In-mold labeling method and labeled products

Abstract

The invention relates to an in-mold labeling method, and to molded plastic articles having an in-mold label as described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, the in-mold label film comprises: (A) a polymer facestock having a printable upper surface and a lower surface, (B) a print layer having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the lower surface of the print layer is in contact with and adhered to the upper surface of the facestock, and (C) an adhesive layer having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the lower surface is in contact with and adhered to the upper surface of the print layer.

1 . An in-mold label comprising: 
 (A) a polymer facestock comprising a single layer construction and having a printable upper surface and a heat activatable first adhesive lower surface; and    (B) a layer of a second adhesive overlying the upper surface of the facestock wherein the second adhesive layer has an upper surface and a lower surface.    
     
     
         2 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the facestock (A) comprises at least one polyolefin, polyacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, poly(alkylene acrylate), poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol), poly(alkylene vinyl acetate), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polyester, fluoropolymer, polycarbonate, or mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the label further comprises a print layer positioned between the upper surface of the facestock and the second adhesive layer.  
     
     
         4 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the facestock (A) comprises at least one polyolefin.  
     
     
         5 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the facestock (A) comprises a propylene polymer or a copolymer of propylene with ethylene.  
     
     
         6 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the second adhesive layer comprises a radiation or thermally cured adhesive.  
     
     
         7 . The label of  claim 3  wherein the label further comprises an abrasion, chemical, and/or ultraviolet resistant transparent coating layer positioned between the print layer and the second adhesive layer.  
     
     
         8 . The label of  claim 3  wherein the label further comprises an adhesion promoting layer positioned between the print layer and the upper surface of the facestock.  
     
     
         9 . The label of  claim 1  further comprising (C) a carrier sheet overlying the upper surface of the second adhesive layer.