Labels

Abstract

There is described a label comprising a self supporting sheet of a biopolymer, preferably cellulose (e.g. regenerated cellulose, cellulose acetate and/or PLA) said sheet being substantially transparent to visible light when uncoated characterized in that the sheet comprises: (a) a first coating on at least one surface thereof to aid printability thereon; (b) a second coating comprising an adhesive dispersible in an aqueous medium; and (c) optionally a third coating to modify water permeability through the sheet. The labels are to be applied to articles such as glass containers. Preferred labels are wet glue cellulose labels for example where the first coating also comprises a copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate to aid water permeability and hence rapid drying of the label on an article.

1 . A method for preparing a label, the method comprising the steps of:
 a) coating a biopolymeric sheet on at least one surface thereof with a composition with an adhesive dispersed therein;   b) treating at least the opposite surface of the sheet to improve its printability; and   c) drying the sheet,   wherein the biopolymeric sheet comprises a film made from polylactic acid.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the composition is an aqueous composition, and wherein the sheet is dried to remove excess water. 
     
     
         3 . The method of preparing a labelled article, comprising
 preparing a label in accordance with the method of  claim 1 , and applying the label to an article.   
     
     
         4 . A label produced by the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         5 . A labelled article produced by the method of  claim 3 . 
     
     
         6 . The label of  claim 4 , wherein the label has a water permeability of from about 50 to about 600 g/m 2  day, wherein the water permeability is measured in standard test ASTM E 96 at 38° C. and 90% relative humidity. 
     
     
         7 . The label of  claim 6 , wherein the label has a water permeability of from about 100 to about 400 g/m 2  day. 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The label of  claim 4 , wherein the biopolymer sheet is a two layer laminate. 
     
     
         10 . The label of  claim 4 , wherein the label has an elasticity modulus 1% Secant of at least about 2000 NMm −2 , measured in the machine direction of the biopolymer sheet in standard test ASTM D 882. 
     
     
         11 . A label facestock, comprising
 the label of  claim 4 , and   a release liner adjacent to the label.   
     
     
         12 . The label of  claim 4 , wherein the label has an elasticity modulus 1% Secant of at least about 1000 NMm −2  (measured in the transverse direction of the biopolymer sheet in standard test ASTM D 882).