face may be less than 1 , for example between 0.1 -0.8.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
- Adhesive Tapes (AREA)
- Labeling Devices (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a linerless label web for labels comprising a face having a first surface and a second surface, and an non tacky adhesive layer arranged on the second surface of the face having a static friction coefficient less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature. The invention also relates to use of the label web, to a method for attaching a label to an item, and to a combination of an item and a label. Preferably, the adhesive layer comrises ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), styrene butadiene rubber and hydrocarbon resin and the face comprises a paper or oriented polypropylene film.
Description
A linerless label Field of the Invention The present invention relates to label webs, especially linerless label webs provided in roll form and labels produced thereof. The present invention also relates to a method for applying linerless labels to articles and to the use of linerless labels. Background of the Invention
Labels can be adhered through an adhesive layer to objects in order to identify, to provide decoration and/or to display information about object to which it is attached. Referring to Fig. 1 conventional pressure-sensitive label web and label L produced thereof comprise a face material layer F having a tacky pressure sensitive adhesive PSA coating on one side of the face material and a release liner RL overlying the adhesive layer. The release liner is used in order to allow protect the adhesive layer prior to its use, and in order to prevent adherence to items which should not be labelled. When the label is to be used, the release liner is peeled off and discarded.
Summary of the Invention
It is an object to provide a release linerless label web and labels suitable for dispensing in an automated labelling lines. It is an object of the present invention to provide a linerless label used in labelling of articles, like glass or plastic bottles or other items. It is an further object to provide a method for attaching a label to an item. According to a first aspect, a linerless label web for labels is provided. The web may comprise: a face having a first surface and a second surface, an adhesive layer arranged on the second surface of the face. The adhesive layer may be non-tacky at room temperature and may have a static friction coefficient less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature when measured according to standard ASTM D1894.
According to a second aspect, a use of the linerless label web for labelling of an item is provided.
According to a third aspect, a combination of an item and a label attached to the item is provided. The label may comprise a face having a first surface and a second surface, and an adhesive layer arranged on the second surface of the face. The adhesive layer may be non-tacky at room temperature and may have a static friction coefficient less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature when measured according to standard ASTM D1894.
According to a fourth aspect, a method for attaching a label to an item is provided. The method comprising may comprise
unwinding a label web comprising a face having a first surface and a second surface, an adhesive layer arranged on the second surface of the face, wherein the adhesive layer is non-tacky at room temperature and has a static friction coefficient less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature when measured according to standard ASTM D1894;
cutting the label web so as to form individual label;
activating at least part of the surface of the non-tacky adhesive layer to a tacky state; and
attaching the label to the surface of the item when at least the surface of the adhesive layer is in the tacky state.
Further embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.
The non-tacky adhesive layer adhesive may be activatable from non-tacky state to a tacky state at a temperature between 90 and 150°C, preferably between 100 and 150°. The adhesive layer may comprise ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), styrene butadiene rubber and hydrocarbon resin.
The face may comprise at least one a paper and oriented polypropylene film at the first surface.
The ratio of static friction coefficient of the non-tacky adhesive layer to face may be between 0.3 and 15, preferably between 1 and 4.
The first surface of the face may comprise a printed layer.
In the method attaching the label to an item, the surface of the non-tacky adhesive layer may be activated by exerting energy to the surface of the non- tacky adhesive layer. The energy may be provided by heating the surface of the adhesive layer to a temperature between 1 10 and 150°C.
Description of the Drawings
In the following, the invention will be explained by referring to the appending drawings, in which
Fig. 1 shows, in a cross sectional view, a label web for labels comprising a release liner,
Fig. 2 shows, in a cross sectional view, a release linerless label web,
Fig. 3 shows, in a perspective view, a release linerless label web reeled to a roll,
Fig. 4 shows, in a top view, an arrangement for labelling,
Fig. 5 shows, in a perspective view, an arrangement for labelling,
Fig. 6 shows, in a top view, an arrangement for labelling,
Fig. 7 shows a label attached to an item, Fig. 8 shows, in a cross sectional view, a label attached to an item.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Label webs or labels which are not provided to users with release liners over an adhesive layer are referred to as release linerless label webs or labels, also referred to as linerless label webs or linerless labels.
Elimination of release liners reduces the material costs of the labels but also avoids the disposal of the release liner after the application of the labels. Moreover, the exclusion of the liner decreases the thickness in a roll of labels and more labels can be provided per roll.
Referring to Fig. 2, a linerless label web WEB1 comprises a face 2 and an adhesive layer 6 on a second surface of the face 2. The face layer may also comprise graphical patters, e.g. a printed layer in order to provide a visual effect or to provide information. The face may be printed on the first surface of the face opposite to the adhesive layer. Alternatively, the second side (reverse side) of the face may be printed so that the print layer is between the face layer 2 and the adhesive layer 6. Thanks to the reverse side printing of the face there will be no need for an additional over-lamination layer to protect the printing. It is also possible that the label web is unprinted.
The face surface(s) may comprise additional layer(s), for example adhesion promoting layer(s) between the face and adhesive and/or print layer. The face surface(s) may also be treated prior to application of other layer(s). For example, tie layer, top coat or over-laminate may be applied to the face for protection or to enhance the adhesion of ink and/or adhesive. Alternatively, face layer(s) i.e. adhesive and/or print receiving layer(s) may be surface treated by known methods in the art, such as flame treatment, corona treatment, plasma treatment in order to enhance, for example, adhesion.
During labelling process the individual labels 100 may be cut from the continuous linerless label web WEB1 prior to attaching one at the time to an item to be labelled. The labels may be cut by die-cutting, e.g. by using rotary cutter. Alternatively, the labels may be cut by using laser. Label face material may be either paper or plastic film or combination of these. Plastic labels, in contrast to paper labels, are increasingly preferred. The face may also be referred to as a substrate, a face film or a facestock layer.
Fig. 3 provides a perspective view of a continuous linerless label web supplied on a roll 102. Due to the non-tacky adhesive layer 6 the label web can be rolled without using a release liner to prevent the blocking of the web. A continuous label web may be cut during labelling in order to provide individual labels having a desired shape and size.
A face 2 of a label 100 may be a paper based, such as glassine or kraft paper, plastic film or a combination of these. The plastic film may comprise polymers, such as polyolefin, polyester, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyamide, poly(vinylchloride) or any combinations of these. Alternatively, the face may be biodegradable, such as lactic acid, starch or cellulose based. The polymer film may include homopolymers, copolymers or it may consists of a polymer blend. For example, the face may comprise mixtures of polyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). In addition, the plastic film may comprise additives, such as pigments or inorganic fillers to provide, for example, a desired colour for the film (face). Additives may include, for example, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate and blends thereof. The film may also comprise minor amounts of other additives and/or film modifiers, e.g. plasticisers, stabilizers, anti-static agents, slip/anti-block agents.
The face may consists of polypropylene film. It may be biaxially or monoaxially oriented. Alternatively non-oriented face films may be used. For example, the face may consist of a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film. The face may be a monolayer. Alternatively, it may be a multilayer film comprising two or more layers. The multilayer film may be co-extruded or laminated. The thickness of individual layer in a multilayer structure may vary. In multilayer structure, e.g. three layer structure, the composition of different layers may also be varied. In other words, in a multilayer structure different layers may have e.g. different polymer compositions.
The plastic face may be clear or opaque/white. White/opaque face films may be e.g. cavitated. From the optical point of view, the high transparency of the face layer is preferred. Clear face is substantially transparent to visible light and it allows the objects beneath such layer, i.e. the bottle or its content, to be seen through such layer. The haze of the film may be less than 60%, preferably less than 50% or less than 30%, and most preferably equal or less
than 25%, when measured according to the standard ASTM D1003. In addition, the haze may be at least 1 or 10%. For example, the haze is between 1 and 60%, or preferably between 1 and 25% or between 1 and 10%. Alternatively, the haze may be between 2 and 5%. Opaque face film may have an opacity of at least 70%, at least 75%, or at least 80%, for example between 70 and 95% or between 70 and 80%.The face layer may have an overall thickness from 20 to100 microns, preferably from 30 to 80 microns or from 30 to 50 microns. The thickness of individual plastic film layers in multilayer face structure may vary.
Referring to Fig. 8, the adhesive 6 provides adhesion i.e. adheres or bonds the label 100 to the surface SUE of an item ITE1 . The adhesive layer 6 of the label should have a property of adhering i.e. tack (stickiness) in order to stick to an item during labelling process. Tack is the property of adhesive that allows the immediate formation of a bond on contact with another surface. The tackiness is needed at the point the label is attached to an item. The optimum adhesion between two materials depends on, for example, the wetting and surface energy of the materials. For the adhesive to wet the surface, the surface tension of the adhesive must be lower than or equal to the surface tension of the article to be labelled. If the surface tension of the adhesive is lower than the surface tension of the article it leads to good wetting and increased adhesion. Low surface energy materials, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, may be difficult to bond without special surface preparation. Their surface energy level may be from 30 to 32 dynes/cm.
By using tack-test, for example, an immediate adhesion (initial adhesion/strength of adherence) of the adhesive to the item, such as glass plate, may be measured. Tack is the force needed to separate the adhesive from the glass surface after a very short contact time. It may be used to indicate the adhesion (strength of adherence) in very fast dispensing lines.
According to an embodiment, the strength of adhesion may be at least 0.5 N/25mm, when measured using Finat test method 2 (FTM2) after activation at 95°C.
According to an embodiment, hot-melt adhesives are used in an adhesive layer 6 of label webs and labels provided thereof. They are solid thermoplastic adhesives melted during the labelling process. Subsequently they solidify on cooling and form strong bonds between materials. The adhesive layer is preferably solid, dry and non-tacky at normal room temperatures 25° prior to activation step during labelling process. Thus, it is not necessary to use a release liner to protect the adhesive.
The activation step may be performed by heating at least a part of the adhesive layer surface. The activation of the adhesive layer changes the non-tacky adhesive to a tacky adhesive. Tacky adhesive is capable of adhering to the surface of an item labelled. The activation step is carried out before the label is attached to a surface of an item. In other words, the hot- melt adhesive layer is at least partially in a molten state when the label is applied to the surface of an item. After activation of the adhesive layer the label is attachable with pressure to the surface of an item.
The hot-melt adhesive may be changed from a non-tacky state to a tacky state by heating at least the surface or at least part of the surface of the adhesive layer to a temperature, which is equal or higher than an activation temperature of the adhesive. The adhesive may be activated by heating using hot-air. Alternatively, any other method exerting energy to the adhesive layer so as to reach the activation temperature of the adhesive may be used. For example, infra-red radiation or laser may be used for activation. The activation temperature may be between 90 and 150°C, or between 95 and 140°C, preferably between 100 and 150°, or between 1 10 and 140°C. Once activated, the adhesive layer may remain tacky during a certain time period. Said time period is called as "open time" or "tack time". The open time may be between 0.2 and 10 seconds. For example, between 0.5 and 5 seconds or between 0.5 and 2 seconds. During labelling the label should be brought into contact with the item labeled within the open time of the adhesive.
In an embodiment, the adhesive may be a hot-melt adhesive comprising thermoplastic polymer composition so that the composition is non-tacky at the room temperature but activatable by heat to a tacky state. In particular, the adhesive may comprise copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), styrene butadiene rubber and hydrocarbon
resin(s), such as hydrocarbon rosin or resin. The softening point of the adhesive may be between 60 and 70°C, for example 64°C. Viscosity of the adhesive may be 1900 mPas at 90°C and 1320 mPas at 100°C. The adhesive layer 6 may be transparent, thus allowing its use in label applications where clear labels enabling objects to be visible beneath the label are preferred.
Adhesive layer 6 may be applied to the second surface of the face as a continuous coating covering 100% of the face surface. Alternatively, it may be applied discontinuously as spots or strips covering less than 100% of the second surface of the face. For example, the adhesive may cover between 10 to 90% of the total area of the second surface. Reduced amount of adhesive may reduce the overall label costs. It may also reduce the heating time needed for the activation of the adhesive. Reduced amount of adhesive may also reduce the risk of blocking of adhesive layers together during unwinding of the label web.
The hot-melt adhesive layer may be coated to the second surface of the face, for example, by using a curtain coating method. The adhesive may be in a molten state suitable for coating. After coating the adhesive turns into solid and non-tacky state. Subsequently, the label web comprising a face layer and an adhesive layer may be reeled to a roll. Automatic labelling lines may be used for applying labels to items. Referring to Fig. 4 and Fig 5. label web roll 102 may be supplied to a labelling line 500. The labelling line 500 may comprise a horizontally orientated label web roll 102, an unwinding section comprising one or more cylindrical rolls, a cutting section, an activation section and an application section, unwinding section the label web WEB1 is unwind from the roll 102 through one or more cylindrical rolls. The unwinding section of a label web roll 102 may comprise several unwinding rolls, such as 210, 220, 230, 240, having axes AX1 , AX2, A3 and AX4 respectively. Unwinding rolls may be rotating around axes. The number of unwinding rolls may vary. Before die-cutting section there exist feed rollers 251 and 252 having axes AX5 and AX6, respectively. The unwinding rolls and feed rollers should provide a proper tension for the web suitable for cutting into individual labels and application at the cutting point
CUT1 and transfer to the vacuum drum VAC1 . In automatic labelling lines continuous unwinding of the label web from the reel should be provided.
According to an example, proper tension of the web and easy feeding of the web through the roller se-up may be affected by a friction between the label web surface and the surface of the rolls. The surface of the unwinding roll in the labelling line may be stainless steel or anodized aluminium alloy. For example, the unwinding rolls have at least an anodized aluminium periphery. One of the feed rollers may have a rubber based periphery.
The non-tacky (not activated) hot melt adhesive layer of the web may have a static friction coefficient of less than 1 .5 or less than 1 .0, preferably less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature. For example, the static friction coefficient may be in the range of 0.3 - 1 .5, preferably in the range of 0.3-0.8 against aluminium when measured according to standard ASTM D1894. Smaller friction coefficient is beneficial because it helps the feeding and unwinding the label web through the labelling line with correct label web tension without e.g. blocking of the web. The face material may have a static friction coefficient equal or smaller than the adhesive layer of the label web. Static friction coefficient of paper face against aluminium may be equal or less than 0.5 or equal or less than 0.3, for example between 0.1 and 0.5 or between 0.1 and 0.3. Static friction coefficient of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) face film against aluminium may be less than 1 , preferably less than 0.9 or less than 0.8, for example between 0.4 and 0.8 or between 0.5 and 0.7. The ratio of friction coefficient of non-tacky adhesive layer and face (FCadh/FCfaCe) may be between 0.3 and 15, or between 0.5 and 10, preferably between 1 and 8 or between 1 and 4. Smaller ratio may be beneficial providing continuous unwinding and accurate labelling process.
According to an embodiment, the friction coefficient of the face surface may be in the range of 0.2-0.3, for example 0.25 when measured according to standard DIN EN ISO 8295.
According to an embodiment, a static friction coefficient of the hot-melt adhesive before activation against another non-activated hot-melt adhesive surface may be less than 5, preferably less than 3 or less than 2, preferably less than 1 . For example, between 0.1 and 5, or between 0.1 and 2,
preferably between 0.1 and 1 or between 0.2 and 0.5. Smaller friction coefficient may be beneficial in order to prevent sticking of two adjacent adhesive layers together, for example during unwinding of the linerless label web in labelling process.
Referring to Fig. 4, in labelling line 500, there may be a distance between parallel unwinding rolls in direction SX, for example between rolls 220 and 240, providing a distance L2 between the label web surfaces passing on parallel to each other. There may also be a distance between sequential rolls L1 , e.g. between rolls 210 and 220 in direction SY. During unwinding the adhesive surface and the face surface of the label web contacts the circumferential periphery of the rolls one after the other alternately. For example, the adhesive surface contacts the periphery of the first roll 210 and the face surface contacts the periphery of the roll second 220 etc. Thus, there is a section, between rolls 220, 230 and 240, where the adhesive surfaces of the label web are extending parallel to each other in the opposite direction. Moving direction of the web is presented with arrows. During unwinding the label web WEB1 exceeds with a velocity v1 .
After unwinding section the labelling line may comprise a cutting section CUT1 , wherein the label web WEB1 is cut so as to form individual separate labels having a desired shape and size. After cutting the individual labels proceed to the application section comprising rotating vacuum drum (applicator) VAC1 , wherein the labels are activated in activation step HEAT1 so that the non-tacky adhesive layer becomes tacky. Subsequently individual label 100 is applied to the surface of an item ITE1 . During application of the label 100 the activated adhesive layer comes in contact with the surface of the item and the label adheres to the item ITE1 . The adherence of the label is increased during cooling of the adhesive, i.e. when the adhesive converts from the heated tacky state to a non-tacky state. In other words, the adhesive converts to non-tacky stage when the temperature of the adhesive is reduced below the activation temperature.
The labels comprising heat-activatable adhesive may be used for labelling of items of different shapes and materials, such as glass or plastic bottles or other containers. Labels may be used in wide variety of labelling applications and end-use areas, such as beverage labelling, food labelling, home and
personal care product labelling, and labelling of industrial products. The surface of the item may be plastic, glass, metal, or paper based. For example, the item may be polyethyleneterphtalate (PET) bottle. Fig. 7 shows a combination of a label and an item, i.e. a label 100 attached to an item ITE1 . Referring to Fig. 8, the heat activated adhesive 6 is in direct contact with the surface of the item SUE-
During unwinding of the label web roll, there may be a possibility that, for example, two adhesive surfaces of the label web come into contact with each other. Due to the any interference in the labelling line a self-adhering condition of the adhesive surfaces may exists preventing a continuous unwinding of the label web from the roll . Referring to Fig. 5, due to the interference during the unwinding of the label web vibration may be provided to the web causing parallel web surfaces to move closer to each other in direction SX. For example, in a certain distance C1 the parallel web surfaces may have a distance in between less than L2. When near enough the parallel surfaces may stick to each other blocking the labelling line and prevent the continuous unwinding of the label web. Tendency for sticking of the label web is more likely in distances where adhesive layers of the web are moving parallel to each other. Thus, it may be beneficial that the linerless label web comprises an adhesive layer having a friction coefficient in non-activated state (non-tacky adhesive before activation) against surface of the same non-tacky adhesive less than 5, preferably less than 3, for example between 0.1 and 5, or between 0.1 and 2, preferably between 0.1 and 1 or between 0.2 and 0.5.
Interference during the unwinding may be caused by the friction between the surfaces of label web and unwinding roll. For example, stick-slip phenomenon may occur caused by a change in the force of friction due to the local warming up of a material, which increases the friction coefficient.
According to an embodiment, in order to provide continuous unwinding and feeding of a label laminate web during labelling process, a label web may have a non-tacky adhesive surface having a static friction coefficient of less than 1 .5 or less than 1 .0, preferably less than 0.8 against aluminium at room
temperature. For example, the static friction coefficient may be in the range of 0.3 - 1 .5, preferably 0.3-0.8 against aluminium. In addition the face of the label web may have a static coefficient of friction value equal or less than the value of the adhesive. For example, the friction coefficient of the face may be less than 1 , for example between 0.1 -0.8.
The embodiments described above are only example embodiments of the invention and a person skilled in the art recognizes readily that they may be combined in various ways to generate further embodiments without deviating from the basic underlying invention.
Claims
1 . A linerless label web for labels, the web comprising: a face having a first surface and a second surface, an adhesive layer arranged on the second surface of the face, wherein the adhesive layer is non-tacky at room temperature and has a static friction coefficient less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature when measured according to standard ASTM D1894.
The linerless label web according to claim 1 , wherein the non-tacky adhesive layer has a static coefficient of friction against same non- tacky adhesive layer less than 5 at room temperature when measured according to standard ASTM D1894 .
The linerless label web according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non- tacky adhesive layer adhesive is activatable from non-tacky state to a tacky state at a temperature between 90 and 150°C, preferably between 100 and 150°.
4. The linerless label web according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the adhesive layer comprises ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), styrene butadiene rubber and hydrocarbon resin.
5. The linerless label web according to any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the first surface of the face comprises a paper or oriented polypropylene film.
6. The linerless label web according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the ratio of static friction coefficient of the non-tacky adhesive layer to face is between 0.3 and 15, preferably between 1 and 4.
7. The linerless label web according to any of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the first surface of the face comprises a printed layer.
8. A use of the linerless label web according to any of the claims 1 to 7 for labelling of an item.
9. A combination of an item and a label attached to the item, the label comprising a face having a first surface and a second surface, an adhesive layer arranged on the second surface of the face, wherein the adhesive layer is non-tacky at room temperature and has a static friction coefficient less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature when measured according to standard ASTM D1894.
10. A method for attaching a label to an item, the method comprising:
- unwinding a label web comprising a face having a first surface and a second surface, an adhesive layer arranged on the second surface of the face, wherein the adhesive layer is non-tacky at room temperature and has a static friction coefficient less than 0.8 against aluminium at room temperature when measured according to standard ASTM D1894;
- cutting the label web so as to form individual label;
- activating at least part of the surface of the non-tacky adhesive layer to a tacky state; and
- attaching the label to the surface of the item when at least the surface of the adhesive layer is in the tacky state.
1 1 . The method according to claim 10, wherein the surface of the non- tacky adhesive layer is activated by exerting energy to the surface of the non-tacky adhesive layer.
12. The method according to claim 1 1 , wherein the energy is provided by heating the surface of the adhesive layer to a temperature between 1 10 and 150°C.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE212013000198.3U DE212013000198U1 (en) | 2012-09-11 | 2013-09-05 | Linerless label web and label |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201261699336P | 2012-09-11 | 2012-09-11 | |
US61/699,336 | 2012-09-11 | ||
FI20125940 | 2012-09-11 | ||
FI20125940 | 2012-09-11 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2014041239A1 true WO2014041239A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 |
Family
ID=50277681
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/FI2013/050861 WO2014041239A1 (en) | 2012-09-11 | 2013-09-05 | A linerless label |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
DE (1) | DE212013000198U1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014041239A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015007950A1 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-01-22 | Upm Raflatac Oy | Label web suitable for activation and cutting |
DE102015205935A1 (en) | 2015-04-01 | 2016-10-06 | Ccl Label Meerane Gmbh | Easily removable label without release liner especially for reusable containers |
US10083635B2 (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2018-09-25 | Flex R&D, Inc. | In-line production of linerless labels |
US10573204B2 (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2020-02-25 | Flex R&D Inc. | In-line production of linerless labels |
US10803773B2 (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2020-10-13 | Mallya Consulting Llc | In-line production of linerless labels |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4389450A (en) * | 1981-02-26 | 1983-06-21 | American Can Company | Multiple layer packaging film |
WO2000024838A1 (en) * | 1998-10-26 | 2000-05-04 | Nashua Corporation | Heat-sealable adhesive label with spacer particles |
WO2006053267A1 (en) * | 2004-11-10 | 2006-05-18 | Avery Dennison Corporation | In-mold labels and uses thereof |
-
2013
- 2013-09-05 DE DE212013000198.3U patent/DE212013000198U1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2013-09-05 WO PCT/FI2013/050861 patent/WO2014041239A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4389450A (en) * | 1981-02-26 | 1983-06-21 | American Can Company | Multiple layer packaging film |
WO2000024838A1 (en) * | 1998-10-26 | 2000-05-04 | Nashua Corporation | Heat-sealable adhesive label with spacer particles |
WO2006053267A1 (en) * | 2004-11-10 | 2006-05-18 | Avery Dennison Corporation | In-mold labels and uses thereof |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
"STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR STATIC AND KINETIC COEFFICIENTS OF FRICTION OF PLASTIC FILM AND SHEETING", ASTM DESIGNATION, ASTM INTERNATIONAL, US, 1 January 2001 (2001-01-01), pages 1, XP009061128 * |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015007950A1 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-01-22 | Upm Raflatac Oy | Label web suitable for activation and cutting |
DE102015205935A1 (en) | 2015-04-01 | 2016-10-06 | Ccl Label Meerane Gmbh | Easily removable label without release liner especially for reusable containers |
US10083635B2 (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2018-09-25 | Flex R&D, Inc. | In-line production of linerless labels |
US10325526B2 (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2019-06-18 | Flex R&D Inc. | In-line production of linerless labels |
US10573204B2 (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2020-02-25 | Flex R&D Inc. | In-line production of linerless labels |
US10796609B2 (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2020-10-06 | Mallya Consulting Llc | In-line production of linerless labels |
US10796610B2 (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2020-10-06 | Mallya Consulting Llc | In-line production of linerless labels |
US10803773B2 (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2020-10-13 | Mallya Consulting Llc | In-line production of linerless labels |
US11735070B2 (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2023-08-22 | Avery Dennison Corporation | In-line production of linerless labels |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE212013000198U1 (en) | 2015-04-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
AU2007337099B2 (en) | Laminate | |
US4977003A (en) | Nontacky acrylonitrile/butadiene adhesive tape | |
AU2013298716B2 (en) | Adhesion method using thin adhesive layers | |
WO2014041239A1 (en) | A linerless label | |
AU2006234311A1 (en) | Seal stock laminate | |
NZ523750A (en) | Pressure sensitive food grade wrap film and process for manufacturing such a film | |
Benedek | Development and manufacture of pressure-sensitive products | |
EP3259203B1 (en) | Reclosable packaging | |
AU2018257718B2 (en) | Activatable adhesive label | |
EP0192740B1 (en) | Deformable substrate provided with a flexible and deformable label | |
US11248147B2 (en) | Wash-off label, a combination of a wash-off label and an item | |
EP2683546A1 (en) | A laminate web | |
WO2013140035A1 (en) | Label facestock film | |
WO2015118213A1 (en) | Method for preparing a label web and labels obtained with said method | |
WO2015118214A1 (en) | Washable label and method for preparing thereof | |
JP5948912B2 (en) | Easily tearable embossed film and packaging material using the same | |
JP4880993B2 (en) | Thermal labels and labeled containers | |
JP2006030668A (en) | Heat insulating shrink label and container with label | |
US10688754B1 (en) | Multifunctional contact clear filled pressure sensitive adhesive coated substrates | |
WO2015118211A1 (en) | Washable label, method and apparatus for preparing said label | |
WO2015118209A1 (en) | Linerless labels | |
US11173690B2 (en) | Multipart label laminate, labels and labelling | |
Benedek | 2 Buildup and Classification of | |
WO1990013417A1 (en) | An offset printable-removable self adhering display media | |
AU2013251225A1 (en) | Laminate |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 13766582 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
DPE1 | Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101) | ||
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2120130001983 Country of ref document: DE Ref document number: 212013000198 Country of ref document: DE |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 13766582 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |