[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2015004311A1 - Film d'étiquette thermorétractable, étiquette thermorétractable, et procédé pour l'étiquetage d'un article - Google Patents

Film d'étiquette thermorétractable, étiquette thermorétractable, et procédé pour l'étiquetage d'un article Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2015004311A1
WO2015004311A1 PCT/FI2013/050756 FI2013050756W WO2015004311A1 WO 2015004311 A1 WO2015004311 A1 WO 2015004311A1 FI 2013050756 W FI2013050756 W FI 2013050756W WO 2015004311 A1 WO2015004311 A1 WO 2015004311A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
label
cyclic olefin
olefin copolymer
film
item
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI2013/050756
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Noel Mitchell
Matti Manner
Original Assignee
Upm Raflatac Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Upm Raflatac Oy filed Critical Upm Raflatac Oy
Priority to PCT/FI2013/050756 priority Critical patent/WO2015004311A1/fr
Publication of WO2015004311A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015004311A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C63/00—Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C63/38—Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor by liberation of internal stresses
    • B29C63/42—Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor by liberation of internal stresses using tubular layers or sheathings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C55/00—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C55/02—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets
    • B29C55/04—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets uniaxial, e.g. oblique
    • B29C55/06—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets uniaxial, e.g. oblique parallel with the direction of feed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C55/00—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C55/02—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets
    • B29C55/04—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets uniaxial, e.g. oblique
    • B29C55/08—Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a die; Apparatus therefor of plates or sheets uniaxial, e.g. oblique transverse to the direction of feed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2519/00—Labels, badges
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
    • G09F2003/0251—Sleeve shaped label, i.e. wrapped around a device
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
    • Y02P20/50—Improvements relating to the production of bulk chemicals
    • Y02P20/582—Recycling of unreacted starting or intermediate materials

Definitions

  • the application relates to a film of a label. Especially to a heat shrink film for labelling applications. Further the application concerns a method for labelling of an item.
  • Shrink sleeves may be provided by forming a tube of plastic film, which may be dropped over an item to be labelled and subsequently fed the item through a shrink-tunnel at elevated temperature causing the film to shrink and fit the shape of the item.
  • a heat shrink label comprises a multilayer face film oriented in one direction.
  • the multilayer face film includes a first layer comprising first cyclic olefin copolymer and second cyclic olefin copolymer different from the first cyclic olefin copolymer.
  • a glass transition temperature of the first cyclic olefin copolymer and the second cyclic olefin copolymer is between 50 and 90 °C.
  • the multilayer face film comprises a second layer comprising terpolymer.
  • a use of a heat shrink label is provided.
  • the label is used for heat shrink labelling applications.
  • the label is used for labelling of a container comprising an uneven surface.
  • a difference between the smallest diameter and the largest diameter of the container is between 20 and 80%, preferably between 30 and 70%.
  • a heat shrink label may be used for labelling of batteries.
  • a heat shrink label may be used as a part of a label laminate comprising an adhesive layer for attaching the label to an item.
  • Label laminate may also include a release liner.
  • the label laminate may be a pressure-sensitive label laminate.
  • the label laminate may be a wash-off label configured to be detached form the item labelled during subsequent washing process.
  • a heat shrink label film is provided.
  • a face film is oriented in one direction, and includes a layer comprising first cyclic olefin copolymer and second cyclic olefin copolymer.
  • the first cyclic olefin copolymer is different from the second cyclic olefin copolymer, and a glass transition temperature of the first cyclic olefin copolymer and the second cyclic olefin copolymer is between 50 and 90 °C.
  • the film comprises a second layer comprising terpolymer.
  • a combination of a heat shrink label and an item is provided.
  • a leading end of the label and a trailing end of the label are overlapped on the surface of the item, and the label between the leading edge and the trailing edge is next to the surface of the item.
  • a method for providing a heat shrink label comprises providing a face film, stretching the face film in one direction and cooling the stretched face film so as to provide shrink potential for the face film in said one direction.
  • a method for labelling of an item comprises: wrapping the label around the item, wherein the orientation direction of the face film is extending circumferentially around the item; seaming said label by gluing, laser welding, heat sealing, or unltrasonic bonding; heating the label at temperature between 65 and 80 °C so as to form a tight fitting label for the item.
  • a method for separating a heat shrink label from an item labelled is provided.
  • the method comprises: crushing said labelled item into pieces; exposing the pieces of labelled item to re-cycling process comprising heated liquid having a density more than density of the label and less than density of the item; collecting the separated pieces of the item sunk in the washing liquid; collecting the separated pieces of the labels floating on the washing liquid.
  • An amount of terpolymer may be between 20 and 95 wt.%, preferably between 40 and 90, more preferably between 50 and 80 wt.%.
  • Terpolymer may be at least one of the following terpolymers comprising propylene: 1 - butene/propylene/ethylene, propylene/ethylene/1 -hexene and propylene/ethylene/1 -butene.
  • Terpolymer may be 1 - butene/propylene/ethylene.
  • the first layer may be a first skin layer of the multilayer face film.
  • the multilayer face film may further comprise a second skin layer comprising first cyclic olefin copolymer and second cyclic olefin copolymer equal with the first skin layer.
  • the second layer may be a core layer arranged between the first skin layer and the second skin layer.
  • the second layer may further comprise at least one of the following: polyolefin plastomer and polyolefin elastomer.
  • An amount of polyolefin plastomer and/or polyolefin elastomer may be between 2 and 50 wt.%, preferably between 5 and 35 wt.% and more preferably between 10 and 30 wt.%.
  • the second layer may comprise at least one of the following propylene/ethylene plastomer, ethylene/octene elastomer and ethylene/butene elastomer.
  • the glass transition of the first cyclic olefin copolymer may be different from the glass transition temperature of the second cyclic olefin copolymer.
  • a difference in the glass transition temperature of the first cyclic olefin copolymer and the second cyclic olefin copolymer may be at most 40 °C, preferably at most 30°C.
  • the difference in the glass transition temperature of the first cyclic olefin copolymer and the second cyclic olefin copolymer may be at least 5 °C, preferably at least 10°C.
  • the glass transition temperature of the first cyclic olefin copolymer may be below 70 °C and the glass transition of the second cyclic olefin is above 70°C.
  • the at least one layer may comprise equal amounts of the first cyclic olefin copolymer and the second cyclic olefin copolymer.
  • a ratio of the first cyclic olefin copolymer to the second cyclic olefin copolymer in the at least one layer may be between 1 .5 and 8.
  • At least one layer may further comprise linear low density polyethylene.
  • An amount of linear low density polyethylene may be at most 20 wt.% or at most 10 wt.% of the total weight of the at least one layer.
  • the multilayer face film may have a density between 0.90 and 0.98 g/cm 3 .
  • the label may be configured to shrink in the direction of the orientation of the face film at least 15%, preferably at least 25%, or preferably at least 35% at a temperature between 65 and 85°C.
  • the label may be configured to shrink in the direction of the orientation of the face film between 20 and 70% at a temperature between 65 and 85°C.
  • the label may be configured to shrink between 25 and 65% at a temperature between 65 and 85°C.
  • the label may be configured to shrink less than 10% at a temperature below 65°C.
  • the face film may be oriented in machine direction.
  • the face film may be oriented in transverse direction.
  • a difference between the smallest diameter and the largest diameter of the item is between 20 and 80%, preferably between 30 and 70%.
  • the item may comprise polyethylene terephthalate.
  • the item may a bottle consisting of polyethylene terephthalate.
  • a face film may be stretched in the one direction with a ratio of unstretched film thickness to stretched film thickness between 2 and 10.
  • the face film may be stretched in the one direction with a stretching ratio of between 2:1 and 10:1 .
  • Fig. 1 shows, in a cross sectional view, an example embodiment of a multilayer face film for a label
  • Fig. 2 shows, in a perspective view, an example embodiment of a multilayer face film for a label, shows, in a perspective view, an example embodiment of a multilayer face film of a label,
  • Fig. 4 shows, in a perspective view, an example embodiment of a heat shrinking of a plastic film
  • Fig. 5 shows an example embodiment of a label around an item
  • Fig. 6 shows an example embodiment of a label shrunk and fitted on a surface of an item i.e. a labelled item
  • Fig. 7 shows another example embodiment of a label around an item and fitted on a surface of an item i.e. a labelled item
  • Fig. 8 shows another example embodiment of a label around an item and fitted on a surface of an item i.e. labelled item
  • Fig. 9 shows examples for shrinkage for embodiments of heat shrinkable label films according to the present invention
  • Fig. 10 shows examples for relative shrinkage for embodiments of heat shrinkable label films according to the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention
  • label refers to a piece of material, which is used for labelling of an item. Label may be used to identify something. Label may be attached to an article. In other words, label is suitable to be applied to a surface of an item to provide decoration, and/or to display information about the product being sold, such as content information, a trade name, a logo, a barcode, or any other graphics.
  • the item may be also called as an article, or a substrate.
  • the label comprises a face film and at least some graphics on a surface of the face film. A face film may also be referred to as a label film.
  • the graphics may comprise, for example, printed information and/or decoration. Referring to Fig. 3, a label 2 comprises a face film 1 .
  • At least one surface of the face film may comprise graphics MRK1 .
  • the face film may comprise or consist of a multilayer plastic film structure comprising e.g. three layers.
  • the label may comprise adhesive.
  • the adhesive may be used to enable the label to be attached to an item, an article or a container.
  • label refers to an object having length, width and thickness.
  • the object may be a plastic film or it may be derived from a plastic film.
  • a label comprises a first surface portion.
  • the first surface portion is intended to be attached to a second surface portion different from the first surface portion.
  • the second surface portion may be a surface portion of the label different from the first surface portion, or a surface portion of another object.
  • the first and second surface portions may be adjoined to each other by various means, such as by using an adhesive or heat, for example by welding.
  • shrinkable refers to a property of a plastic film or a label made thereof to shrink under exposure to external energy.
  • a heat shrinkable plastic film such as a face film 1 of a label, may shrink when exposure to an elevated temperature. Heat may be applied via hot air. In response to application of heat, the heat shrink plastic film or a label comprising said plastic film is arranged to shrink. Film shrinkage may be focused on a local area or to the whole plastic film area.
  • Heat shrink film or heat shrink label refers to a film or label having at least 15% preferably at least 25% or at least 35% shrinkage between temperature of 65 and 80°C.
  • a heat shrinkable label comprises or consists of a face film configured to shrink between 20 and 70%, preferably between 25 and 65% at a temperature range between 65 and 85°C.
  • the heat sh nkable label comprises or consists of a face film configured to shrink less than 10% at temperature below 65°C.
  • a heat shrink label comprises a multilayer face film (label film) comprising or consisting of heat shrink plastic film layer(s).
  • the shrink label comprises at least some graphics on a surface of the face film.
  • the shhnkable label may comprise an adhesive.
  • the adhesive may be applied only in a joint area of cylindrical label, wherein the opposite edges of the face film are overlapping.
  • the adhesive may be applied between the overlapping edges.
  • the adhesive may be applied between the face film and surface of an item to be labelled.
  • Shrinkage of label may be focused on a local area or to the whole label area. Local shrinkage may be focused on required areas, for example on an edge area of a label.
  • Whole label may be shrinked in a direction extending circumferentially around a container to conform to the outside (external) shape of the container. Local shrinkage may be focused on required areas, for example on an edge area of an article.
  • machine direction MD refers to the running direction S x of the plastic film or continuous label web during label manufacturing.
  • Transverse direction TD or “cross direction” CD refers to the direction S y perpendicular to the running direction S x of the film or label web. Directions are shown, for example, in Fig 2.
  • a ratio of total film thickness before and after stretching is called a “draw ratio” or “drawing ratio” (DR). It may also be referred to as a stretching ratio or orientation ratio.
  • draw ratio is a non-oriented (undrawn) film thickness in relation to the oriented (drawn) film thickness.
  • the non-oriented film thickness is the thickness after extrusion and subsequent chilling of the film.
  • the thickness of the film may diminish in the same ratio as the film stretches or elongates.
  • a film having thickness of 100 micrometres before uniaxial orientation is stretched by a draw ratio of 5.
  • the film may have a fivefold diminished thickness of 20 micrometres.
  • the draw ratio (orientation ratio) is 5.
  • the plastic film may be drawn (stretched) at least in one direction.
  • the film may be drawn in a machine direction, in a transverse direction, or both.
  • the resulting film is thus monoaxially (uniaxially) oriented (MO) or biaxially oriented (BO).
  • Monoaxially oriented film may be machine oriented (MDO) or transverse oriented (TDO) in accordance to the direction of the orientation (stretching).
  • machine direction refers to the running direction (S x ) of the film during manufacturing, as shown for example in Fig. 2.
  • the degree of orientation of the polymer chains depends on the drawing ratio of the film. In other words, the polymer chains in the film stretched with a higher draw ratio are more oriented when compared to the films stretched with lower draw ratio.
  • the orientation may have effect on properties of the film, and/or the label comprising the film.
  • the stretching of the film and orientation of the polymer chains may be observed microscopically.
  • the orientation is detectable e.g. from the mechanical properties of the films, such as values of modulus and/or tensile strength.
  • Haze is a property used to describe transparency of a plastic film or a face stock of label consisting of the plastic film. Haze relates to scattering of light by a film that results in a cloudy appearance of the film. Haze corresponds to the percentage of light transmitted through a film that is deflected from the direction of the incoming light. Haze may be measured according to standard ASTM D1003.
  • roll-fed shrink film refers to labelling process, where a ready cut label is rolled over a container and then the label is shrunk in order to conform shape and size of the container.
  • Label is supplied from a reel, cut into individual labels and applied around an item.
  • Adhesive e.g. hot melt adhesive
  • the adhesive may be applied on the label or on the container in an area between the leading edge and the surface of the container.
  • the adhesive may also be applied between trailing and leading edges of the label. When rolled over to an item, the trailing and leading edges may overlap and form a seam. Subsequent shrinking process at high temperatures enables tight fitting of the label around the item.
  • Heat shrinking may occur at a shrink tunnel, where for example hot air may be blown towards passing items.
  • the described process may be called as on-line labelling process.
  • Roll-fed shrink films may be uniaxially oriented in machine direction (MD).
  • MD machine direction
  • films may be uniaxially oriented in transverse direction.
  • Shrink-sleeve or “heat shrinkable sleeve film” (HS) refers to a labelling process, where a preformed label tube (or sleeve) is introduced around an item.
  • Shrink sleeve label comprises or consists of transverse direction oriented (TDO) shrink film.
  • TDO transverse direction oriented
  • the film is solvent seamed into a continuous tube label around the axis extending to the machine direction (S x ).
  • the formed continuous tube (or sleeve) is cut into predetermined lengths and supplied as a form of individual tube label around an item.
  • the item or container may be warmed before a cylindrical tube label is introduced over it. Tube around an item is heated in order to shrink the tube label around the item.
  • the transverse direction orientation of the tube label extends circumferentially around the item. Thus, label primarily shrink in the transverse direction.
  • a label film may have a monolayer structure.
  • the label film may have a multilayer structure comprising two or more plastic film layers.
  • a face film of a label consists of a multilayer plastic film structure.
  • the multilayer label film structure 1 may comprise a first layer 3, a second layer 5 and a third layer 7.
  • the second layer 5 is between the first 3 layer and the third 7 layer.
  • the second layer 5 is an intermediate layer.
  • the intermediate layer may also be referred to as a core layer.
  • the first layer 3 and the third layer 7 may be also referred to as skin layers, i.e. a first skin layer and a second skin layer, respectively.
  • the first skin layer and the second skin layer may also be referred to as a front surface layer and a back surface layer, respectively.
  • the front surface layer may be an outermost layer of the multilayer structure when labelled to a surface of an item. However, the front surface may further be over coated.
  • the back surface layer may be the layer adjacent to a surface of an item.
  • a label may be attached to an item via adhesive on its front surface.
  • back surface may be the outermost layer of the labelled item.
  • the back surface may be covered, varnished or over-coated.
  • the multilayer structure has symmetric structure.
  • symmetric three layer structure comprises identical skin layers on opposite sides of the core layer.
  • the multilayer structure may be asymmetrical.
  • one skin layer may have more or less additives, e.g. anti-block or slip-agent, than the other skin layer.
  • the film structure may also comprise additional layers, such as tie layers or protective layers.
  • the multilayer structure may be laminated or coextruded.
  • the core layer 5 may form major portion of the multilayer film structure.
  • the core layer may have a monolayer or multilayer structure.
  • the core layer may be thicker than the first skin layer and the second skin layer.
  • the core may form 60 % of the total thickness of the multilayer structure.
  • the core may have thickness of 40 % of the total thickness of the multilayer film.
  • Thickness of the core layer may be from 15 to 50 microns, or from 20 to 50 microns, preferably around 30 or 25 microns.
  • Thickness of skin layers may be 40 % of the total thickness of the multilayer structure. Alternatively, thickness of skin layers may be 60 % of the total thickness.
  • the thickness of a skin layer may be less than 20 microns, preferably around 10 or 7.5 microns or less.
  • the overall thickness of the multilayer film may be from 20 to 70 microns or from 25 to 60 microns, preferably around 50 microns or around40 microns or less.
  • the multilayer film has uniform overall thickness. Uniform thickness refers to a homogeneous thickness of a film, wherein a thickness variation along the film is small . For example in a film area of 100mm * 100mm variation of the film thickness is less than 10%, preferably between 0.1 and 5.0%. Uniform thickness of the film provides better quality labels, for example, labels having good visual appearance. Uniform film thickness may have effect on the register control and image quality of the printing.
  • the multilayer plastic film structure may comprise or consist of layers having different compositions.
  • skin layer(s) may have different composition when compared to the composition of the core layer.
  • first and second skin layers may have different compositions.
  • the first and second skin layers may have similar compositions.
  • a skin layer(s) may comprise a first cyclic olefin copolymer COCi and a second cyclic olefin copolymer COC 2 .
  • the cyclic olefin copolymer contains polymerized units derived from at least one cyclic and at least one acyclic olefin.
  • the cyclic olefin may comprise at least 4 carbon atoms and a unsaturated site for coordinated polymerization with the acyclic olefin.
  • the cyclic olefin may comprise an unsibstituted or substituted ring.
  • the acyclic olefin may be an alpha olefin having two or more carbon atoms.
  • Cyclic olefin copolymers may be based on cyclic monomers, such as norbornene and/or tetracyclododecene. Cyclic monomer(s) may be chain copolymerized with ethene (ethylene).
  • cyclic olefin copolymer may be comprise monomers of norbornene and ethene.
  • cyclic olefin copolymer may comprise monomers of tetracyclododecene and ethene.
  • Cyclic olefin copolymer may also consists of monomers of norbornene, tetracyclododecene and ethene.
  • cyclic olefin monomer may be at least one of the following: cyclobutene, cyclopentene, cyclooctene, 5-methylnorbornene, 3-methylnorbornene, ethylnorbornene, phenylnorbomene, dimethylnorbornene, diethylnorbornene, dicyclopentadiene, methyltetracyclododecene, 6-methylnorbornene, 6- ethylnorbornene, 6-n-butylnorbornene, 5-propylnorbornene, 1 - methylnorbornene, 7-methylnorbornene, 5,6-dimethylnorbornene, 5- phenylnorbomene, 5-benzylicnorbornene, 8-methyltetracyclo-3-dodecene, 8- ethyltetracyclo-3-dodecene,
  • the first cyclic olefin is different from the second cyclic olefin.
  • a glass transition of the first cyclic olefin copolymer and the second cyclic olefin copolymer is between 50 and 90 °C.
  • a difference in the glass transition temperature of the first cyclic olefin copolymer and the second cyclic olefin copolymer may be at most 40 °C, preferably at most 30°C.
  • the difference in the glass transition temperature of the first cyclic olefin copolymer and the second cyclic olefin copolymer may be at least 5 °C, preferably at least 10°C.
  • the glass transition temperature of the first cyclic olefin copolymer may be below 70°C and the glass transition of the second cyclic olefin may be above 70°C.
  • the first cyclic olefin copolymer COCi may have glass transition temperature of 65°C measured according to standard ISO 1 1357-1 , -2,-3 with heating rate of 10°C/min.
  • the second cyclic olefin copolymer may have a glass transition temperature of 78°C.
  • Melt volume rate tested according to standard ISO 1 133 at 230°C with test load of 2.16 kg of COCi may be 6.0 cm 3 /10min.
  • Melt volume rate of COC2 may be 1 1 .0 cm 3 /10 min. Density of COCi and COC2 may be 1010 kg/m 3 , when measured according to standard ISO 1 183.
  • At least one skin layer may comprise equal amounts of the first cyclic olefin copolymer and the second cyclic olefin copolymer.
  • a ratio of the first cyclic olefin copolymer to the second cyclic olefin copolymer COC1/COC2 may be between 1 .5 and 8.
  • an amount of first cyclic copolymer may be between 40 and 80 wt.% and an amount of second cyclic olefin copolymer may be between 8 and 35 wt.%.
  • Amount of cyclic olefin copolymer(s) in skin layer(s) may be at least 50 wt.%, or at least 60 wt.%.
  • Amount of cyclic olefin copolymer(s) may be up to 100 wt.%, or at most 98 wt.%, or at most 90 wt.%.
  • an amount of cyclic olefin copolymer(s) may be between 50 and 100%, or between 50 and 90 wt.%, or between 60 and 90 wt.%.
  • the first and second cyclic olefin copolymers according to embodiments may have effect on the shrinking behaviour of the film.
  • a specific shrinkage curve may be achieved with the at least some/all embodiments.
  • skin layer(s) may comprise linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).
  • LLDPE linear low density polyethylene
  • the LLDPE is Ziegler-Natta catalyst based.
  • LLDPE may be a copolymer of ethylene and 1 -octene. Density of LLDPE may be 0.916 g/cm 3 , when measured according to standard ASTM D792. Melt Index may be 2.0 g/10min, when measured according to standard ASTM D1238 at 190°C/2.16 kg.
  • metallocene-catalysed LLDPE may be used.
  • ethylene-hexene copolymer having density of 0.918 g/cm 3 and melt index 2.0g/10 min, when measured accord standard ASTM D1238 at 190°C/2.16 kg.
  • an amount of linear low density polyethylene may be at most 30 wt.%, or at most 20 wt.%, or at most 10 wt.% of the total weight of the skin layer.
  • minimum amount of LLDPE may be between 5 and 10 wt.%.
  • An amount of LLDPE may be between 0 and 30 wt.%, or between 5 and 20 wt.%, or between 10 and 20 wt.%.
  • LLDPE has effect of reducing or avoiding the finger marking effect of the film.
  • LLDPE may have effect of reducing un-wanted visual appearance, for example due to reducing or avoiding the finger marking effect of the film.
  • LLDPE may have an effect of providing good interlayer attachment.
  • skin layer(s) may contain additives, such as inorganic fillers, pigments, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, anti-blocking agents, slip additives, antistatic additives, cavitating agents.
  • the first skin layer may comprise anti-blocking agent.
  • An amount of anti-blocking agent may be between 0.5 and 5 wt.%, preferably between 1 and 3 wt.% or between 2 and 3 wt.%.
  • An intermediate layer 7 may contain at least one terpolymer.
  • Terpolymer may be at least one of the following terpolymers comprising propylene: 1 - butene/propylene/ethylene, propylene/ethylene/1 -hexene and propylene/ethylene/1 -butene.
  • 1 -butene/propylene/ethylene terpolymer may comprise more 1 -butene monomer units when compared to the propylene/ethylene/1 -butene.
  • Propylene terpolymer may have a density of 0.90 g/cm 3 , when measured according to standard ISO 1 183.
  • Melt flow rate may be 5.5 g/10min, when measured according to standard ISO 1 133 at 230°C/2.16 kg. Alternatively the melt flow rate may be 0.9 g/10min.
  • An amount of terpolymer(s) may be between 20 and 95 wt.%, preferably between 40 and 90, more preferably between 50 and 80 wt.%. For example 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or 80 wt.%.
  • Terpolymer(s) may have effect on the orientation behaviour of the film. Terpolymer(s) may reduce the softening point of the film thus improving the stretching of the film. For example, films comprising terpolymer(s) may be stretched at a lower temperature. In addition, higher orientation ratios may be achieved, which may have effect on the shrinkage potential of the film. In a core layer of the film terpolymer(s) may have an effect on increasing the strength of the film. In addition, terpolymer(s) may have an effect on providing more stability for the film, which is advantageous during orientation process e.g. in avoiding the film tearing away from the grippers holding the film, particularly for orientation in the transverse direction.
  • the intermediate layer 7 may contain polyolefin plastomer and/or polyolefin elastomer.
  • the intermediate layer may comprise at least one of the following: propylene/ethylene plastomer, ethylene/octene elastomer and ethylene/butene elastomer.
  • Polyolefin elastomer may have density of 0.863 g/cm 3 , when measured according to standard ASTM D729. Alternatively, density may be 0.867 g/cm 3 .
  • Melt flow rate may be 8.0 g/10min, when measured according to standard ASTM D1238 at 230°C/2.16 kg.
  • polyolefin plastomer may have a density of 0.867 g/cm 3 and melt flow rate of 8.0 g/10min.
  • An amount of polyolefin plastomer and/or elastomer may be between 2 and 50 wt.%, preferably between 5 and 35 wt.% and more preferably between 10 and 30 wt.%.
  • the core layer may comprise for example, total amount of 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 wt.% polyolefin elastomer and/or polyolefin plastomer.
  • Polyolefin elastomer(s) and or plastomer(s) may have a positive effect on the ability of the film to be stretched (oriented) and thus on the shrinkage potential of the film.
  • the intermediate layer may contain cyclic olefin copolymer.
  • An amount of cyclic olefin copolymer may be 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, or 20 wt.%, preferably less than 30 wt.%. For example, between 0 and 30 wt.%, or between 5 and 20 wt.%, or between 10 and 20 wt.%.
  • the cyclic olefin copolymer in the intermediate layer may have effect on achieving good adhesion between the intermediate layer with skin layer(s).
  • the cyclic olefin copolymer contained in the intermediate layer may have effect of increasing the overall shrinkage of the film.
  • the intermediate layer according to embodiment may not resist shrinking of the film.
  • the multilayer film comprising at least a core layer, a first skin layer and a second skin layer is uniaxially oriented, i.e. stretched only in one direction.
  • a film may be oriented in machine direction (MD).
  • a film oriented in a machine direction provides controlled shrinkage of the film in MD direction during subsequent shrinking process.
  • the films may be oriented in transverse direction (TD), so as to provide uniaxially in transverse direction oriented films having controlled shrinkage in transverse direction.
  • Unoriented multilayer films may be manufactured by using either a cast or blown-film extrusion process.
  • a shrinkable multilayer film may be obtained by stretching (drawing) the extruded multilayer film to an extent several times its original dimension to orient the film. Stretching may be designated also as orienting.
  • the stretching may be performed by using heated draw rolls with gradually increasing speed.
  • the stretching may be performed below the melting temperature of the polymer and/or at or near the glass transition temperature of the polymer.
  • the film stretching temperature is between 50 and 120°C, preferably between 60 and 1 10 °C or between 60 and 100 °C.
  • the film may be cooled with one or more cooling rolls having decreasing temperature profile starting at or just below stretching temperature and decreasing gradually to around room temperature. Stretching and subsequent cooling may provide suitable shrink potential for the film. Due to the shrink potential, the oriented films are able to shrink under elevated temperature towards the non-oriented (initial) state of the film.
  • the stretching is performed in one direction of the film, e.g. in machine direction, i.e. in longitudinal direction of the film.
  • Films stretched in machine direction may be referred to as machine direction oriented (MDO) films.
  • MDO films the polymer chains are oriented uniaxially in said machine direction.
  • Machine direction oriented films may be used for roll-fed labelling, i.e. in a labelling process where the label film is supplied from a reel, cut into separate labels, after which labels are mounted around an item and seamed during labelling step using adhesive, such as UV-acrylic hot-melt adhesive.
  • adhesive such as UV-acrylic hot-melt adhesive.
  • seam may be formed by solvent seaming, hot-bar (heat-sealing), laser-welding or ultrasonic radiation.
  • TD transverse direction
  • CD cross direction
  • Transverse oriented films may be used for shrink-sleeve type of labels, which films are seamed into a form of a tube prior to labelling.
  • the tube is cut into tubes of predetermined lengths and supplied as in a form of tube around an item.
  • the labelled item may be heated in order to provide shrinking of the film around the item and/or to provide tight fitting of the label around the item and/or to conform the shape of the item with the label.
  • the stretched (oriented) structure of the film and orientation of the polymer chains may be observed microscopically. Further, the orientation is detectable e.g. from the mechanical properties of the films, such as values of modulus and/or tensile strength.
  • the film may be uniaxially oriented approximately from 2 to 10 times, preferably 3 to 9 times, and most preferably from 3 to 8 times.
  • the film may be uniaxially oriented in machine direction.
  • Draw ratio (or orientation ratio) of the MD film is from 2 to 10 (from 2:1 to 10:1 ) , preferably from 3 to 9 (from 3:1 to 9:1 ), most preferably from 3 to 8 (from 3:1 to 8:1 ), correspondingly.
  • the film may be uniaxially oriented in transverse direction, for example, from 2 to 10 times, preferably 3 to 9 times, and most preferably from 3 to 8 times.
  • the films may be oriented at least 3 times at least in one direction, i.e. the draw ratio (stretching ratio) of the film is at least 3 in one direction of the film.
  • the orientation ratio at least in one direction may be at least 4.
  • the draw ratio may be between 3 and 7, preferably between 4 and 6.
  • the film is not heat set, i.e. not annealed, to provide maximum shrinkage for the multilayer shrink film.
  • the oriented film is immediately cooled by passing the film through cooling rolls. Cooling of the film may be gradual. After stretching, the film may be cooled with one or more cooling rolls having decreasing temperature profile starting at or just below stretching temperature and decreasing gradually to around room temperature. Consequently, subsequent application of heat causes the oriented film to relax and the oriented film may return towards or substantially back to its original unstretched dimensions.
  • machine direction oriented films primarily shrink in the machine direction and transverse oriented films in the transverse direction.
  • uniaxially oriented face film 1 having dimensions of length L1 , width w1 and thickness d1 , is arranged to shrink under application of heat so as to form a shrunk face film 6.
  • Uniaxial orientation direction S x of the film is parallel to the film length L1 and L2.
  • Uniaxial orientation direction may be, for example, machine direction MD.
  • uniaxial direction may be transverse direction TD.
  • the corresponding film dimensions are length L2, width w2 and thickness d2 after shrinking.
  • Under heating the uniaxially oriented film 1 is capable of shrinking in the direction of the orientation S x . In other words, the length of the film reduces, when heating is applied, i.e. L1 >L2. If the film is oriented only in one direction Sx, in the perpendicular direction S y , the dimension w1 is substantially equal to w2 after heat treatment. Same applies to the labels comprising uniaxially oriented face film.
  • the oriented multilayer label films i.e. shrink films may be printed in order to provide visual effect and/or to display information.
  • Printing may be performed by using traditional printing processes, for example, flexographic, gravure offset, and digital printing methods, such as liquid-toner, dry-toner or ink-jet processes.
  • the multilayer film may comprise printing on an outer surface of a first skin layer 3.
  • the reverse side of the multilayer structure may be printed, i.e. a third layer 7 may comprise the printing.
  • the graphic patterns may be printed on at least one of the skin layers of the multi-layered film.
  • the film When printing the second skin layer 5 of the film, the film may be referred to as reverse-printed.
  • the printing is in direct contact with a surface of an item to which the film is applied.
  • the print is viewed through the multilayer film.
  • the multilayer plastic film is clear i.e. transparent to visible light.
  • Clear multilayer shrink films and labels comprising said films have good visual appearance.
  • said films may provide no-label look or appearance, when attached to the surface of an item.
  • the clear no-label look allows the objects beneath such label, i.e. the bottle or contents, to be visible through such label.
  • Clarity of the film and a label comprising said film can be measured and evaluated by the haze values.
  • the overall haze of the multilayer film and label consisting of said multilayer film may be less than 25%, preferably less than 15%, and most preferably less than 10% when measured according to the standard ASTM D1003.
  • the haze of the face film may be between 2 and 10%, or between 5 and 10%.
  • initially clear face film of a label may be printed on the reverse side of the face film and the printing is visible through the face film.
  • the printing is adjacent to the surface of the labelled item and as such protected, for example, from scuffing.
  • the printing may be multi-layered comprising two or more printing layers. For example, colour printing at the film surface covered (overprinted) with a white or some other colour printing. Thus, the overprinting is next to the surface of the item. Through this kind of label the object beneath is not visible.
  • the multilayer films are suitable for printing.
  • the films enable high printing quality.
  • the films have excellent ink adhesion and register control, allowing for example gravure printing.
  • the face film surface may be treated prior to printing.
  • the print receiving surface may be treated by flame treatment, corona treatment, or plasma treatment in order to increase the surface tension of the surface and to enhance, for example, adhesion of the printed graphics.
  • a low surface tension may lead to poor retaining capability of printing ink applied to the surface.
  • Surface tension of the print receiving skin layer may be higher than or equal to 38 mlM/m, for example 44 mlM/m, when measured according to standard ISO 8296.
  • the print receiving skin layer may have a surface tension at least 36 dynes/cm, preferably at least 38 dynes/cm or at least 44 dynes/cm measured according to the standard ASTM D-2578.
  • the surface tension may be between 36 and 60 dynes/cm, preferably between 38 and 56 dynes/cm or between 44 and 50 dynes/cm.
  • the multilayer films and labels comprising said films have controlled shrinkage, i.e. specific amount of shrinkage at specific temperature range.
  • the films have an ability to shrink upon exposure to external energy, e.g. some level of heat.
  • Shrinkage of the film is activated when the film is treated e.g. at elevated temperatures, such as passed through a hot air or steam- tunnel.
  • the shrink performance, i.e. shrinking capacity (potential) of the films in the stretching direction is very high at elevated temperatures.
  • overall shrinkage may be over 50% at temperature range from 65 to 90 °C or from 70 to 85°C
  • Shrinkage may be measured according to the following method: providing a sample with measured and marked 100 mm * 100 mm area, placing the sample for 15 seconds to the water baths having temperatures at intervals of 5°C from 55 °C to 98 °C, cooling the sample at water bath having temperature of around room temperature, drying the sample and measuring the dimensions of the marked area of the sample. Preferably at least 3 or more parallel samples are used. Shrinkage is determined as the relative change of dimensions.
  • the term "shrinkage" is defined with reference to the method; however, it is evident, and has been noticed, that the same shrinkage properties apply regardless of the method, provided that the same temperatures are used. I.e. the composition of heat transfer medium (air, steam, water) is not critical for shrinkage behaviour.
  • L 0 corresponds to previously presented L1 and L(T) corresponds L2. Further, the following denotations are used
  • density of a body that has been labeled or is to be labeled density of a label
  • the numerical value of shrinkage is negative, while the numerical value of strain would be positive.
  • a "better" shrinkage is, in terms of numbers, a more negative (i.e. a smaller) value.
  • a thermally shrinkable film 1 can be shrunk using different heat sources such as hot air, hot gas, steam, and/or radiation. Thus, in practice, drying is not necessarily needed.
  • ⁇ ⁇ ( ⁇ ) the value of ⁇ ⁇ ( ⁇ ) will be given in percentages.
  • the reason for selecting the reference temperature of 98 °C is that such a temperature is achievable using hot water or unpressurized (pressure equals 1 atm) steam. It is noted that the film may shrink also for temperatures above 98 °C, however these are of little practical interest, since the films are commonly heated by water and/or steam. So, the value ⁇ (98 °C) is not a maximum shrinkage, only a reference value.
  • the lower of the two temperatures, Ti may be 65 °C, whereby ⁇ ⁇ (80 °0)- ⁇ ⁇ (65 °C) is more than 50 pp.
  • the lower of the two temperatures, Ti may be 70 °C, whereby ⁇ ⁇ (85 ° ⁇ )- ⁇ ⁇ (70 °C) is more than 50 pp.
  • the shrinkage behavior can be described using the relative shrinkage ⁇ ⁇ ( ⁇ ) as defined above.
  • the relative shrinkage ⁇ ⁇ ( ⁇ ) is preferably between limiting values in some specific temperatures.
  • the relative shrinkage should be reasonably low. This is because the temperature during transportation may rise such that some shrinkage occurs. Thus, even if the film, when applied on a body, has already shrunk to some extent, the shrinkage potential of the film is still high, since the relative shrinkage is low.
  • the relative shrinkage should be reasonably high. This is because films that are purposely heat treated have preferably used most of their shrinkage potential. For example, when the crushed film floats on water, e.g. hot water, the crushed pieces are preferably not further shrunk on the water. For example, the crushed pieces may be collected using a sieve having a size, and further shrinking of the pieces might make the smaller than the sieve size. Thus their collection might become hard. Furthermore, the further shrinking, as discussed, might curve or bend the crushed pieces, and the further utilization of such curved pieces might be more problematic than the utilization of planar pieces. The heat shrunk label would not have too much residual shrinkage potential left.
  • High shrinkage potential of the label may be harmful when heated liquid (having a temperature around 80 °C) is used during the separation process, which will cause e.g. curling of the label into tight tubes blocking the washing apparatus.
  • a heat shrinkable (thermally shrinkable) label film having a first length L 0 in a first direction before heat treatment and a second length L(T) in the first direction after heat treatment wherein the temperature of the thermally shrinkable label film has been T, whereby
  • ⁇ (98 °C) is less than -0.45, optionally at most -0.85;
  • ⁇ (65 °C) is greater than -0.10, preferably greater than -0.07; optionally at most 0;
  • the lower of the two temperatures Ti may be 65 °C.
  • a heat shrinkable (thermally shrinkable) label film having a first length L 0 in a first direction before heat treatment and a second length in the first direction L(T) after heat treatment wherein the temperature of the thermally shrinkable plastic film has been T, whereby
  • a heat shrinkable (thermally shrinkable) label film having a first length L 0 in a first direction before heat treatment and a second length L(T) in the first direction after heat treatment wherein the temperature of the thermally shrinkable label film has been T, whereby
  • ⁇ (98 °C) is less than -0.45, optionally at most -0.85;
  • shrinkage of the multilayer films of the invention at temperatures between 80 and 150 °C, preferably between 80 and 1 10°C, more preferably between 80 and 90 °C may be more than 20% in the orientation direction of the film.
  • shrinkage may be between 20 and 40%, or between 40 and 60%, or more than 60%, for example at least 70% in the direction of the orientation of the film.
  • the orientation direction may be parallel to S x .
  • the shrinkage may be between 20 and 90%, preferably between 25 to 80%, and most preferably between 30 and 75% under normal shrink film and label shrinking temperatures between 80 and 150 °C, preferably between 80 and 130°C, more preferably between 80 and 1 10 °C, more preferably between 80 and 90 °C in a steam-tunnel.
  • the films may have shrinkage less than 10%, preferably less than 7%, most preferably less than 5%, for example between 0 and 5% or between 2 and 4%.
  • the other than orientation direction may be direction parallel to S y .
  • the shrink performance of the multilayer films is adequate in order to conform the film to the profile of the substrate, which is to be labelled.
  • a face film according to at least some/all embodiments and a label comprising the face film is able to shrink in the direction of the orientation of the face film between 20 and 75% at a temperature range between 65 and 85°C.
  • the face film and a label comprising the face film is able to shrink between 25 and 65% at a temperature range between 65 and 85°C.
  • the face film and a label comprising the face film is able to shrink between 25 and 55%, or preferably between 30 and 40% at a temperature range between 65 and 85°C.
  • the face film and a label comprising the face film is able to shrink between 35 and 65%, or preferably between 40 and 60% at a temperature range between 65 and 85°C.
  • the face film and the label comprising the face film shrinks preferably less than 10%.
  • the specific shrinkage profile of the face film and the label comprising the face film has an effect of on providing more controlled shrinkage behaviour for the film at a specific temperature.
  • specific shrinking curves of some/all embodiments may have an effect on more accurate shrinkage to be achieved even if some variation occurs during thermal treatment (shrinking process).
  • the composition of the multilayer face film according to embodiments has effect of providing adequate shrinkage level for the label, preferably at least 65% shrinkage at 85 °C, which is further advantageous during washing in subsequent recycling process.
  • the heat shrunk label would not have too much residual shrinkage potential left.
  • High shrinkage potential of the label may be harmful when heated liquid (having a temperature around 80 °C) is used during the separation process, which will cause e.g. curling of the label into tight tubes blocking the washing apparatus.
  • the face film according to at least some/all embodiments may have a shrink force in the orientation direction of the face film during heating at temperatures between 60 and 98 °C is less than 10 N/15mm, or less than 8 N/15mm, or 1 -10 N/15mm, or 2-8 N/15mm. Adequate shrink force is needed for the proper fitting of the label around an item when heat is applied.
  • the face film may have tensile strength in the orientation direction of the film between 90 and 170 MPa. Elongation in orientation direction of the film may be between 20 and 50%. Bending resistance (L&W 5mm, 15°) may be between 10 and 20mN. 1 % secant modulus may be at least 500 MPa, or between1200 and 2000 MPa, or between 1200 and 1800 MPa, when measured according to standard ISO 527-3. Stiffness (1 % secant modulus) may be between 0.008 and 0.015.
  • the composition of the multilayer structure according to embodiments has effect of providing the overall film density less than 1 g/cm 3 .
  • the density is less than 1 g/cm 3 also after printing of the film.
  • the density may be, for example between 0.90 and 0.98 g/cm 3 , or between 0.90 and 0.95 g/cm 3 .
  • the multilayer plastic film contains less than 20 wt.%, preferably less than 10 wt.% or less than 5 wt.% polymeric material having high density.
  • the polymeric material is preferably the film forming material, i.e. the raw material of the multilayer face film.
  • High density refers to density greater than or equal to 1 .3 g/cm 3 , or greater than or equal to 1 .25 g/cm 3 , or greater than or equal to 1 .1 g/cm 3 .
  • An amount of high density material having density between 1 .1 and 1 .5 g/cm 3 , between 1 .1 and 1 .3 g/cm 3 , or between 1 .1 and 1 .25 g/cm 3 may be, for example, between 5 and 20 wt.%, preferably between 5 and 10 wt.%, or preferably between 1 and 5 wt.%, and most preferably between 0.5 and 5 wt.%.
  • the densities are typically measured near room temperature, such as 25 °C.
  • the multilayer plastic film preferably does not include polymeric raw materials, such as polyvinylchloride or polyethylene terephthalate.
  • Low density of the film has effect of enabling the film and label comprising said film to be more easily separated from the substrates having higher density, such as PET bottles.
  • Said film density allows the films to be separated from the substrate material during recycling process, for example in the normally used washing process of the bottles, i.e. flotation separation process, of the bottles or other containers.
  • the separated labels may also be further recycled.
  • the films of the invention are suitable for labels and use for labelling of items.
  • the multilayer plastic films may be used for a face film of a label.
  • the films described above are suitable for a label film.
  • the films are suitable for labelling of a wide range of product designs and particularly suitable for highly contoured containers and products comprising curved sections, recesses and/or protrusions at the outer surface.
  • the labels comprising heat shrink multilayer face film are suitable for items of glass, plastic, ceramics, glass, and metal. Shrinkage properties of films and/or labels enable labels to be used in highly contoured containers.
  • the item may comprise or consists of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • the item may have a shape of a bottle.
  • the films of the invention may also be used for labelling of batteries.
  • the films may also be used as a face stock of a label laminate further comprising an adhesive layer and a release liner.
  • film according to the some or/all embodiments may be used for a face stock of a wash-off labels.
  • Wash-off labels may be used e.g. for labelling of glass bottles. Due to the shrinking capability of the film, the labels may be efficiently detached and removed (washed-off) from the surface labelled during subsequent washing process.
  • Roll-fed shrink labels may be applied to an item with a combination of steps including: rolling over, seaming and shrink technique. Labels may be provided in a roll of continuous label stock and cut into individual labels. Referring to Fig.
  • a label 2 cut from a continuous label stock and comprising or consisting of a multilayer plastic film is mounted around the outer surface of an item 8.
  • orientation direction S x of the label film extends circumferentially around the item 8 in direction DIR1 .
  • Main shrinking direction of the film is indicated by the Sx corresponding to direction DIR1 , as shown in Fig. 5.
  • S x may correspond to the orientation direction of the film, for example machine direction MD.
  • the seam 10 may comprise an adhesive layer, such as a hot melt or UV-curable adhesive. Alternatively, it may comprise solvent dissolving the film materials and thus provide a joint.
  • the adhesive may be provided as a continuous strip or separate adhesive patterns. Alternatively, the seaming may be performed using other methods such as laser welding, heat sealing, or ultrasonic bonding.
  • the item 8 having a label 2 wrapped around it is subsequently heated. The heating causes the label to shrink and to conform to the surface of the item.
  • a shrunk, tight fitting label 4 for the item 8 is shown in Fig. 6.
  • the shrunk label 4 provides a smooth and consistent coating for the item.
  • the heating temperature of the film may be between 80 and 150 °C, preferably between 120 and 130°C in hot-air tunnels or between 80 and 90°C in steam tunnels.
  • Labels comprising oriented films in this embodiment shrink in the machine direction (Sx), The machine direction is extending circumferentially around the item.
  • the heat that induces shrinkage may be provided by conventional heat sources, such as hot steam, heated air, infrared radiation, or any other suitable heat source.
  • the item to be labelled may be highly contoured container, such as shampoo or detergent bottle, or drink container having e.g. recesses and/or protrusions at the outer surface.
  • a diameter of the bottle may alternate.
  • a container may comprise different diameters. Difference between the diameters to be labelled in a container may be up to 30 %, or up to 20 %, or 2-30 %, or 5-20 %, or 8-15 %. According to an example, the difference between the smallest diameter and the largest diameter of the item to be labelled may be up to 30 %, or up to 40 %, or up to 50 %, or up to 60 %, or up to 70 %, or 2-70 %, or 5-60%, or 10-35%.
  • the item may also be recyclable.
  • the label may be a full body label, i.e. the shrunk label 4 may cover substantially the whole outer surface of the item 8, as shown in Fig. 7.
  • the label may cover the item only partially, as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8.
  • a neck of a bottle 14 may be left without a label, or a separate and/or different label may be used for the bottle neck part than for the bottle volume part.
  • the label may consists of a face film having transversal orientation direction (TD).
  • transverse oriented films Prior to labelling, transverse oriented films may be solvent seamed into a form of a continuous tube. The continuous tube is then cut into shorter, predetermined lengths and supplied as a separate tube around an item. The labelled item is transferred to the following process step of heating so as to provide shrinking of the label around the item.
  • Multilayer face film structure has effect of providing a heat shrinkable label which can be easily separated in re-cycling process from the item it is mounted.
  • the item is crushed (grinded) into pieces.
  • the film may be separated from the item during this crushing.
  • After crushing the pieces of the labelled item may be take into washing step comprising a heated washing liquid. Temperature of the liquid may be around 80 °C.
  • the pieces of the item are separated from the pieces of the label based on the difference in their densities.
  • the label may float on a liquid (washing liquid) having a special density.
  • the item may sunk in the liquid.
  • the item has a first density D1 ,
  • the label has a second density D2
  • the density of water is 972 kg/m 3 .
  • the density of the cleaning liquid can be affected by ingredients (e.g. salts) added to the cleaning liquid.
  • the second density D2 (of the label) is less than 1000 kg/m 3 , preferably less than 950 kg/m 3 at the temperature 80 °C.
  • the first density D1 (of the item) is more than 1000 kg/m 3 at the temperature 80 °C.
  • the ratio is as low as 0.67.
  • the thermally shrinkable face film (and the shrunk film of the item) has a density D2 of less than 1 100 kg/m 3 , preferably less than 1000 kg/m 3 , such as less than 920 kg/m 3 .
  • the densities are typically measured near room temperature, such as 25 °C, however, increasing temperature up to e.g. 80 °C does not affect the density much.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur une étiquette thermorétractable et sur un film de face multicouche de l'étiquette. Selon un mode de réalisation, un film de face multicouche est orienté dans une direction. Le film de face multicouche comprend une première couche comprenant un premier copolymère d'oléfine cyclique et un second copolymère d'oléfine cyclique différent du premier copolymère d'oléfine cyclique. Une température de transition vitreuse du premier copolymère d'oléfine cyclique et du second copolymère d'oléfine cyclique est entre 50 et 90° C. Le film de face multicouche comprend de plus une seconde couche comprenant un terpolymère. L'invention porte également sur une combinaison d'une étiquette et d'un article, sur un procédé pour réaliser une étiquette thermorétractable, sur un procédé pour étiqueter un article et sur un procédé pour séparer une étiquette à partir d'un article étiqueté.
PCT/FI2013/050756 2013-07-12 2013-07-12 Film d'étiquette thermorétractable, étiquette thermorétractable, et procédé pour l'étiquetage d'un article WO2015004311A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/FI2013/050756 WO2015004311A1 (fr) 2013-07-12 2013-07-12 Film d'étiquette thermorétractable, étiquette thermorétractable, et procédé pour l'étiquetage d'un article

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/FI2013/050756 WO2015004311A1 (fr) 2013-07-12 2013-07-12 Film d'étiquette thermorétractable, étiquette thermorétractable, et procédé pour l'étiquetage d'un article

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015004311A1 true WO2015004311A1 (fr) 2015-01-15

Family

ID=52279388

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FI2013/050756 WO2015004311A1 (fr) 2013-07-12 2013-07-12 Film d'étiquette thermorétractable, étiquette thermorétractable, et procédé pour l'étiquetage d'un article

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2015004311A1 (fr)

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016102781A1 (fr) * 2014-12-23 2016-06-30 Upm Raflatac Oy Film d'étiquette thermorétractable, étiquette thermorétractable et procédé de fourniture de film thermorétractable et d'étiquette
WO2016102742A1 (fr) * 2014-12-22 2016-06-30 Upm Raflatac Oy Étiquettes rétractables
JP2017146510A (ja) * 2016-02-18 2017-08-24 株式会社フジシールインターナショナル シュリンクラベル及びラベル付き容器
WO2019040574A1 (fr) 2017-08-23 2019-02-28 Dow Global Technologies Llc Compositions contenant un polymère à base d'éthylène et un interpolymère de cyclooléfine, et films formés à partir de celles-ci
US10232594B2 (en) 2013-07-12 2019-03-19 Upm Raflatac Oy Multilayer film for label and a method for providing such
US10239294B2 (en) 2013-07-12 2019-03-26 Upm Raflatac Oy Heat shrink label film, a heat shrink label and a method for labelling of an item
US10406786B2 (en) 2013-07-12 2019-09-10 Upm Raflatac Oy Multilayer film for label and a method for providing such
US10556410B2 (en) 2013-07-12 2020-02-11 Upm Raflatac Oy Multilayer film for label and a method for providing such
US10858504B2 (en) 2017-07-06 2020-12-08 Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc. Polyethylene compositions comprising cyclic-olefin copolymers
US11141961B2 (en) 2017-05-19 2021-10-12 Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc. Shrink films comprising a cyclic-olefin copolymer core
US11441023B2 (en) 2018-04-27 2022-09-13 Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc. Polyethylene films and methods of making the same
CN115768847A (zh) * 2020-06-03 2023-03-07 Upm拉弗拉塔克公司 可回收的塑料标签

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020192412A1 (en) * 2000-03-02 2002-12-19 Shoichi Satani Heat shrinkable polyolefin film
JP2004066533A (ja) * 2002-08-02 2004-03-04 Mitsubishi Plastics Ind Ltd 熱収縮性ポリオレフィン系積層フィルム
JP2005254458A (ja) * 2004-03-09 2005-09-22 Mitsubishi Plastics Ind Ltd 熱収縮性オレフィン系積層フィルム
JP2009001007A (ja) * 2007-05-23 2009-01-08 Toyobo Co Ltd 熱収縮性ポリオレフィン系フィルム、およびその製造方法
WO2010047906A1 (fr) * 2008-10-24 2010-04-29 Exxonmobil Oil Corporation Films thermorétractables multicouches, étiquettes fabriquées à partir de ceux-ci et leur utilisation
JP2012111068A (ja) * 2010-11-22 2012-06-14 Dic Corp 多層フィルム及び該フィルムを用いた包装材

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020192412A1 (en) * 2000-03-02 2002-12-19 Shoichi Satani Heat shrinkable polyolefin film
JP2004066533A (ja) * 2002-08-02 2004-03-04 Mitsubishi Plastics Ind Ltd 熱収縮性ポリオレフィン系積層フィルム
JP2005254458A (ja) * 2004-03-09 2005-09-22 Mitsubishi Plastics Ind Ltd 熱収縮性オレフィン系積層フィルム
JP2009001007A (ja) * 2007-05-23 2009-01-08 Toyobo Co Ltd 熱収縮性ポリオレフィン系フィルム、およびその製造方法
WO2010047906A1 (fr) * 2008-10-24 2010-04-29 Exxonmobil Oil Corporation Films thermorétractables multicouches, étiquettes fabriquées à partir de ceux-ci et leur utilisation
JP2012111068A (ja) * 2010-11-22 2012-06-14 Dic Corp 多層フィルム及び該フィルムを用いた包装材

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10232594B2 (en) 2013-07-12 2019-03-19 Upm Raflatac Oy Multilayer film for label and a method for providing such
US11541646B2 (en) 2013-07-12 2023-01-03 Upm Raflatac Oy Multilayer film for label and a method for providing such
US10556410B2 (en) 2013-07-12 2020-02-11 Upm Raflatac Oy Multilayer film for label and a method for providing such
US10406786B2 (en) 2013-07-12 2019-09-10 Upm Raflatac Oy Multilayer film for label and a method for providing such
US10239294B2 (en) 2013-07-12 2019-03-26 Upm Raflatac Oy Heat shrink label film, a heat shrink label and a method for labelling of an item
US10023359B2 (en) 2014-12-22 2018-07-17 Upm Raflatac Oy Shrink labels
WO2016102742A1 (fr) * 2014-12-22 2016-06-30 Upm Raflatac Oy Étiquettes rétractables
US10981363B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2021-04-20 Upm Raflatac Oy Shrinkable label film, a shrinkable label and a method for providing a shrinkable film and a label
CN107278183A (zh) * 2014-12-23 2017-10-20 Upm拉弗拉塔克公司 可收缩标签膜，可收缩标签和提供可收缩标签膜和标签的方法
US10703078B2 (en) 2014-12-23 2020-07-07 Upm Raflatac Oy Shrinkable label film, a shrinkable label and a method for providing a shrinkable film and a label
WO2016102781A1 (fr) * 2014-12-23 2016-06-30 Upm Raflatac Oy Film d'étiquette thermorétractable, étiquette thermorétractable et procédé de fourniture de film thermorétractable et d'étiquette
JP2017146510A (ja) * 2016-02-18 2017-08-24 株式会社フジシールインターナショナル シュリンクラベル及びラベル付き容器
US11141961B2 (en) 2017-05-19 2021-10-12 Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc. Shrink films comprising a cyclic-olefin copolymer core
US10858504B2 (en) 2017-07-06 2020-12-08 Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc. Polyethylene compositions comprising cyclic-olefin copolymers
WO2019040574A1 (fr) 2017-08-23 2019-02-28 Dow Global Technologies Llc Compositions contenant un polymère à base d'éthylène et un interpolymère de cyclooléfine, et films formés à partir de celles-ci
US11905397B2 (en) 2017-08-23 2024-02-20 Dow Global Technologies Llc Compositions containing ethylene-based polymer and cycloolefin interpolymer, and films formed from the same
US11441023B2 (en) 2018-04-27 2022-09-13 Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc. Polyethylene films and methods of making the same
CN115768847A (zh) * 2020-06-03 2023-03-07 Upm拉弗拉塔克公司 可回收的塑料标签
US12305092B2 (en) 2020-06-03 2025-05-20 Upm Raflatac Oy Recyclable plastic label

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10239294B2 (en) Heat shrink label film, a heat shrink label and a method for labelling of an item
WO2015004311A1 (fr) Film d'étiquette thermorétractable, étiquette thermorétractable, et procédé pour l'étiquetage d'un article
US11541646B2 (en) Multilayer film for label and a method for providing such
CN106898250B (zh) 一种可收缩表面膜和包括可收缩表面膜的标签
US10023359B2 (en) Shrink labels
EP3019334B1 (fr) Film multicouche pour étiquette et procédé permettant de fabriquer ce dernier
EP3019335B1 (fr) Film multicouche pour une étiquette et procédé permettant de fabriquer ce dernier
US10703078B2 (en) Shrinkable label film, a shrinkable label and a method for providing a shrinkable film and a label
WO2015004312A1 (fr) Film d'étiquette thermorétractable, étiquette thermorétractable et procédé d'étiquetage d'un article
WO2015004313A1 (fr) Film en matière plastique thermorétractable et article le comprenant
EP3037262B1 (fr) Étiquettes thermorétractables
US11059273B2 (en) Shrinkable label films and shrinkable labels

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 13889223

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 13889223

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1