Patent Description:
It is common practice in the bottling industry to reuse, recycle, re-wash and refill returned bottles after consumer use of the item in an effort towards economy in the industry. Synthetic glues or adhesives are commonly used to affix labels and other items to surfaces, including bottles. Exemplary disclosures of synthetic glues and adhesives are provided in <CIT>. It is desirable to fully remove soils to clean the bottles as well as remove the labeling and any remaining adhesive residue left on the surface prior to cleaning, disinfecting and reuse. Unfortunately, various adhesives, including synthetic glues can be difficult to remove from surfaces such as glass bottles and any incomplete removal presents difficulty in reusing the item. In addition, conventional removal methods may only partially remove labels and/or destroy the labels creating additional buildup in the cleaning solutions (e.g. partially degraded labels).

It is known that bottle wash additives and alkaline detergent compositions along with bottle washing operations may be used to clean returned bottles. Numerous conventional aqueous-based bottle washing compositions contains caustics, alcohols, nonionic surfactants and/or other additives. Exemplary disclosures of bottle washing operations include <CIT>, and <CIT>. However, such additives and detergents often incompletely remove adhesives and leave residues or deposits on the surfaces, providing commercially undesirable results. In addition, commercially-available bottle wash additives often require repeated use to fully remove residues, utilize harsh cleaning conditions and/or require of large amounts of cleaning solutions or concentrates, all of which increase the time and cost of bottle washing.

<CIT> discloses a cleaning composition for removal of an adhesive materials affixing a label to a surface, comprising an aqueous or non-aqueous saturated or unsaturated amide solvent, a chelant, a surfactant, and less than about <NUM> wt-% sodium hydroxide (caustic).

These limitations in the practices of the bottling industry are further complicated with the removal of foil (or aluminum-type) labels, which even the harshest caustic-based label removing compositions provide little ineffective label removal. Such metallic labels are often shaped or adhered to the bottle neck presenting additional difficulties in removal of the adhesives, including additional manual labor required in the event a label removing composition in a bottle washing application is unable to completely remove the labels and/or adhesives.

It is therefore desirable to provide cleaning solutions according to the invention that provide for the complete removal of metallic bottle labels, glues and adhesives. This is a difficult task to design cleansing compositions for the removal of such adhesive and other substances.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the claimed invention to develop compositions for complete removal of various types of adhesives and other residues from surfaces, such as metallic labels and adhesive residue on returnable glass bottles.

A further object of the invention is novel label removing compositions for removal of various labels, including the most difficult to remove aluminum labels from glass bottles.

A still further object of the invention is to develop compositions for removal of adhesive labels and residue at reduced temperature, including ambient or room temperature.

A still further object of the invention is to develop compositions for removal of adhesive labels and residue at reduced caustic levels, i.e., in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, including label removing compositions which are caustic-free.

A still further object of the invention is to develop compositions for removal of adhesive labels and residue in a period of less than about <NUM> minutes, and preferably less than about <NUM> minutes.

A still further object of the invention is to develop compositions for removal of adhesive labels without destroying the labels and/or causing pulping. These and other objects of the invention are illustrated in the description of the invention. Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The present invention relates to a composition for removing soils, labels and other adhesive material from a hard surface, comprising an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine solvent; and at least one surfactant; wherein the composition contains caustic in the amount from <NUM> wt-% to <NUM> wt-%, and wherein the composition has a pH between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The compositions comprise an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine solvent in combination with wetting surfactants for complete removal of adhesive material from a bottle, such as glass bottles, are provided. The compositions remove labels and adhesive residue using a preferred solvent system allowing lower temperature and caustic-free and/or reduced caustic conditions. An advantage of the invention is the complete removal of adhesive residues on bottles, including metallic labels, providing convenient and cost-effective removal which is achieved in a shortened period of time of less than about <NUM> minutes, less than about <NUM> minutes and preferably less than about <NUM> minutes. The invention provides advantages over commercially available label removing compositions by both completely removing bottle labels along with the underlying adhesive residue.

In an embodiment, the present invention is a composition for removing soils, labels and other adhesive material from a hard surface comprising an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine solvent; and at least one surfactant; and wherein the composition further comprises caustic in amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM>-wt-%, and wherein the composition has a pH between about <NUM> and about <NUM>.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. Figures represented herein are not limitations to the various embodiments according to the invention and are presented for exemplary illustration of the invention.

The present invention relates to compositions for complete removal of adhesive material from a bottle, such as glass bottles. The compositions of the present invention have many advantages over conventional bottle washing compositions used to remove adhesive labels. For example, the compositions used achieve substantially complete and/or complete removal of adhesive labels while using lower temperature, less time and/or lower caustic conditions. In an aspect, the compositions used provide removal of the adhesive labels within less than about <NUM> minutes and preferably less than about <NUM> minutes, at temperatures below about <NUM> or preferably between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, and in a non-caustic and/or reduced caustic alkaline solution, including at a pH between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. An advantage of the invention is the complete removal of adhesive residues on bottles, providing convenient and cost-effective removal. The invention provides advantages over commercially available label removing compositions by both completely removing bottle labels.

The embodiments of this invention are not limited to particular compositions for removal of residues, including synthetic glue residues, from bottle surfaces, which can vary and are understood by skilled artisans. It is further to be understood that all terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, all units, prefixes, and symbols may be denoted in its SI accepted form. Numeric ranges recited within the specification are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

So that the present invention may be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain. Many materials similar, modified, or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the embodiments of the present invention without undue experimentation, the preferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

The term "about," as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring and liquid handling procedures used for making concentrates or use solutions in the real world; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term "about", the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

The terms "adhesive," "adhesive residue," "glue," and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to any synthetic adhesive or glue used to adhere a substance to a surface, namely glass surfaces such as glass bottles with labels adhered to its surface, including metallic labels. According to the invention, examples of adhesives include polyacrylic acid adhesives, or any polymer of a polycarboxylate.

The term "alkyl" refers to a straight or branched chain monovalent hydrocarbon radical having a specified number of carbon atoms. Alkyl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with substituents that do not interfere with the specified function of the composition and may be substituted once or twice with the same or different group. Substituents may include alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl substituted amino, nitro, carboxy, carbanoyl, carbanoyloxy, cyano, methylsulfonylamino, or halogen, for example. Examples of "alkyl" include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, <NUM>-methylpentyl, and the like.

The term "alkoxy" refers to a straight or branched chain monovalent hydrocarbon radical having a specified number of carbon atoms and a carbon-oxygen-carbon bond, may be unsubstituted or substituted with substituents that do not interfere with the specified function of the composition and may be substituted once or twice with the same or different group. Substituents may include alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl substituted amino, nitro, carboxy, carbanoyl, carbanoyloxy, cyano, methylsulfonylamino, or halogen, for example. Examples include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, t-butoxy, and the like.

As used herein, the phrase "applied color design" refers to a design, decoration, decorative element, or label that is applied in a fashion which is intended to be permanent while the article, for example a bottle, is in circulation, use, and/or reuse. One type of applied color design is referred to herein as an "applied ceramic label" (ACL). An applied ceramic label is a label that is applied in a fashion which is intended to be permanent while the article, e.g. bottle, is in circulation, use and/or reuse.

As used herein, the term "free" or "substantially free" refers to compositions completely lacking the component or having such a small amount of the component that the component does not affect the performance of the composition. The component may be present as an impurity or as a contaminant and shall be less than <NUM> wt-%. In another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than <NUM> wt-% and in yet another embodiment, the amount of component is less than <NUM> wt-%. In an embodiment of the invention the label removing compositions are substantially free of caustic and other caustic containing components (e.g. alkalinity sources), preferably the label removing compositions are free of caustic and other caustic containing components.

The term "substantially similar cleaning performance" refers generally to achievement by a substitute cleaning product or substitute cleaning system of generally the same degree (or at least not a significantly lesser degree) of cleanliness or with generally the same expenditure (or at least not a significantly lesser expenditure) of effort, or both.

The compositions of the present invention may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients of the present invention as well as other components and ingredients described herein. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" means that the compositions may include additional components or ingredients, but only if the additional components or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed compositions.

While an understanding of the mechanism is not necessary to practice the present invention and while the present invention is not limited to any particular mechanism of action, it is contemplated that, in some embodiments the compositions of the invention provide significant advantage over commercially-available bottle wash additives. According to the invention, both bottle labels (e.g. metallic and other materials) along with the underlying adhesive residue are completely removed without compromising overall bottle cleaning performance and/or creating any pulping or other residue in the label removal system. Cleaning performance according to the invention exceeds that of existing commercially available bottle wash additives that fail to completely remove adhesive residue from bottles, namely metallic labels such as aluminum labels. As a result, the compositions according to the invention represent a significant advantage in cost savings and efficiency for industries including recycling and reuse of bottles, namely glass bottles.

According to the invention, the compositions provide for the complete removal of synthetic glues and/or adhesives through the use of an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine solvent in combination with wetting surfactants and other optional additional ingredients. The label removing compositions according to the invention allow the use of lower temperatures, non-caustic and/or reduced caustic concentrations and reduced time required for the removal of the synthetic glues and/or adhesives. Although not intending to be limited to a particular theory, the compositions according to the invention provide chemistry that is capable of penetrating the synthetic glues and/or adhesives in order to solubilize the synthetic glues and/or adhesives. The steps of penetrating and solubilizing the synthetic glues and/or adhesives beneficially allow the complete removal of labels intact.

In an aspect, the compositions according to the invention provide label removing compositions having an alkaline pH preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>.

In an aspect, the compositions according to the invention provide label removing compositions suitable for use under any suitable conditions or temperature. In some embodiments, the label removing compositions are configured to be contacted with surface (such as a bottle) in need of label and/or adhesive removal at a temperature below about <NUM>, ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, e.g., about <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM>° C to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or any ranges there between.

In an aspect, the compositions according to the invention provide efficacious label removing without a decreased amount of time compared to conventional low-temperature label removing compositions. For example, the label removing compositions provide removal within a period of time of less than about <NUM> minutes, or preferably within less than about <NUM> minutes, e.g., less than about <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, or <NUM> minutes or less. In other aspects, the label removing compositions provide removal within a period of time of less than about <NUM> hours, or preferably within less than about <NUM> minutes, e.g., less than about <NUM> hours, <NUM> hour, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, or <NUM> minutes or less.

The label removing compositions according to the invention are particularly suitable for various bottle washing applications, including label and/or adhesive removal along with other soils as may be present on such surfaces. The label removing compositions provide efficient and effective label removal, while reducing the overall cost of the chemical compositions, reducing the temperature conditions, eliminating and/or reducing the use of caustic conditions and/or mechanical effects required for the label removal and cleaning of the article. The label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine. The compositions may also include a chelant, acidulant, additional solvents, surfactants and/or other functional ingredients as set forth herein the description of the invention.

Various embodiments of the label removing compositions according to the present invention are shown in Table <NUM> (Non-aqueous solvent-based compositions) and Table <NUM> (Aqueous solvent-based compositions).

The compositions according to the present invention have reduced caustic concentration and contain caustic in an amount from <NUM> wt-% to <NUM> wt-%. In a preferred aspect, the compositions have reduced caustic concentration of less than about <NUM> wt% of any strong base (e.g. KOH, NaOH) or strong alkali, more preferably less than about <NUM> wt%, and even more preferably less than about <NUM> wt%. In a further preferred aspect, the compositions are caustic-free and do not include any strong base (e.g. KOH, NaOH) or strong alkali therein. In a preferred aspect, the compositions are acetate-free, as the compositions do not require buffering. In a further aspect, the compositions are free of fluoride components, as they are not employed for any leaching and/or removal of sulfides from the labels and/or adhesives employed herein. Without being limited to a particular mechanism of action, the present compositions exclude fluoride components, such as organo-fluorines.

In a preferred aspect, the compositions are aqueous systems. In a preferred aspect, the compositions employ water in the aqueous solutions.

The compositions according to the invention include a solvent. A solvent or combination of solvents is useful in the label removing compositions of the invention to enhance certain adhesive removal properties. In an aspect, suitable solvents may include non-aqueous or aqueous amidine solvents. Suitable solvents include an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvents, including an amidine solvent. In an aspect, water may be used in combination with the aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvents disclosed herein. In some aspects the water is included as a diluent for the label removing compositions. The water can include water from any source including deionized water, tap water, softened water, and combinations thereof.

In a preferred aspect, the solvents are organic molecules. In a further preferred aspect, the solvents are basic solvents which replace sodium hydroxide solvents conventionally employed in various bottle washing compositions for label removal.

An amidine solvent is included in the label removing composition according to the present invention. An amidine solvent is a non-nucleophilic base. A preferred amidine solvent is <NUM>,<NUM>-Diazabicyclo[<NUM>. <NUM>]undec-<NUM>-ene, or also may be referred to as <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-Octahydropyrimidol[<NUM>,<NUM>-a]azepine (or DBU), having the formula (C<NUM>H<NUM>N<NUM>):
<CHM>.

Use of an amidine solvent provides beneficial hard surface cleaning and label and/or adhesive removal. Without being limited to a particular mechanism of action and/or theory of the invention, it is unexpected that the amidine solvent would be suitable for use with aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvents and for hard surface cleaning, as the compounds are known only for use as reagents in organic chemistry, including use as a catalyst, a complexing ligand, and/or a curing agent for epoxy.

Suitable amides solvents also include for example enamide solvents. Exemplary amides are for example, N,N-dialkyl amides, namely fatty N,N-dialkyl amides. Various fatty dialkyl amides have been used in cleaning compositions, such as non-aqueous solvent-based degreasers (such as disclosed in <CIT>). Suitable amide solvents for application according to the invention include fatty dialkyl amides, fatty amidoamines and/or fatty esteramines.

In a preferred aspect, the label removal compositions include a fatty acid derivative or fatty N,N-dialkyl amide, N,N-dialkyl esteramine, N,N-dialkyl amidoamine and/or combinations thereof. In a preferred aspect, the fatty solvent has the general structure:.

where R<NUM> is a C<NUM>-C<NUM> chain that is linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated; X is O or NH; A is C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylene; m is <NUM> or <NUM>; n is <NUM> or <NUM>; and R<NUM> and R<NUM> are the same or different C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl. When m = <NUM>, n = <NUM>, and when m = <NUM>, n = <NUM>. For the N,N-dialkyl amides, m=n=<NUM>. For the N,N-dialkyl esteramines, m = n = <NUM> and X = <NUM>. For the N,N-dialkyl amidoamines, m = n = <NUM> and X = NH. Additional disclosure of suitable amide and enamide solvents is disclosed in <CIT>.

In a further preferred aspect, the amide is N,N-dimethyl <NUM>-decenamide (generally referred to as a dimethylamine enamide) having the following structure:
<CHM>
(commercially available from Stepan Company).

Suitable amine solvents include, for example, primary, secondary, and/or tertiary amines. Primary, secondary and/or tertiary amines, include monoamines with C<NUM> alkyl or alkenyl chains, ethoxylated alkylamines, alkoxylates of ethylenediamine, imidazoles such as a <NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxyethyl)-<NUM>-imidazoline, a <NUM>-alkyl-<NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxyethyl)-<NUM>-imidazoline, and the like. Additional amines may include poly sulfonate ammonium salts, as for example, alkylpoly sulfonate ammonium chloride surfactants such as n-alkyl(C<NUM>-C<NUM>)dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, n-tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride monohydrate, and a naphthylene-substituted poly sulfonate ammonium chloride such as dimethyl-<NUM>-naphthylmethylammonium chloride. Amines may further include diamines carrying at least one nitrogen linked hydrocarbon group, which represents a saturated or unsaturated linear or branched alkyl group having at least <NUM> carbon atoms and preferably <NUM>-<NUM> carbon atoms, or an aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group containing up to <NUM> carbon atoms, and wherein the optional other nitrogen linked groups are formed by optionally substituted alkyl groups, aryl group or aralkyl groups or polyalkoxy groups. Amines may also include amine salt such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine or triethanolamine. Alkanolamines are also included within the scope of amines useful in combination with the other ingredients of the label removing compositions. Typical examples of alkanolamines include monoethanolamine, monopropanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, triethanolamine, tripropanolamine and the like. Amines may also include amino alcohols. Typical examples of amino alcohols include <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-butanol, <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol, <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-propanediol, hydroxymethyl aminomethane, and the like.

Suitable solvents may include biodegradable cleaning solvents, terpene-containing solvents such as D-Limonene. As D-Limonene is not water-miscible it is not desirable for aqueous-based label removing compositions as a solvent. However, D-Limonene is a suitable solvent for non-aqueous solvent based label removal compositions according to the invention.

Suitable solvents may include organic solvents, such as alcohols or polyols, and oxygenated solvents, such as lower alkanols, lower alkyl ethers, glycols, aryl glycol ethers and lower alkyl glycol ethers. Additional examples of useful solvents include various alcohols, including methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol and butanol, isobutanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, mixed ethylene-propylene glycol ethers, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, and propylene glycol phenyl ether. Substantially water soluble glycol ether solvents include propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, triethylene glycol methyl ether, triethylene glycol ethyl ether, triethylene glycol butyl ether, and others. "Substantially water soluble" solvents are defined as being infinitely or <NUM>% soluble by weight in water at <NUM>. "Substantially water insoluble" glycol ether solvents include propylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol phenyl ether, ethylene glycol hexyl ether, diethylene glycol hexyl ether, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, diethylene glycol phenyl ether, and others. "Substantially water insoluble" solvents are defined as <NUM>% by weight or less of solvent is soluble in water at <NUM>. Preferred solvents are substantially water-soluble solvents.

According to the invention amidine solvents are typically present from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, or from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, or from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-% in non-aqueous label removing compositions. Additional solvents in combination with the amidine solvents are typically present from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, or from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, or from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-% in non-aqueous label removing compositions. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

According to further embodiments of the invention amidine solvents are typically present from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, or from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, or from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-% in aqueous label removing compositions. Additional solvents in combination with the amidine solvents are typically present from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, or from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, or from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-% in aqueous label removing compositions. Water in combination with the amidine and/or additional solvents is typically present from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, or from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, or from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-% in aqueous label removing compositions. In certain preferred aspects, water in combination with the amidine and/or additional solvents is present from in the amount of less than <NUM> wt-%. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

The label removing compositions of the present invention include a surfactant or combination of surfactants. Additional detergency or cleaning efficacy for the label removing compositions can be obtained from the use of surfactant materials. Various types of surfactants may be formulated into the label removing compositions to enhance the penetration and solubilization of the adhesives, but it is believed that primarily efficacy for the adhesive removal is obtained from the inclusion of the solvents in the label removing compositions. Further inclusion of wetting surfactants into the label removing compositions provides a mechanism of synergy for micelle formation and removal of soils and/or labels and/or adhesives according to the non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

Surfactants suitable for use with the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and cationic surfactants. Additional disclosure of surfactants suitable for use in the label removal compositions is provided in "<NPL>), and "<NPL>). In preferred embodiments, anionic surfactant(s) are included in the label removing composition with the amidine solvents and/or additional solvents. In additional preferred embodiments, nonionic surfactant(s) are included in the label removing composition with the amidine solvents and/or additional solvents. In still further preferred embodiments, nonionic and anionic surfactant(s) are included in the label removing composition with the amidine solvents and/or additional solvents.

In some embodiments of the invention surfactants are typically present from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, or from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-% in aqueous label removing compositions. In other embodiments of the invention surfactants are typically present from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%,or from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-% in non-aqueous label removing compositions. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

In some embodiments, the label removing compositions of the present invention include an anionic surfactant. Anionic sulfate surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions include alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, the linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxysulfates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, the C<NUM> -C<NUM> acyl-N-(C<NUM> -C<NUM> alkyl) and -N-(C<NUM> -C<NUM> hydroxyalkyl) glucamine sulfates, and sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside, and the like. Also included are the alkyl sulfates, alkyl poly(ethyleneoxy) ether sulfates and aromatic poly(ethyleneoxy) sulfates such as the sulfates or condensation products of ethylene oxide and nonyl phenol (usually having <NUM> to <NUM> oxyethylene groups per molecule).

Anionic sulfonate surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions also include alkyl sulfonates, the linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfonates, and the aromatic sulfonates with or without substituents. An exemplary anionic sulfonate surfactant includes alkylbenzenesulfonic acids, including C10-C16 alkylbenzenesulfonic acids.

Anionic carboxylate surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions include carboxylic acids (and salts), such as alkanoic acids (and alkanoates), ester carboxylic acids (e.g. alkyl succinates), ether carboxylic acids, and the like. Such carboxylates include alkyl ethoxy carboxylates, alkyl aryl ethoxy carboxylates, alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants and soaps (e.g. alkyl carboxyls). Secondary carboxylates useful in the present compositions include those which contain a carboxyl unit connected to a secondary carbon. The secondary carbon can be in a ring structure, e.g. as in p-octyl benzoic acid, or as in alkyl-substituted cyclohexyl carboxylates. The secondary carboxylate surfactants typically contain no ether linkages, no ester linkages and no hydroxyl groups. Further, they typically lack nitrogen atoms in the head-group (amphiphilic portion). Suitable secondary soap surfactants typically contain <NUM>-<NUM> total carbon atoms, although more carbons atoms (e.g., up to <NUM>) can be present. Suitable carboxylates also include acylamino acids (and salts), such as acylgluamates, acyl peptides, sarcosinates (e.g. N-acyl sarcosinates), taurates (e.g. N-acyl taurates and fatty acid amides of methyl tauride), and the like.

Suitable anionic surfactants include alkyl or alkylaryl ethoxy carboxylates of the following formula:.

R - O - (CH<NUM>CH<NUM>O)n(CH<NUM>)m - CO<NUM>X     (<NUM>).

in which R is a C<NUM> to C<NUM> alkyl group or
<CHM>
in which R<NUM> is a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group; n is an integer of <NUM>-<NUM>; m is an integer of <NUM>-<NUM>; and X is a counter ion, such as hydrogen, sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, or an amine salt such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine or triethanolamine. In some embodiments, n is an integer of <NUM> to <NUM> and m is <NUM>. In some embodiments, R is a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group. In some embodiments, R is a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, n is <NUM>, and m is <NUM>.

In other embodiments, R is
<CHM>
and R<NUM> is a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group. In still yet other embodiments, R<NUM> is a C<NUM> alkyl group, n is <NUM> and m is <NUM>.

Such alkyl and alkylaryl ethoxy carboxylates are commercially available. These ethoxy carboxylates are typically available as the acid forms, which can be readily converted to the anionic or salt form. Commercially available carboxylates include, Neodox <NUM>-<NUM>, a C12-<NUM> alkyl polyethoxy (<NUM>) carboxylic acid (Shell Chemical), and Emcol® CNP-<NUM>, a C9 alkylaryl polyethoxy (<NUM>) carboxylic acid (AkzoNobelWitco Chemical). Carboxylates are also available from Clariant, e.g. the product Sandopan® DTC, a C13 alkyl polyethoxy (<NUM>) carboxylic acid.

In some embodiments, the label removing compositions of the present invention include a nonionic surfactant. Suitable nonionic surfactants suitable for use with the compositions of the present invention include alkoxylated surfactants. Suitable alkoxylated surfactants include alkoxylated isopropanolamides, EO/PO copolymers, capped EO/PO copolymers, alcohol alkoxylates, capped alcohol alkoxylates, mixtures thereof, or the like. Suitable alkoxylated surfactants for use as solvents include EO/PO block copolymers, such as the Pluronic® and reverse Pluronic® surfactants; alcohol alkoxylates, such as Dehypon® LS-<NUM> (R-(EO)<NUM>(PO)<NUM>) and Dehypon® LS-<NUM> (R-(EO)<NUM>(PO)<NUM>); and capped alcohol alkoxylates, such as Plurafac® LF221 and Tegoten® EC11; mixtures thereof, or the like.

The semi-polar type of nonionic surface active agents are another class of nonionic surfactant useful in compositions of the present invention. Semi-polar nonionic surfactants include the amine oxides, phosphine oxides, sulfoxides and their alkoxylated derivatives.

Amine oxides are tertiary amine oxides corresponding to the general formula:
<CHM>
wherein the arrow is a conventional representation of a semi-polar bond; and, R<NUM>, R<NUM>, and R<NUM> may be aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic, alicyclic, or combinations thereof. Generally, for amine oxides of detergent interest, R<NUM> is an alkyl radical of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms; R<NUM> and R<NUM> are alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of <NUM>-<NUM> carbon atoms or a mixture thereof; R<NUM> and R<NUM> can be attached to each other, e.g. through an oxygen or nitrogen atom, to form a ring structure; R<NUM> is an alkylene or a hydroxyalkylene group containing <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms; and n ranges from <NUM> to about <NUM>. An amine oxide can be generated from the corresponding amine and an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide.

Useful water soluble amine oxide surfactants are selected from the octyl, decyl, dodecyl, isododecyl, coconut, or tallow alkyl di-(lower alkyl) amine oxides, specific examples of which are octyldimethylamine oxide, nonyldimethylamine oxide, decyldimethylamine oxide, undecyldimethylamine oxide, dodecyldimethylamine oxide, iso-dodecyldimethyl amine oxide, tridecyldimethylamine oxide, tetradecyldimethylamine oxide, pentadecyldimethylamine oxide, hexadecyldimethylamine oxide, heptadecyldimethylamine oxide, octadecyldimethylaine oxide, dodecyldipropylamine oxide, tetradecyldipropylamine oxide, hexadecyldipropylamine oxide, tetradecyldibutylamine oxide, octadecyldibutylamine oxide, bis(<NUM>-hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine oxide, bis(<NUM>-hydroxyethyl)-<NUM>-dodecoxy-<NUM>-hydroxypropylamine oxide, dimethyl-(<NUM>-hydroxydodecyl)amine oxide, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trioctadecyldimethylamine oxide and <NUM>-dodecoxy-<NUM>-hydroxypropyldi-(<NUM>-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide.

Any number of optional ingredients may be added to the label removing compositions of the present invention. The functional ingredients provide desired properties and functionalities to the label removing composition. For the purpose of this application, the term "functional materials or ingredients" include a material that when dispersed or dissolved in a use and/or concentrate solution, provides a beneficial property in a particular use. The label removing composition may further comprise, consist or consist essentially of a number of other adjuvants, including bottle wash additives, trace compounds, dispersants, anti-redeposition agents, stabilizing agents, dispersants, defoamers, colorants, rinse aids, catalysts, corrosion inhibitors, dyes, fragrances, preservatives and other constituents that may be useful in the invention.

In some embodiments, the label removing compositions of the present invention include one or more bottle wash additives. The label removing compositions may optionally be combined with bottle washing additives and/or other detergents. The term "bottle washing additive" and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to surfactants, alkaline and/or acid sources and cleaning agents employed in bottle washing applications. Exemplary bottle washing additives are disclosed, for example, in <CIT> titled "Bottlewash Additive Comprising an Alkyl Diphenylene Oxide Disulfonate".

The label removing compositions according to the present invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example the bottle washing additives in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%. In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example including for example the bottle washing additives in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention can include a hydrotrope. The hydrotrope may be used to aid in maintaining the solubility and/or stability of the label removing compositions according to the invention. Hydrotropes can also be used to modify an aqueous solution creating increased solubility for the solvents, including organic solvents. Any hydrotrope coupler may be used provided it does not react with the other components of the composition or negatively affect the performance properties of the composition. Representative classes of hydrotropic coupling agents or solubilizers which can be employed include anionic surfactants such as alkyl sulfates and alkane sulfonates, linear alkyl benzene or naphthalene sulfonates, secondary alkane sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates or sulfonates, alkyl phosphates or phosphonates, dialkyl sulfosuccinic acid esters, sugar esters (e.g., sorbitan esters), amine oxides (mono-, di-, or tri-alkyl) and C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl glucosides. Preferred coupling agents for use in the present invention include commonly available aromatic sulfonates such as the alkyl benzene sulfonates (e.g. xylene sulfonates) or naphthalene sulfonates, aryl or alkaryl phosphate esters or their alkoxylated analogues having <NUM> to about <NUM> ethylene, propylene or butylene oxide units or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, hydrotropes are low molecular weight aromatic sulfonate materials such as xylene sulfonates, dialkyldiphenyl oxide sulfonate materials, and the like.

In some aspects, a hydrotrope or a combination of hydrotropes can be present in the label removal compositions at an amount of from between about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, between about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, between about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %, or between about <NUM> wt % to about <NUM> wt %. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example the hydrotrope or combination of hydrotropes in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%. In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example the hydrotrope or combination of hydrotropes in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some embodiments, the label removing compositions of the present invention include a chelating and/or sequestering agent. Particularly suitable chelating/sequestering agents useful according to the invention may include, but are not limited to, phosphates, phosphonates, gluconates, and so forth as disclosed in <CIT>. Phosphates suitable for use herein include, but are not limited to, monomers of phosphoric acid, polymers of phosphoric acid, salts of phosphoric acid or combinations thereof; ortho phosphates, meta phosphates, tripolyphosphates, or combinations thereof; phosphoric acid; alkali metal, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts of polyphosphates (e.g. sodium tripolyphosphate and other higher linear and cyclic polyphosphate species, pyrophosphates, and glassy polymeric meta-phosphates); amino phosphates; nitrilotrismethylene phosphates; and the like; or a combination thereof. Preferred phosphates include phosphoric acid, and monomers, polymers, and salts thereof, and the like, or a combination thereof. Suitable phosphonates include a wide variety of phosphonic acids and phosphonate salts, such as organophosphonates. As used herein, organic phosphonate or organophosphonate refers to organic phosphonates lacking any amino or imino (e.g. nitrogen) moieties. The phosphonic acid or phosphonate can include a low molecular weight phosphonocarboxylic acid such as one having about <NUM><NUM> carboxylic acid moieties and about <NUM> phosphonic acid groups. Some examples of organic phosphonates include <NUM>-hydroxyethane-<NUM>, <NUM>-diphosphonic acid; CH<NUM>C(OH)[PO(OH) <NUM>] <NUM>; <NUM>-phosphono-<NUM>-methylsuccinic acid, phosphonosuccinic acid; <NUM>-phosphonobutane-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tricarboxylic acid; other similar organic phosphonates; and mixtures thereof. Additional suitable phosphonates include phosphorous acid, H<NUM>PO<NUM>, and its salts.

Phosphonic acids can be used in the form of water-soluble acid salts, particularly the alkali metal salts, such as sodium or potassium; the ammonium salts; or the alkylol amine salts where the alkylol has <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, such as mono-, di-, or triethanolamine salts. Preferred phosphonates include the organic phosphonates. Preferred organic phosphonates include phosphono butane tricarboxylic acid (PBTC) available from Bayer Corp. in Pittsburgh Pa. under the tradename of BAYHIBIT™ AM and hydroxy ethylidene diphosphonic acid (HEDP) such as that sold under the tradename of DEQUEST™ <NUM> available from Monsanto Chemical Co. Additional description of suitable phosphate and phosphonate sequestrants suitable for use in the invention is described in <CIT>.

The chelating agents/sequestrants may be employed in the label removing compositions in amounts from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, more suitably about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, still more preferably from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example the chelating agents/sequestrants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%. In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example the chelating agents/sequestrants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some embodiments, the label removing compositions of the present invention include a defoaming agent. Particularly suitable defoamers may be employed in combination with surfactants and/or sequestrants. Wetting agents which can be used in the composition of the invention include any of those constituents known within the art to raise the surface activity of the composition of the invention. Generally, defoamers which can be used in accordance with the invention include silica and silicones; aliphatic acids or esters; alcohols; sulfates or sulfonates; amines or amides; halogenated compounds such as fluorochlorohydrocarbons; vegetable oils, waxes, mineral oils as well as their sulfonated or sulfated derivatives; fatty acids and/or their soaps such as alkali, alkaline earth metal soaps; and phosphates and phosphate esters such as alkyl and alkaline diphosphates, and tributyl phosphates among others; and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the label removing compositions include antifoaming agents or defoamers which are of food grade quality. To this end, one of the more effective antifoaming agents includes silicones. Silicones such as dimethyl silicone, glycol polysiloxane, methylphenol polysiloxane, trialkyl or tetralkyl silanes, hydrophobic silica defoamers and mixtures thereof can all be used in defoaming applications. Commercial defoamers commonly available include silicones such as Ardefoam® from Armour Industrial Chemical Company which is a silicone bound in an organic emulsion; Foam Kill® or Kresseo® available from Krusable Chemical Company which are silicone and non-silicone type defoamers as well as silicone esters; and Anti-Foam A® and DC-<NUM> from Dow Corning Corporation which are both food grade type silicones among others. In one embodiment, the defoamer is a block copolymer of polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene.

Additional descriptions of suitable defoaming agents may be found, for example, in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example the defoaming agents in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%. In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example including for example the defoaming agents in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some embodiments, the label removing compositions of the present invention include a rinse aid to improve water drainage/removal from treated surfaces and/or improve drying of the surface. Generally, rinse aid formulations contain a wetting or sheeting agent combined with other optional ingredients. The rinse aids are capable of reducing the surface tension of the rinse water to promote sheeting action and/or to prevent spotting or streaking caused by beaded water after rinsing is complete. Examples of sheeting agents include, but are not limited to: polyether compounds prepared from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or a mixture in a homopolymer or block or heteric copolymer structure. Such polyether compounds are known as polyalkylene oxide polymers, polyoxyalkylene polymers or polyalkylene glycol polymers. Such sheeting agents require a region of relative hydrophobicity and a region of relative hydrophilicity to provide surfactant properties to the molecule. Various additional suitable rinse aids are disclosed for example in <CIT> and<CIT>.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example the rinse aids in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%. In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example including for example the rinse aids in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some embodiments, the label removing compositions of the present invention include a corrosion inhibitor. Exemplary corrosion inhibitors suitable for use according to the invention are disclosed, for example, in <CIT> and <CIT>,<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>,<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example the corrosion inhibitors in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%. In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example including for example corrosion inhibitors in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some embodiments, the label removing compositions of the present invention include a catalyst. Catalysts may be provided in various forms, including for example metallic manganese, silver, and/or vanadium. In an aspect of the invention, a catalyst preferably includes at least one source of manganese. In some embodiments, the manganese source is derived from manganese metal, manganese oxides, colloidal manganese, inorganic or organic complexes of manganese, including manganese sulfate, manganese carbonate, manganese acetate, manganese lactate, manganese nitrate, manganese gluconate, manganese chloride or commercially available as Dragon A350 (also known as Dragon's Blood, available from Rahu Catalytics of Nottingham, U. ), or any of the salts of salt forming species with manganese.

According to an embodiment, the catalyst includes at least one source of silver. In some embodiments, the silver source is derived from silver metal, silver oxides, silver hydroxide, colloidal silver, inorganic or organic complexes of silver, water-soluble or insoluble silver salts, including silver sulfate, silver carbonate, silver acetate, silver lactate, silver nitrate, silver gluconate, or silver chloride, or any of the salts of or salt forming species with silver. According to a still further embodiment, the catalyst includes at least one source of vanadium.

Additional description of catalysts which may be suitable for use according to the invention are provided in <CIT>.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example the catalyst in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%. In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient, including for example including for example catalyst in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient selected from the group consisting of: bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least two additional functional ingredients selected from the group consisting: of bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least three additional functional ingredients selected from the group consisting of: bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least four additional functional ingredients selected from the group consisting of: bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least five additional functional ingredients selected from the group consisting of: bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least six additional functional ingredients selected from the group consisting of: bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of a non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and each of the following additional functional ingredients, including bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least one additional functional ingredient selected from the group consisting of: bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least two additional functional ingredients selected from the group consisting of: bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least three additional functional ingredients selected from the group consisting of: bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least four additional functional ingredients selected from the group consisting of: bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least five additional functional ingredients selected from the group consisting of: bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and at least six additional functional ingredients selected from the group consisting of: bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

In some aspects, the label removing compositions according to the invention may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially of an aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, an additional solvent in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, water in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, one or more surfactants in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, sodium hydroxide in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and each of the following additional functional ingredients, including bottle washing additive(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, hydrotrope(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, chelating agent(s) / sequestrant(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, defoaming agent(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, rinse aid(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, corrosion inhibitor(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, and catalyst(s) in an amount from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%.

Compositions for removal of soils, adhesives or synthetic glue residues from a surface are provided according to the invention. The label removing compositions of the present invention may be of any suitable form, including liquid, solid (such as tablets, powder/granules), paste, foam or gel, with powders and tablets. Liquid solutions are preferred according to the invention and methods of employing the label removing compositions. The composition may be in the form of a unit dose product, i.e. a form which is designed to be used as a single portion of label removing composition in a washing operation. Of course, one or more of such single portions may be used in a cleaning operation.

The label removing compositions according to the invention may be provided in the form of a concentrated composition or a ready to use composition. The concentrated composition can be referred to more simply as the concentrate, and can be diluted to provide a ready to use label removing composition. The ready to use composition can be referred to as the use composition when it is the composition to be directly applied to a surface in need of treatment according to the invention. As one skilled in the art will ascertain the label removing composition can be provided as a concentrate for purposes of shipment and the economy of providing label removing compositions in concentrate formulations. The concentrate is diluted with water available at the locale or site of dilution. Both concentrated and diluted ready to use label removing compositions are encompassed by the present invention.

The label removing compositions of the invention may be made by any suitable method depending upon their format. Suitable manufacturing methods for the label removing compositions are well known in the art.

Use of the label removing compositions are particularly suitable for various bottle washing applications, including label removal. Beneficially, the methods using the compositions of the present invention provide efficient and effective label removal, while reducing the overall cost of the chemical compositions, reducing the temperature and caustic conditions and/or mechanical effects required for the label removal and cleaning of the article.

The methods may comprise, consist of and/or consist essentially the step of applying a label removing composition according to the present invention to a surface in need of adhesive removal and/or cleaning. The methods may further comprise the step of removal of an adhesive label from the treated surface.

A variety of hard surfaces may be treated with the compositions according to the invention, including for example, glass, metal and plastics, including polycarbonates, polyvinyl chloride, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (commonly abbreviated PET or PETE), polyethylene naphthenate, polyethylene and other thermoplastic polymers, such as those compatible for use in beverage and food containers. Plastic containers may be made from any number of materials depending on the application, including for example, polyethylene terephthalate. In a preferred aspect, glass surfaces are the preferred treated surface for removal of adhesives and labels.

Surfaces treated according to the invention include a variety of containers that may be adapted in shape to a variety of applications. As described herein, the invention refers primarily to bottles and the cleaning of bottles, although a variety of additional containers may be treated according to the present invention and are encompassed within the scope of the invention.

A variety of labels may be removedby means of the compositions of the present invention. Suitable labels include any adhesive-based label. Adhesive-based labels include for example both paper and metalized labels (e.g. aluminum), such as those employed on commercially-available returnable glass bottles. Adhesive-based labels may include synthetic and/or natural adhesives. An example of a synthetic adhesive is a polyacrylic acid adhesives or polymers of a polycarboxylate. An example of a natural adhesive is casein or melamine casein. In a preferred aspect, metal- or foil-based labels are particularly suited for removal according to the methods and compositions of the invention. Metal- or foil-based based labels are difficult to remove in comparison to paper-based labels as they are difficult to penetrate by a label removing composition. Beneficially, methods and compositions of the invention provide effective label coating and label penetration.

The methods employing the composition according to the present invention are particularly suited for the removal of labels, including those that are adhesively applied and have been exposed to the sun. Adhesively applied labels, after sun exposure, can be extremely difficult to remove. Beneficially, the step of removing the label from the treated bottle or surface does not include the destruction of the label itself.

In an aspect, the removal of a label includes a step of forming a layer of the label removing composition over the label and thereafter penetrating the label to effectuate removal of the label. Without being limited to a particular theory of the invention, the solvents of the label removing composition act to solubilize the adhesive holding of the label to the surface and/or may penetrate the label from the outside (e.g. top of the label) to create micropores in the label in order to penetrate the label and thereafter solubilize the adhesive component of the label. In a further aspect, the methods include the destabilization of the adhesive layer of a label.

The label itself that is removed by means of the composition according to the present invention does not dissolve and/or pulp. As a result of the label being removed intact it is easily retrievable from a wash source. Beneficially, as the label does not dissolve and/or pulp the label removing composition in the wash solution can be used for an extended period of time in order to minimize waste sources. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the label itself that is removed further retains the adhesive.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a label removing composition comprising an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine is applied to a surface in need of label removal and/or cleaning. The compositions may also include a chelant, acidulant, additional solvents, surfactants and/or other functional ingredients as set forth herein the description of the invention. Compositions of the invention for label removing may be provided as a ready-to-use (RTU) solution or as a concentrate for diluting to prepare a use solution.

A use solution may be prepared from a concentrate by diluting the concentrate with water at a dilution ratio that provides a use solution having desired label-removing and adhesive-removing properties. The typical dilution factor is between approximately <NUM> and approximately <NUM>,<NUM> but will depend on factors including the amount and types of adhesives to be removed, temperatures and the like. In an embodiment, the concentrate is diluted at a ratio of between about <NUM>:<NUM> and about <NUM>:<NUM>,<NUM> concentrate to water. Particularly, the concentrate is diluted at a ratio of between about <NUM>:<NUM> and about <NUM>:<NUM> concentrate to water.

In some aspects, the label removing composition is provided in an aqueous solution in the amounts of from approximately <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, preferably from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%, more preferably from about <NUM> wt-% to about <NUM> wt-%. One skilled in the art may further vary the amount of the concentrated label removing compositions according to the invention, depending on the initial concentration of the starting, concentrated label removing composition and the desired applications of use thereof. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

The methods of cleaning include applying the label removing composition according to the present invention under an alkaline pH range within a label removal process and/or bottle cleaning process. For example, the alkaline pH may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and more preferably from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. In an aspect of the invention, it is unexpected for the label removing compositions to remove adhesive labels at the alkaline pH without employing and/or reducing the amount of a caustic-based composition and/or requiring high temperatures. As one skilled in the art will ascertain, adhesive label removal is conventionally achieved only at alkaline pH using caustic solutions.

In the methods of using the label removing compositions according to the present invention, the label removing compositions is suitable for use under any suitable conditions or temperature. In an aspect, the label removal takes place under lower temperature conditions in comparison to conventional label removal methods. For example, the methods may include use of the label removing composition at temperatures below the conventional temperature range for glass label removal and/or cleaning, which is about <NUM>. In some embodiments, the label removing compositions are configured to be contacted with surface (such as a bottle) in need of label and/or adhesive removal at a temperature ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>, e.g., about <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or any ranges there between. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

Beneficially the methods of cleaning to remove bottle labels do not require any increase in time over conventional bottle removal methods. Unexpectedly, despite the use of lower temperatures and non-caustic and/or reduced caustic concentrations of cleaning components, the methods of label removal do not require increased time. In some aspects, the methods employing the compositions according to the present invention achieve complete label removal in less time that conventional bottle removal methods employing higher temperature and/or more caustic label removing compositions. Without being limited to a particular theory of the invention, the label removing compositions provided faster penetration of the label and glue solubilization. For example, the label removing compositions provide removal within a period of time of less than about <NUM> minutes, or preferably within less than about <NUM> minutes, e.g., less than about <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, or <NUM> minutes or less. In other aspects, the label removing compositions provide removal within a period of time of less than about <NUM> hours, or preferably within less than about <NUM> minutes, e.g., less than about <NUM> hours, <NUM> hour, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, or <NUM> minutes or less.

The methods of label removal employing the label removing compositions according to the present invention may be applied after caustic washing tanks, after any down-line equipment in a bottle washing process (e.g. pasteurizer), washing section or any other area. Preferably, the label removing composition is applied to a bottle washer wash tank, preferably in a use solution of a weak caustic. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the methods of cleaning include applying the label removing composition to a bottle filling line, a tunnel pasteurizer's water and/or in a rinse section of bottle washer.

The methods of application of the label removing compositions according to the present invention may include manual application, application using a hand operated cleaning equipment, and/or in automatic cleaning equipment with or without the assistance of mechanical action.

As one skilled in the art will ascertain, in institutional settings the machines most often used to convey bottles through an automatic cleaning process include various zones, such as pre-rinse or soak, rinse, cleaning, and final rinse.

The methods using the composition according to the present invention may be practiced with low pressure, no contact cleaning methods, high pressure scrubbing application of the label removing compositions, friction wash with low or high pressure fluid application, presoak cleaning in 'touchless' and friction-type washes, clean-in-place (closed environment) washing systems, or any variation of cleaning formats known within the art.

All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

Embodiments of the present invention are further defined in the following non-limiting Examples. It should be understood that these Examples, while indicating certain embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these Examples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention.

The materials used in the following Examples are provided herein: Various commercially available stock solutions were employed in formulations (available from various sources) including: sodium xylene sulfonate (<NUM>%).

DBU: <NUM>,<NUM>-Diazabicyclo[<NUM>. <NUM>]undec-<NUM>-ene, belongs to the class of amidine compounds and is used in organic synthesis as a catalyst, a complexing ligand, and a non-nucleophilic base available from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (Allentown, PA).

Steposol MET-10U: N,N-Dimethyl-<NUM>-Decenamide, is a nonionic solvent surfactant available from Stepan Company (Northfield, IL).

Makon NF-<NUM>: Oxirane, <NUM>-Methyl-, Polymer with Oxirane Mono[<NUM>-[(oxooctyl)amion]methyl and Monoisopropanolamide alkoxylate, is a nonionic surfactant available from Stepan Company (Northfield, Ill.

BIO-SOFT S-<NUM>: Alkylbenzenesulfonic Acid (C10-C16), is a biodegradable surfactant intermediate available from Stepan Company (Northfield, Ill.

D-Limonene: Cyclic Terpene, is a biodegradable cleaning solvent available from Orica Australia Pty Ltd. (Melbourne, Australia).

Various experimental solvent formulations were analyzed for their capability to coat and penetrate foil coated labels used in commercial glass bottling. Formulas <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> were prepared to be analyzed. Specifically, Cristal labels were placed in <NUM> vials and allowed to soak in the experimental formulations provided in Tables 3A and 3B. Exposure of the foil labels to the experimental formulations were maintained at room temperature with occasional agitation/shaking by hand. The labels were visually analyzed over a <NUM> hour time period to determine the efficacy of each experimental formulation to dissolve the label coatings.

The experimental formulas tested were effective at coating and penetrating the foil coated labels, and dissolving that label coatings as can be seen compared to the untreated label (<FIG>, center). The tested formulas began to remove the coatings within <NUM> minutes, with most of the coating removed within <NUM> hours. As can be seen in <FIG> both the non-aqueous solvents (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>) and aqueous solvents (<NUM>-<NUM>) displayed a better than expected performance in removing the label coatings. In particular, formula <NUM>-<NUM> (<FIG>, lower right), which contains almost <NUM>% water, showed great potential in removing the coating and was somewhat less aggressive than formulas <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>. Specifically, formula <NUM>-<NUM> was the most aggressive in removing the entire coating on the label, followed by <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively (<FIG>). This better than expected performance is attributable to the presence of the organic base, DBU (<NUM>,<NUM>-Diazabicyclo[<NUM>. <NUM>]undec-<NUM>-ene).

The aqueous solvent formulation, <NUM>-<NUM> was further tested for its ability to coat and penetrate additional foil coated labels. This experiment was performed as described above, with the exception that two labels, foil coated Heineken labels, were added to the same <NUM> vial simultaneously. As can be seen in <FIG> (right), the foil coating was easily removed by formula <NUM>-<NUM>, compared to the untreated label (<FIG>, left). <FIG> shows the residual experimental formulas after evaluating the Cristal and Heineken bottle labels experiments described above. As can be seen in <FIG> residual ink and the remaining foil-based coating particles are observed to be dissolved within the remaining solvents. The results from the above experiments show the tested formulas to be efficient in penetrating and removing the foil coating on labels, such as those used for labeling glass bottles.

Additional experimental solvent formulas were tested for their ability to remove foil labels and adhesive material from the necks of glass bottles. Formulas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> were prepared to be analyzed. Formula <NUM>-<NUM> was a remake of <NUM>-<NUM> and compositionally similar to <NUM>-<NUM>, shown above. Formula <NUM>-<NUM> is a modification of <NUM>-<NUM> with the inclusion of an anti-redeposition agent. Both solutions were used neat without caustic. For these experiments <NUM> of experimental solution was placed into a beaker and used to soak labeled glass bottles over time. In detail, Beck's beer bottles were inverted and placed into beakers containing DBU based formulas <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> (Table <NUM>), allowing the neck foil label and adhesive material to soak, as can be seen in <FIG>. Testing was conducted at <NUM> (<NUM> °F) and bottles were removed from the solution after <NUM> minutes. Visual evaluations were conducted over the <NUM> minutes timeframe analyzing the efficiency of each solution to penetrate and remove the labels and adhesive material. After <NUM> minutes the bottles were removed from the solutions and rinsed under a slow stream of tap water.

As can be seen in <FIG>, both experimental solutions were efficient in removing the neck foil label and adhesive material from the glass bottles. The labels began separating at the seam/overlap in about <NUM> minutes and the neck foil label's coating was removed within <NUM> minutes. Both labels were easily rinsed away with residual glue/adhesive still present on the bottles. The remaining adhesive was soft enough that it could be wiped away.

Further experiments were conducted with formulas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, using the same procedure described above except, for these experiments Brahva Beats labeled bottles were allowed to soak for <NUM> minutes at <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM> °F). The results of these experiments can be seen in <FIG>. As can be seen in <FIG>, both labels easily separated from the bottle with no visible sign of adhesive on the bottles. Additionally, Coors Light labeled bottles were soaked at <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM> °F) with formula <NUM>-<NUM>. The experimental procedure and results are shown in <FIG>. Consistent with the results shown in <FIG>, formula <NUM>-<NUM> showed to be an effective solvent solution as the ink and laminated coating began to come off at ca. <NUM> minutes and the label was removed in <NUM> minutes (<FIG>). Lastly, Coors Light labeled bottles were soaked at <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM> °F) with formula <NUM>-<NUM>, results shown in <FIG>. Similar to the results for formula <NUM>-<NUM>, formula <NUM>-<NUM> was shown to be an effective solvent solution as the ink and laminated coating began to come off at ca. <NUM> minute and the label was removed in <NUM> minutes.

Additional neck foil label removal experiments were conducted in a similar manner as described in Example <NUM>. Formulas <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> were prepared to be analyzed (Table <NUM>). Formulas <NUM>-<NUM> (Stabilon BPU) and <NUM>-<NUM> (Stabilon WTN) were used as comparative formulations and are commonly used in bottle washing. Formulas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are remakes of <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively, with the inclusion of DBU. Testing was performed using Brahva Beats labeled bottles as described above, except labels were allowed to soak for <NUM> minutes at <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM> °F) before removing and rinsing under a slow stream of warm tap water.

All four labels were removed in this timeframe with no residual adhesive visible, shown in <FIG>. These results demonstrate the exemplary solvent formulations of the present invention are efficient in removing bottle neck labels and adhesive when compared to commonly used bottle washing formulations.

Additional label removal testing was conducted to evaluate additional experimental formulas. Formulas <NUM>-<NUM> (DBU based, no Steposol MET-10U) and <NUM>-<NUM> (DBU and Glucopon 425N based) (Table <NUM>) were prepared and <NUM> of each solution were added, neat, to beakers. Beck's beer bottles were inverted and placed into beakers allowing the neck labels to soak for <NUM> minutes at <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM> °F), with no agitation.

<FIG>, show variable efficiency in label removal. Formulas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> removed the labels with some residual glue remaining.

Additional label removal testing was conducted to evaluate additional experimental formulas. Bottles were inverted and placed into beakers allowing the neck labels to soak for <NUM> minutes at <NUM> (<NUM> °F), with no agitation and recorded label removal time for each of the formulations. Formulas <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> were prepared to be analyzed (Table <NUM>). Beck's beer bottles were placed into beakers allowing the labels to soak for <NUM> minutes at <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM> °F), with no agitation.

<FIG> show bottles for each formula prior to cleaning. In comparison to <FIG>, which shows results after soaking, Formulas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> performed better than Formula <NUM>-<NUM>, which had residual labels remaining. Additionally, results are summarized in Table <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A composition for removing soils, labels and other adhesive material from a hard surface, comprising:
an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvent and an amidine solvent; and
at least one surfactant;
wherein the composition contains caustic in an amount from <NUM> wt-% to <NUM> wt-%, and
wherein the composition has a pH between <NUM> and <NUM>.