Patent ID: 8980012
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: B08B,B41M

Abstract:
1. A method for removing a printed ink image from an outer surface of a synthetic resin container comprising the steps of: a) providing said container with a cured ink image printed thereon, the ink image being printed onto said container with a UV-curable ink and cured through exposure of said ink to UV light; b) applying an organic solvent to a mechanical scrubbing device, said organic solvent being capable of solvating the ink image; c) heating the outer surface of said container to a temperature of between 100° to 185° F.; d) contacting the outer surface of said container with said solvent-containing mechanical scrubbing device while rotating said container thereby causing the image to separate therefrom, said contacting step including preventing contacting of an interior surface of said container with said solvent; e) rinsing solvent and ink residues from the outer surface of said container after said ink image is removed; and f) drying the outer surface of said container to create a de-inked container whose outer surface is capable of being immediately imprinted with a new ink image.