Patent Description:
Recycling of plastic containers has become increasingly more popular over the last several years. However, while the plastic containers are recyclable, the materials used to make the shrink wrap labels applied to the containers are often not recyclable. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the shrink wrap label from a plastic container, or separate the label material from the container material, to allow recycling of the plastic container. When the labels are not easily separable from the containers, many containers are not recycled that otherwise would be, and recycling yields are reduced. Thus, there is a need to produce easily separable labels to increase the efficiency of recycling.

The Association of Plastics Recyclers, guidelines from brand owners, and publications of the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), are all pointing to the issue created by full body sleeve labels in the recycling system. The sleeves tend to obscure the automated detection systems during the sorting process. As a result, PET recycling facilities have seen decreasing yields as sleeved bottles tend to end up being separated from clear PET containers and discarded.

To alleviate the problems with sorting, recyclers and brand owners tend to recommend paper labels, or partial sleeves made with low density thermoplastic materials, such as polyolefins. However, such materials do not have the desirable shrink properties or printability of higher density substrates such as PET-G.

Moreover, there are currently certain restrictions when applying shrink wrap labels wherein the labels must be sealed at a seam to ensure a strong bond at the seam. For example, it is necessary to avoid printing in the margins of a shrink wrap structure prior to adhering or solvent-welding them together. In addition, it is necessary to clean or wipe the margins of the shrink wrap structure in the area to be seamed prior to adhering or solvent-welding them together.

Shrink sleeve separation from PET containers is typically achieved in the sink/floatation tanks as part of the overall PET recycling process, starting from bales of PET containers and ending with clear recycled PET (R-PET) flakes to be re-used for container making. Several film/resin suppliers, including Exxon, Toppas, and Cryovac, or converters such as Fujiseal, have introduced low density films or co-extruded film structures with low density (below <NUM> or at least below <NUM>), to address the shrink sleeve separation issue. Such films are generally based on mono- or multi-layer structures including polymers built around a low density core, such as polyolefins, or micro-voided/cavitated polymer, optionally wrapped by a PET-G skin, and, if needed, a tie layer between the core and the PET-G. The overall density of the film is designed to make it floatable in the sink/floatation tank. However, if the density prior to printing is not low enough, it is possible for the printed sleeve to become too dense, and therefore unable to be separated from the standard PET to be recycled.

PET-G is the preferred material for shrink wrap labels. However, PET-G has a higher density (about <NUM>), which hinders separation in the sink/floatation tanks. The density of PET-G may be reduced if voids are created in the extruded film. Incorporation of a blowing agent into a coating offers the advantage that the overall label structure can be significantly reduced in density after activation of the blowing agent by various means, and separated from the container by floatation in a suitable liquid. In principle, this will work both for an entire label, and a ground up mixture of label and container. A coating will show an advantage over an ink for two reasons. First, coating of the entire label means that the blowing agent will be evenly distributed over the label, so that no one area has a higher concentration of blowing agent. Conversely, when the blowing agent is incorporated into the ink printed only in selected areas, those areas will have a higher concentration of blowing agent. Because the blowing agent in a coating is more evenly distributed, it means that a smaller particle size and/or lower coat weight of blowing agent can be used, while still achieving the desired level of density reduction. This, in turn, means that a higher level of transparency, gloss, and slip can be maintained in the overall shrink label structure.

Second, a <NUM>%, even, coating of an entire label will give a consistent level of density reduction between different label designs, compared to an ink which may be printed at a wide range of percentage coverages. This simplifies and standardizes the recycling process.

Additionally, a micro-voided or cavitated film is opaque white, while a foamable coating approach may provide transparency or translucency. Blowing agents that generate a gas on exposure to heat, pH change, photonic radiation and/or thermal energy may comprise any of the types that are well-known to those of skill in the art (see, for example, http://en. org/wiki/Blowing_agent and http://www. jp/en/product/types. Blowing agents may also include metal carbonates and bicarbonates, azides, azodicarbonamide, and diazonium salts.

In addition, it is well known to those of skill in the art that inks can bleed through from their desired location, either into an undesired location on a printed article, or even onto the body parts of someone holding that article (which may be aided by a body fluid such as sweat or saliva). An appropriate coating may alleviate the problem of bleeding.

A coating that is a gas barrier may also be advantageous. Gas barrier coatings are known in the art. However, there are no known coatings that are gas barriers combined with the ability to work as "de-seamable" coatings to improve recycling.

Thus, there is currently no practical or economical solution built around printable materials to address the shrink sleeve issue in the PET recycling process. Manufacturers either must use less-preferred substrates that are less dense than PET-G, or move to more complex, and likely more expensive, floatable film structures. Therefore, there is a need to provide a method to produce labels that have good bond strength at the seams, while still being easily separable from the plastic container during the recycling process.

<CIT> relates to a method for gluing labels on hydrophobic substrates, wherein a radiation cross-linking, pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied on the label or on the substrate on a surface opposite to the label and irradiated with UV or electron radiation, and label and substrate are then brought together and glued to one another. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is soluble in aqueous solutions.

<CIT> relates to an adhesive label that includes a polymeric first film layer, which can be removed during a washing process in warm or hot washing fluids.

<CIT> relates to a method for labelling a glass, plastic or metal container or surface with a polymeric label by means of a water based adhesive composition by the following steps: (a) selecting a polymeric label having a density of less than <NUM>; (b) applying a water based adhesive to said polymeric label to form a fastenable polymeric label; (c) fastening said fastenable polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container or surface; and (d) allowing said polymeric label to dry on said glass, plastic or metal surface or container.

<CIT> relates to a container with a label in which a label is mounted on the surface of the container, wherein the label has an adhesive layer on both ends on the inner surface side, and one end of the label is adhered and fixed to the surface of the container by the adhesive layer.

<CIT> relates to a water resistant, caustically removable coating, paper label and recycled labelled glass bottle.

<CIT> relates to a coating agent comprising (a) an alkali-soluble resin and (b) a urethane resin and/or an acrylic resin, and a label produced by applying the coating agent on the back surface of a label.

<CIT> relates to a polyester bottle with a tack label attached to the surface of the body of the bottle. The tack label includes an adhesive layer made of a hot water soluble adhesive.

<CIT> relates to a roll shrink label to be wound on the outer circumference of a container composed of a base film and, formed on the surface of the base film, an adhesive layer (α) formed of an alkali-dispersed type hot-melt adhesive (a) and an adhesive layer (β) formed of a hot-melt adhesive (b) whose softening point is higher than <NUM>.

The present invention provides novel coatings for labels, including wrap around and sleeve labels, particularly shrink wrap labels, for containers. As used herein, the terms "coating," "coatings," "coating of the invention," or "coatings of the invention" mean liquid compositions that can be deposited on a substrate in various ways, including, but not limited to, printing (such as, but not limited to, analog or digital, inkjet, offset, flexographic, lithographic, gravure, screen printing), roll coating, spray coating, die coating, use of a liquid dosing system such as needle or wick deposition currently done for in-line seaming of shrink sleeve film, and the like. Also provided are methods and processes for application and use of the coatings of the invention. The coatings of the invention promote good bonding at the seam, with subsequent ease of removal for recycling of the containers. The coatings of the invention are useful for coating labels, including wrap around and sleeve labels, particularly shrink wrap labels, to be applied to plastic containers. The coatings of the invention are particularly useful for use on labels comprising PET, PET-G, polyolefins, cyclic polyolefins (COC) and alpha-polyolefins such as OPP and polyethylene (PE), OPS or PVC. Coatings of the invention enable good sealing, resistance to shrinking, and resistance to cold water, of the label applied to the container, while allowing efficient de-seaming and removal of the label during the recycling process.

The present invention provides a method comprising applying a coating composition to a label substrate wherein:.

wherein the first and second resin may be the same or different.

The coating compositions according to the invention can produce de-seamable labels wherein:.

Preferably, the coating composition produces a bond strength of greater than <NUM> N/in of coating to substrate after seaming to substrate.

The present invention also provides novel coating compositions, which are liquid compositions suitable for deposition on a label substrate to be applied to plastic containers, the composition comprising:.

Preferably, the coating forms a strong bond with the substrate via either a solvent or heat sealing process.

Preferably, the coating itself functions as a seaming material, so that no additional solvent or heat sealing process is necessary, and replaces the traditional seaming solvent.

Preferably, the coating compositions comprise at least one resin with a Tg above about <NUM>, and preferably above <NUM>, selected from the group consisting of polyesters, nitrocelluloses, shellacs, and polyurethanes.

Preferably, the coating compositions further comprise at least one second resin which is at least partially hydrolysed in an aqueous medium at a pH of <NUM> or greater.

The second resin is selected from the group consisting of polyhydroxycarboxylic acids, sulfopolyesters, acrylics, polymers containing sulfonamide functionality, and polymers with a hydroxyl level of about <NUM> or greater.

Preferably, the acid value of the coating composition based on dry film is greater than <NUM>.

Preferably, the present invention provides a shrink sleeve label film substrate coated with the coating of the invention.

Preferably, the entire shrink sleeve label film substrate is coated with the coating.

preferably, the substrate is partly coated with the coating composition.

Preferably, the coating has been applied to the substrate as a pattern to create a partial coverage in the seam area.

Preferably, the shrink sleeve label substrate is coated in at least the seaming area with a coating of the invention.

The present invention also provides a shrink sleeve label substrate coated in at least the seaming area with two outer layers of coatings of the invention, wherein the combination is a coating system that is at least partially hydrolysable under the conditions of recycling, comprising:.

Preferably, the first coating layer is further in contact with the inks printed on the substrate.

Preferably, the second coating layer is further in contact with the inks printed on the substrate.

Preferably, both the first coating layer and the second coating layer are further in contact with the inks printed on the substrate.

Preferably, the two coating layers provide a coating system that is at least partially hydrolysable or solutionable under the conditions of recycling.

The present invention also provides an article comprising a sleeve label as described above.

A method to produce sleeves for labeling plastic containers that can be removed from the container during a hot caustic wash step in the recycling process is described herein.

A method to produce sleeves for labeling plastic containers that can be removed from the container during a solvent wash step in the recycling process is also described herein.

Preferably, the method to produce sleeves for labeling plastic containers that can be removed from the container during a hot caustic wash step or solvent wash step in the recycling process, comprises applying a coating of the invention to the sleeve label substrate.

Preferably, the sleeves are removed by de-seaming from the container.

Also described is an article wrapped with a sleeve label applied as described above.

Preferably, the label separates from the article when the article is placed into a hot caustic wash.

Preferably, the label is comprised of a seamed substrate.

Preferably, the seamed substrate is a plastic substrate.

Preferably, the label separates in less than <NUM> minutes at <NUM>.

Preferably, the label separates in less than <NUM> minute at <NUM>.

Preferably, the sleeve label on which a coating of the invention has been applied can be de-seamed with a solvent. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, acetates, such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and the like.

Preferably, the label is a full wrap label.

Preferably, the label is a partial wrap label.

Preferably, the label is a shrink wrap label.

Preferably, a coating composition that is not a hot melt glue or a water soluble adhesive composition is applied to the label.

The coating composition comprises the coating composition described above.

Preferably, the article is a plastic article.

Preferably, the coatings of the invention can be adjusted to have a higher content of solids, to provide coatings suitable for seaming of in-line wrap around labels that are placed and seamed directly onto the containers. Preferably, the label film is coated in the target area with a coating of the invention, wrapped around a container, and heat-sealed onto the container. Labels so applied will de-seam from the containers when the containers are placed in a hot caustic bath. By seaming the labels directly onto the containers, an additional shrink step would not be necessary. Compared to containers affixed with a label seamed with hot melt glue, the containers described above would have higher heat resistance, which is an advantage for hot filling of containers. Compared to wrap around labeled containers seamed with water-based adhesives, the containers seamed according to the above would have improved resistance to a water bath (such as when beverage containers are immersed in cold water for extended periods of time).

The present invention provides novel coatings for labels, including wrap around and sleeve labels, particularly shrink wrap labels, for containers. The coatings of the invention promote good bonding at the seam, with subsequent ease of removal for recycling of the containers. The coatings of the invention are useful for coating labels, including wrap around and sleeve labels, particularly shrink wrap labels, to be applied to plastic containers. The coatings of the invention are particularly useful for use on labels comprising PET, PET-G, polyolefins, cyclic polyolefins (COC) and alpha-polyolefins such as OPP and polyethylene (PE), OPS or PVC. Coatings of the invention enable good sealing, resistance to shrinking, and resistance to cold water, of the label applied to the container, while allowing efficient de-seaming and removal of the label during the recycling process.

The present invention provides a way to easily separate sleeve labels from containers, such as PET bottles, during recycling, without adding special manual or mechanical removal equipment, and while maintaining sufficient bond properties within the sleeve to allow it to perform as a standard sleeve. Moreover, the coatings and methods of the present invention are not substrate limited. That is, the coatings and methods of the invention work with low or high density substrates such as polyolefins or PET-G. Additionally, the coatings of the invention may help protect the ink layers and minimize or eliminate the ink bleeding into the water/caustic used for recycling.

Another optional benefit of the invention is that, contrary to what is currently done to achieve good bonds, the sleeves may now be printed with graphics that include the seaming area. Using the methods currently used in the industry, precisely positioning the unprinted seam with regard to the graphics creates additional challenges for the label converters from printing through splitting and cutting. The coatings of this invention are designed to provide good bonds between the coating and the substrate (such as PET-G) even when there is printing in the seam.

The present invention relates to novel coating compositions for use with labels, including wrap around and sleeve labels, particularly shrink sleeve labels, that will allow for an easy separation of the label from the container during recycling, and, in particular, during the hot caustic wash step, or a solvent wash step. The method of separating the label from the container comprises applying a bondable, caustic de-seamable, coating layer of the invention in the seam area.

Although prior art teaches that sleeve labels must be printed such that the seam area remains free of ink or coating to ensure good solvent bondability, the coatings of the invention were developed to provide good bond strength for solvent seamed sleeves. Preferably, the coatings of the invention were developed to themselves function as a seaming material, eliminating the need for the additional step of applying a separate seaming solvent, and replace the traditional seaming solvent, to form the seam of the sleeve label.

Good bonds are defined by the bond strength values measured by pulling perpendicularly to the seam direction and measuring the force necessary to separate the seam. Typical solvent bonds in shrink sleeve labels have a bond strength of <NUM> N/in to <NUM> N/in (see for example <CIT>). The seamed samples are cut into <NUM>/<NUM> inch to <NUM>-inch wide strips, and the ends are held by clamps. An Instron tensiometer is used to measure the force required to break the bond at a pulling speed of <NUM>/min. The results are expressed in N or N/in. In the present case, "good" bonds may be defined as bond strength values greater than <NUM> N/in, or preferably greater than <NUM> N/in, or more preferably greater than <NUM> N/in as measured at room temperature.

Suitable compositions of the invention form a coating layer onto the desired label substrate and provide good bond strength via a solvent or heat seaming process, or to function as a coating and seaming material in one step (without the need for an additional step of applying seaming solvent), replacing the traditional seaming solvent, to form a sleeve. Coatings of the invention withstand the heat shrinking process, whereby the labels are shrunk to fit snugly around the container, providing a seam with sufficient strength to hold the label around the container. During heat shrinking, heat may be applied through a steam tunnel, an IR tunnel, a convection tunnel, or by direct exposure to hot air. Typical temperature and residence time depends on the material, container shape, desired shrink rate, and the technique used to provide the heat. For example, a steam tunnel used for PET-G sleeves reaches between <NUM> and <NUM>, with a residence time typically between <NUM> and <NUM> seconds, which is enough to achieve up to <NUM>% shrink rate. There may also be a <NUM> second dip in <NUM> water post shrinkage for PET-G sleeves. Coatings of the invention are also resistant to cold water.

Coatings of the invention will de-seam when placed in hot caustic environments, such as those used during the whole container washing step that is part of the recycling process. The washing step is generally done at <NUM> to <NUM>, with <NUM>% to <NUM>% NaOH.

Preferably, coatings of the invention will de-seam when placed in a solvent wash.

The sleeves used to perform the seaming and forming tests were sized according to common practices for shrink labels in the industry. A typical sleeve for solvent seaming would be slit to provide a total length equal to the largest perimeter of the container plus <NUM> to account for the seaming area and overlap. A <NUM> margin typically provides a wide enough area for a good seam, but also a snug fit around the container at the largest perimeter in order to keep the sleeve in place during the hot shrinking process. Additional margin may be added to account for shrinkage due to thermal processes (such as the drying of the coating) which may induce some additional shrinkage. A larger sleeve may be used around a container to provide a desired effect such as a looser fit after shrinkage.

The coatings of this invention comprise at least one resin with a Tg above about <NUM>, preferably above about <NUM>, more preferably above about <NUM>, and most preferably above about <NUM>, and one resin that is hydrolysable in hot caustic solution. The first and second resin may or may not be the same. Hydrolysable or soluble resins include resins with an acid value greater than or equal to <NUM> (and preferably greater than or equal to <NUM>, and more preferably greater than or equal to <NUM>), resins with hydroxyl values greater than <NUM>, and resins which will break down in hot caustic environments, such as polylactic acid. The coatings may be solvent based or water based, or use water/solvent mixtures, such as water/alcohol compositions. Examples of suitable resins, as identified in the examples, include certain polyesters, polyurethanes and also polyvinylalcohol and blends thereof.

Preferably, the de-seaming coatings are a blend of polyester resins comprising a resin with a Tg above about <NUM>, preferably above about <NUM>, more preferably above about <NUM>, and most preferably above about <NUM>, and a resin with a Tg below about <NUM> having high acid group functionalities. Alternatively, the de-seaming coating preferably further comprises a polymer which decomposes in hot caustic environments, such as polylactic acid.

De-seaming coatings are generally applied onto the reverse side of the sleeve label substrate (which may be pre-treated with an antistatic coating to prevent dust accumulation during printing and handling). Inks are also generally applied on the reverse side, except when the sleeve substrate is opaque, in which case the inks are surface printed. The coatings will be applied over at least a portion of the seaming area. They may be applied over the entire sleeve or have only a partial coverage. They may be applied as a uniform coating or in the form of a pattern of halftone designed to provide a suitable balance of seaming, shrinking and de-seaming properties. They may be allowed to overlap the inks. Preferably, the inks may be printed to the edge of the sleeve and be overprinted with the coating in the seaming area while still allowing suitable seaming, shrinking and de-seaming properties.

Coatings are preferably applied through a printing process, such as gravure or flexographic printing, but other deposition methods, such as roll, spray, die coating, dosing via needle or wicking, or screen printing may be possible by adjusting the coating composition to the rheology required for proper deposition for a particular technique.

Coating weight depends on the deposition technique used but will generally be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM> dry, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>/m<NUM> , and even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>/m<NUM>.

The coating compositions may optionally contain a colorant, such as a dye, a pigment, a taggant, or a fluorophore, to provide means to visualize the deposition or warn end users about the presence of a special de-seaming coating on the label.

In order to ensure good handling and easy fitting of the sleeves onto containers, the coatings will typically have a coefficient of friction at or below <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>, and more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In order to achieve the desired printing, seaming, shrinking and de-seaming properties, one or more coating layers may be used. Preferably, a first coating layer which is hydrolysable, degradable or soluble in a hot caustic environment, is applied and overprinted with a second coating layer designed to ensure good seaming characteristics for sleeves. Alternatively, the coating layers may be reversed, wherein the first coating layer is designed to ensure good seaming characteristics for sleeves, and the second coating layer is hydrolysable, degradable or soluble in a hot caustic environment. After application of the two coating layers, the sleeve seam may be bonded via a solvent or heat sealing process; or the coating layers/system may additionally function as a seaming material, and replace the traditional seaming solvents.

As illustrated in the examples, the methods of this invention apply not only to PET-G sleeves, but also to other substrates, such as OPP, PVC, or OPS, either as monolithic substrates or multilayer structures, whether they are homogenous in composition or comprise layers of different compositions (such as PETG/OPS/PETG or PETG/OPP/PETG based structures or similar co-extruded structures further comprising tie-layers).

Preferably, the de-seaming coating comprises one or more renewable resins. Non-limiting examples of such resins include polylactic acid and/or a coating grade of recycled polyester such as JD2-<NUM>.

Tables <NUM> and <NUM> summarize the key properties and source for the materials used in Examples <NUM>-<NUM>. Coating solutions were formulated by adding solvent to the resin, or to the resin varnish if the polymer was already supplied in solution form. For the tests, all samples were reduced to about <NUM> cps viscosity, as measured using a Brookfield spindle viscometer at approximately <NUM>. Polyurethane resins, polyester resins, and nitrocellulose were viscosity adjusted by addition of ethyl acetate. Shellac resin and polyvinylalcohol (Aquaseal X2281) were viscosity adjusted by adding ethanol. The seams in Examples <NUM>-<NUM> were formed by either a traditional solvent or heat sealing process.

Coatings were applied to the reverse (print) side of the substrates with a #<NUM> Bar using a K-Coater (from RK Printcoat Instruments Ltd. , Royston - United Kingdom) unless otherwise specified.

Films were then seamed with solvent so that the coated side faced the uncoated side (front side of the substrate). Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, those sold for the purpose by Flexcraft Industries, Inc. of Newark, NJ, USA, such as Flexcraft <NUM>-<NUM> OB, a solvent blend comprising tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a major component. The seaming solvent composition may be optimized to provide the best seam strength given a specific substrate while meeting industrial application requirements in terms of evaporation speed, flash point, stability and toxicity. For seaming films composed of PET-G, solvent blends comprising THF are commonly used, but other solvents may be employed advantageously in conjunction with other shrink wrap substrates.

The solvent was applied using a solvent pen (felt tip) in combination with a manual seaming machine made by Ryback & Ryback (Monroe, NC, USA). This formed a sleeve label which was then placed around a blank bottle and shrunk with the heat produced either by a hot air gun, via immersion in hot water (<NUM>) bath, or by using a steam pot, for <NUM> to <NUM> seconds, depending on the technique. Sleeves were generally allowed to rest overnight in order to ensure that the solvent had fully evaporated before shrink tests.

For the above test, the PET bottle container used had an outer diameter of about <NUM> inches and a circumference of about <NUM> inches. The seam area on the sleeve label had a length of <NUM> inches and the sleeve was seamed to provide a snug fit around the bottle with a seamed sleeve perimeter of about <NUM>" leaving about <NUM> for the seam area and ink overlap.

The labels were then checked after shrinking to see if the seam stayed intact (ie. , passed the test) or came apart (failed). The seamed bottles that passed were then placed into plain hot water at <NUM> for <NUM> seconds to assess the sensitivity of the seal to potential overexposure in the steam tunnel.

Finally, the sleeved bottles that had passed all the other tests were placed into a water bath containing <NUM>% aq. NaOH at <NUM> to simulate the recycling "bottle wash" conditions and timed to determine how long it would take for the seam to come apart.

Bond strength of the seamed area in the shrink direction was determined by making a solvent seam between the coated side of the film and the uncoated side using <NUM>-inch wide samples. The ends of the print were then placed into an Instron Tensiometer (model number <NUM> made by Instron in Norwood, MA - USA) and pulled in a direction perpendicular to the seam direction at a speed of <NUM>/min.

Coatings based on different resin compositions and their blends were applied to a freshly corona treated shrink grade PET-G film substrate (Eastman Embrace film / <NUM>-micron thick) and tested for seaming performance. Samples that passed the seaming tests were then evaluated for shrink performance around a bottle container, and then, if applicable, de-seaming performance and hot non-caustic bath resistance test as described above. The solvent used for the seaming experiments was a custom mixture of Flexcraft <NUM>-<NUM> OB, a solvent blend available from Flexcraft Industries, Inc. , and comprising1,<NUM>-dioxolane, tetrahydrofuran, and xylenes, blended with additional tetrahydrofuran (in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>). The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

<NUM>-103OB is THF-based solvent blend made by Flexcraft Industries, Inc. (Newark, NJ - USA) which is commonly used for seaming PET-G sleeves.

For the selected combination of film substrate and seaming solvents, only a few coating compositions provided seams with the desirable combination of properties, which include high Instron bond strength values, and remained intact after the shrink test, but also delaminated in a hot caustic bath. Polyester coating compositions appeared to provide the best performance in the test, either alone, or as a blend with a polyurethane resin. In particular, the blend of a higher Tg polymer (polyester, acrylic, styrenic, nitrocellulosic or polyurethane), and lower Tg polyester with a higher acid value seemed the most effective for solvent-based coating compositions. The improved performance of polyester blends compared with single resins is not completely unexpected as combinations of high and low Tg polymers usually provide better film formation and general coating properties.

Additional examples not reported in Table <NUM>, wherein polylactic acid (VyloEcol BE-<NUM> from Toyobo JP) was added as a minor component up to 20wt% to polyester compositions, providing good bond strength such as <NUM>:<NUM> mixtures of Vylon <NUM> and <NUM> or Vylon <NUM> and <NUM>, also resulted in compositions having the desired properties for the de-seamable coatings. The introduction of additional material hydrolysable under the conditions of recycling, usually comprising treatment with an aqueous medium of pH <NUM> or greater, such as polylactic acid, appeared to help accelerate de-seaming in the hot caustic bath, and also reduce the coefficient of friction from about <NUM> (static) and <NUM> (kinetic) to <NUM> (static) and <NUM> (kinetic). Other polyhydroxycarboxylic acids, such as polymers derived from caprolactone, are also of benefit, as are polymers with a hydroxyl value of <NUM> or greater, such as polyvinyl alcohols, starches and cellulosics, sulfopolyesters, acrylics, and polymers containing sulfonamide functionality. Note that a coefficient of friction (CoF) of <NUM> or less is desirable for shrink sleeves to provide suitable performance on shrink labeling production equipment. The CoF was measured with an instrument from Testing Machines, Inc. , of New Castle, DE <NUM>, USA, model number <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>, equipped with a <NUM> gram weight and of weight dimensions: <NUM><NUM>/<NUM> in by <NUM><NUM>/<NUM> in, at a speed setting of <NUM>. The results in Table <NUM> also show that the water based polyvinyl alcohol composition tested (which comprised at print viscosity <NUM>1wt% solids, 46wt% water and 43wt% alcohol), and which was applied with a # <NUM>-bar, provided suitable properties for the de-seaming coatings.

In summary, example <NUM> shows that de-seaming coatings may be formulated as either solvent-based or water-based compositions, and emphasizes the need to have at least one resin with a Tg of over <NUM>, and a hydrolysable or high acid value resin.

Additional experiments were carried out with different substrates (PET-G, OPP and PVC) using pure Flexcraft <NUM>-<NUM> OB as the seaming solvent. Interestingly, some compositions, such as a polyurethane system, provided better performance on OPP and PVC than on PET-G. Also, the water-based coating made from polyvinylalcohol, which exhibited excellent results on PET-G, did not perform well on OPP and PVC. The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

These results show that the de-seamable coating concept can be applied to other shrink label substrates besides PET-G, such as OPP and PVC, with the proper selection of resin systems for adhesion as well as seaming characteristics. Any structure based on these materials either as monolayers or multilayers, homogenous or heterogenous, may be a candidate to create de-seamable sleeves via selection of an optimized coating composition to be applied at least in the seaming area.

A coating based on a combination of polyester resin (Vylon <NUM> / Vylon <NUM>) at a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> was tested for performance on printed and unprinted PET-G shrink sleeves. The coating, adjusted to a viscosity of about <NUM> cps, was applied with a #<NUM>-bar. Seaming was performed with Flexcraft <NUM>-<NUM> OB solvent. On both substrates, the coating provided acceptable seaming and shrinking performance, and was able to de-seam in less than <NUM> minutes when placed in a hot caustic bath.

Similar experiments were performed with a combination of polyester resin (Vylon <NUM> / Vylon <NUM>) at a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> applied with a #<NUM>-bar on top of printed and unprinted PET-G sleeves. Seaming was performed with Flexcraft <NUM>-<NUM> OB solvent. On both substrates, the coating provided acceptable seaming and shrinking performance and was able to de-seam in less than <NUM> minutes when placed in a hot caustic bath.

PET-G shrink label film samples, some of which were printed with inks, were coated with a first hydrolysable coating comprising a primary resin with a Tg above <NUM>. A second coating, selected for its solvent seaming characteristics to the substrate (such as a polyester), was applied on top of the first coating. The combination of the two coatings produced good solvent seaming characteristics and fast de-seaming in the hot caustic bath during the recycling wash step.

Using a structure similar to example <NUM>, a first hydrolysable coating was applied onto the substrate followed by a second coating selected for its heat sealing properties. The sleeve was then formed using a heat sealing process to form the seam (solventless process) and then shrunk around the container/article. The combination of the two coatings produced good heat seaming characteristics and fast de-seaming in a hot caustic bath during the recycling wash step.

Inventive coatings were made wherein the coating additionally functioned as a seaming material, replacing traditional seaming solvents, and eliminating the need for an additional step of solvent or heat sealing. The coatings of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> provided strong bonds, and were easily de-seamable during a hot caustic wash step. Table <NUM> lists material characteristics of representative components used in Examples <NUM>-<NUM>. Table <NUM> shows non-limiting examples of coating solutions which would replace the traditional seaming solvent.

In general, test methods followed standard ASTM procedures wherever possible. Because of the small size of some of the samples, or equipment limitations, however, some minor modifications to the ASTM procedures were required.

The solids content of the coating solutions was determined by weight difference before, and after evaporating solvent by heating a <NUM> sample at <NUM> for <NUM>.

Viscosity was measured by a Brookfield DV-E viscometer with spindle LV-<NUM>(<NUM>) at <NUM> rpm, and approximately <NUM>. The viscosity of the coating solutions were adjusted to about <NUM> to about <NUM> cps.

"T-peel" bond strength of the seam was measured along the direction of seaming using Instron Model <NUM> single column universal testing system, with a load of <NUM> N and crosshead speed of <NUM>/min, following ASTM Method D1876. The average peeling load at average value (integral) was determined from the autographic curve between the first and last peaks. The "T-peel" bond strength is the average peeling load in gram-force per in (or Newton per inch) of the seam width required to separate the adhered sleeves.

Break strength of the seam in the shrink direction, (perpendicular to seaming) was measured by the same general method as "T-peel" bond strength. Break strength is the maximum peeling load in gram-force per inch (or Newton per inch) of the seam width, and is the load required to separate the adhered sleeves.

Shrink test was performed by immersing a blank bottle wrapped with a seamed shrink sleeve into a Ryback and Ryback S3 steam machine for <NUM>-<NUM> seconds, depending on the technique. It is considered a pass if the sleeve shrinks snuggly around the bottle and the seam stays intact coming out from the steam pot.

De-seaming was measured by immersing the sleeved bottle into a water bath containing a caustic solution at a temperature which is aimed at simulating the conditions of a full bottle (pre) wash process used in typical wet grinding PET recycling. Unless specified otherwise, the conditions of the bath were <NUM> wt% NaOH at <NUM>. The de-seaming time was the time measured between the immersion of the bottle into the caustic until the sleeve label fully separated from the bottle.

Examples <NUM>-<NUM> were used to form a continuous, adhesively bonded seam at the overlapped longitudinal edge portions of PET-G shrink sleeves. Seaming was performed by a Stanford AccraSeam™ shrink sleeve seamer. The line speed was <NUM>/min. The DSS volume set point was <NUM>/min for Examples <NUM> and <NUM>, and <NUM>/min for Example <NUM>. The width of the seam was about <NUM>-<NUM>. All tests on seamed shrink sleeves were taken at least <NUM> hours after seaming. The properties of Examples <NUM>-<NUM>, and shrink sleeves seamed by them, are summarized in Table <NUM>.

Examples <NUM>-<NUM> show that coatings of the invention can replace traditional seaming solvents, providing good bond strength, while being easily de-seamable during the recycling process.

A comparative example was made wherein a commercial seaming solvent, <NUM>-<NUM> (Flexcraft), was used in place of a coating solution of the invention to seam the shrink sleeves (i.e. seaming done in the traditional manner as found in the prior art). The seaming procedures and measurement conditions were the same as for Examples <NUM>-<NUM>. Table <NUM> shows the test results.

Table <NUM> shows that although traditional solvent seaming provides good bond strength, the shrink sleeve wraps so produced are not easily de-seamed. Therefore, the coatings of the invention are superior in that they not only provide good bond strength, but also produce sleeves that are easily de-seamable in the hot caustic wash step of the recycling process, allowing for more efficient recycling of PET bottles.

The coatings of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> were applied to PET-G sleeves that were subsequently heat-seamed. The coatings of Examples <NUM> and <NUM> provided strong bonds, and were easily de-seamed during a hot caustic wash step. Table <NUM> lists the compositions of Examples <NUM>-<NUM>.

The coatings of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> were applied onto freshly corona-treated shrink grade PET-G film substrates with a #<NUM>-bar. After fully drying, the coated films were heat seamed using a Uline Impulse Sealer H-<NUM>, with a heat setting of <NUM> for <NUM> seconds. Break strength of the seams were measured on <NUM> inch seamed strips cut from the film by Theller Mini Tensile Tester Model D. The procedures for the shrink and de-seaming tests were the same as described in Examples <NUM>-<NUM>. Table <NUM> shows the test results.

Examples <NUM>-<NUM> show that coatings of the invention can be used in heat seam applications, providing good bond strength, while being easily de-seamable during the recycling process. Example <NUM> is particularly suitable as de-seamable coating due to the presence of a higher Tg resin in the composition.

A comparative example was made wherein an uncoated PET-G film substrate (Eastman Embrace film / <NUM> microns thick) was heat-seamed, and tested using the same procedures as described for Examples <NUM>-<NUM>. The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

Table <NUM> shows that the uncoated PET-G shrink film was unable to de-seam in the hot caustic condition, although its seam strength was comparable to Examples <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>. Therefore the coatings of the invention are superior in that they not only provide good bond strength, but also produce heat-seamed sleeves that are easily de-seamable in the hot caustic wash step of the recycling process, allowing for more efficient recycling of PET bottles.

The coatings of Examples <NUM>-<NUM> can be adjusted to have a higher content of solids. The adjusted coatings can be applied to in-line wrap around labels that are placed and seamed directly onto the containers. The characteristics of the coatings, and the labels seamed with the coatings, can be tested as described above.

Claim 1:
A method comprising applying a coating composition to a label substrate, wherein:
a) the label substrate is applied to a plastic article;
b) the coating enables removal of the label during recycling; and
c) the coating composition comprises:
i) at least one first resin with a Tg above about <NUM>, preferably above about <NUM>, and selected from the group consisting of polyesters, nitrocelluloses, styrene-maleic anhydride co-polymers, shellacs, epoxies, polyurethanes, and vinyls;
ii) at least one second resin hydrolysable in a hot caustic bath selected from the group consisting of polyhydroxycarboxylic acids, sulfopolyesters, acrylics, polymers containing sulfonamide functionality, and polymers with a hydroxyl level of about <NUM> or greater;
wherein the first and second resins may be the same or different.