An additive composition for imparting caustic removability to a
hot melt adhesive comprises a low molecular weight α,β ethylenically unsaturated anhydride-containing or acid-containing
polymer. The
polymer is selected from the group consisting of a low molecular weight carboxylic anhydride homo-
polymer or the at least partial ester thereof, a low molecular weight carboxylic anhydride
copolymer or the at least partial ester thereof, a low molecular weight carboxylic anhydride
polyolefin, a low molecular weight carboxylic anhydride vinyl aromatic
copolymer, and a low molecular weight carboxylic anhydride grafted
copolymer, or the combination or mixtures thereof. A caustic removable
hot melt adhesive composition comprises a
hot melt adhesive additive and a conventional
hot melt adhesive resin. A caustic removable adhesive
label comprises a substrate and a caustic removable
hot melt adhesive composition which includes an additive composition. The caustic removable hot melt adhesives can be used on labels for articles, such as glass bottles.