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 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A label produced by a method comprising the steps of:
 a) coating a biopolymeric film 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 film.   
     
     
         5 . A labeled article, produced by a method comprising the steps of:
 a) coating a biopolymeric film 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;   c) drying the film;   d) printing on the film; and   e) applying the printed film or a portion thereof to an article.   
     
     
         6 . The label of  claim 4 , having a water permeability of from about 500 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 4 , having a water permeability of from about 100 to about 400 g/m 2  day, wherein the water permeability is measured in standard test ASTM E 96 at 38° C. and 90% relative humidity. 
     
     
         8 . The label of  claim 4 , in which the biopolymer sheet comprises film made from cellulose, a cellulose derivative and/or polyactic acid. 
     
     
         9 . The label of  claim 4 , in which the biopolymer sheet is a two layer laminate. 
     
     
         10 . The label of  claim 4 , having an elasticity modulus 1% Secant, measured in standard test ASTM D 882, either at least about 2000 NMm −2 , measured in the machine direction of the biopolymer sheet, r at least about 1000 NMm −2 , measured in the transverse direction of the biopolymer sheet. 
     
     
         11 . A label facestock comprising:
 the label of  claim 4 ; and   a release liner adjacent to the label.   
     
     
         12 . The labeled article of  claim 5 , wherein the label has a water permeability of from about 500 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. 
     
     
         13 . The labeled article of  claim 5 , wherein the label has a water permeability of from about 100 to about 400 g/m 2  day, wherein the water permeability is measured in standard test ASTM E 96 at 38° C. and 90% relative humidity. 
     
     
         14 . The labeled article of  claim 5 , wherein the biopolymer sheet comprises film made from cellulose, a cellulose derivative and/or polyactic acid. 
     
     
         15 . The labeled article of  claim 14 , wherein the biopolymer sheet comprises film made from cellulose. 
     
     
         16 . The labeled article of  claim 14 , wherein the biopolymer sheet comprises film made from polyactic acid. 
     
     
         17 . The labeled article of  claim 5 , wherein the biopolymer sheet is a two layer laminate. 
     
     
         18 . The labeled article of  claim 5 , wherein the label has an elasticity modulus 1% Secant, measured in standard test ASTM D 882, of either at least about 2000 NMm −2 , measured in the machine direction of the biopolymer sheet, or at least about 1000 NMm −2 , measured in the transverse direction of the biopolymer sheet. 
     
     
         19 . The labeled article of  claim 5 , wherein the composition is an aqueous composition. 
     
     
         20 . The label of  claim 4 , wherein the method further comprises the step of:
 printing on the dried film.   
     
     
         21 . The label of  claim 8 , wherein the biopolymer sheet comprises film made from cellulose. 
     
     
         22 . The label of  claim 8 , wherein the biopolymer sheet comprises film made from polyactic acid. 
     
     
         23 . The label of  claim 4 , wherein the composition is an aqueous composition.