Layered construction with removable layers

Abstract

Layered constructions with removable layers, such as those for pressure sensitive adhesive constructions and release liners and components thereof, are disclosed. Methods of using the hierarchical construction are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 476,746, filed on December 22, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to layered structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to layered structures (such as those for pressure - sensitive adhesive structures, release liners, and their components) and methods of using layered structures. Background Art

[0004] Packages are generally marked with information and / or decoration. In some cases, the information and / or decoration are provided in the form of a label, which is generally a multi - layer structure comprising a face stock (such as paper, polymer film, fabric, or metal foil) having an adhesive coated on one face and printed markings on the opposite face. Prior to applying the label, it may optionally have a release liner to protect the adhesive. Additionally, the label may have a face coating to enhance printing. While this structure functions well for the purpose of providing information and / or decoration, it causes problems when the labeled article is to be processed by reuse or recycling. For example, for the purpose of recycling the underlying article such as a disposable plastic bottle, the label should ideally be easily removable. Additionally, for certain recycling processes (such as those used in PET recycling), the ink used for the printed markings must remain on the label face stock. In single - material recycling, the ink used for the printed markings must be separated from the label face stock. Further, it is desirable to be able to recycle the release liner or eliminate the release liner altogether to avoid this material in the waste stream.

[0005] Accordingly, what is needed is a package (including a label) that not only serves its packaging function (i.e., holding, protecting, handling, delivering, and / or displaying the goods associated with or attached to it), but can also be removed to enable recycling, reuse, composting, providing a biodegradable form, and / or proper disposal of the materials. The present invention addresses these and other important needs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention relates to removable layers, layered structures (such as those for pressure - sensitive adhesive structures, release liner structures, or printed face stocks) and methods of using layered structures, wherein at least one of the layers can be removed.

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a composition comprising:

[0008] Based on the total weight of the composition, at least 15% by weight of at least one binder having a polymer backbone containing pendant hydroxyl or carboxyl groups that have been esterified or acetalized or ketalized to such an extent that the binder component has an acid value of from 0 mg KOH / g to 200 mg KOH / g or a hydroxyl value of from 0 mg KOH / g to 600 mg KOH / g; at least one hydrophobic resin; and at least one crosslinker.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a laminated structure comprising:

[0010] a facestock having a first surface and a second surface; an adhesive on the first surface; and a face coating on the second surface, wherein the face coating comprises the composition disclosed herein.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a method of recovery comprising:

[0012] providing an article having a label adhered thereto; wherein the label comprises the laminated structure disclosed herein; and wherein the laminated structure further comprises a printed mark on the face coating; and exposing the label to a non-environmental stimulus for a time sufficient to separate 100% of the printed mark from the facestock.

[0013] The Summary of the Invention is provided as a general introduction to some embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting. Additional exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided herein, including variations and alternative configurations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 is a cross-section of an illustrative embodiment of the laminated structure of the present invention, wherein the laminated structure has a removable printable face coating.

[0016] Figure 2 is a cross-section of an illustrative embodiment of the laminated structure of the present invention, wherein the laminated structure is a release liner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Definition

[0018] As used above and throughout the disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the following terms are to be understood to have the following meanings.

[0019] As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "has", "having", or any other variation thereof are intended to be open-ended and encompass non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, the use of nouns without a quantifier is used to describe the elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. Unless clearly indicated otherwise by context, the description shall be construed to include "a" or "at least one", and the singular also includes the plural. As used herein, when referring to measurable values such as amounts, durations, etc., the term "about" is intended to encompass variations of ±10%, preferably ±8%, more preferably ±5%, even more preferably ±1%, and even still more preferably ±0.1% relative to a specific value, because such variations are suitable for performing the disclosed methods.

[0020] As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to a moiety of a linear, branched, and cyclic fully saturated hydrocarbon in which the number of carbon atoms permits branching or cyclization.

[0021] As used herein, the prefix "(meth)acryloyl-" refers to both "methacryloyl-" and "acryloyl-", such as in "(meth)acrylic acid" (meaning both methacrylic acid and acrylic acid), "(meth)acrylate" (meaning both methacrylate and acrylate), and "(meth)acrylonitrile" (meaning both methacrylonitrile and acrylonitrile). The term "(meth)acrylate" refers to the monomeric acrylate or methacrylate of an alcohol. Acrylate monomers and methacrylate monomers are collectively referred to herein as "(meth)acrylate" monomers. A polymer prepared from a (meth)acrylate monomer is called a (meth)acrylate polymer.

[0022] As used herein, the term "acrylate resin" refers to at least one (meth)acrylate polymer or copolymer and may include blends of different (meth)acrylate polymers and copolymers.

[0023] As used herein, the term "polymer" will be understood to include polymers, copolymers (e.g., polymers formed using two or more different monomers), oligomers, and combinations thereof.

[0024] As used herein, the term "copolymer" refers to a polymer (i.e., a dimer) that contains copolymerized units of at least two different monomers.

[0025] As used herein, the term "face stock" means one or more layers of film material (such as paper, polymer film, fabric, metal foil, or combinations thereof) that have been printed with markings and optionally corona treated. The face stock has two faces, including a face that faces outward and can receive the printed markings (either directly or indirectly), and another face that faces inward and can receive an adhesive layer. Suitable face stocks include paper, polymer film, coextruded film, metal film, their coated forms, their recycled inclusion forms, or combinations thereof. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, biaxially oriented polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride, among others. The thickness of the face stock typically ranges from 10 μm to 250 μm, preferably from 10 μm to 180 μm for films, and from 30 μm to 220 μm for paper.

[0026] As used herein, the term "adhesive layer" means one or more layers of the same or different pressure sensitive adhesives applied to at least a portion of the surface of the face stock. The thickness of the adhesive layer typically ranges from 20 μm to at least 125 μm. The adhesive layer preferably comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive, which can be permanent or removable.

[0027] As used herein, "pressure sensitive adhesive" or "PSA" refers to a material that can be identified by the Dahlquist criterion, which defines a pressure sensitive adhesive as having a creep compliance greater than 1×10 -6 cm 2 / dyne of creep compliance at one second, as described in Handbook of PSA Technology, Donatas Satas (Ed.), 2nd Edition, page 172, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, N.Y., 1989. Since, for a first approximation, the modulus is the reciprocal of the creep compliance, a pressure sensitive adhesive can also be defined as having a Young's modulus less than 1×10 6 dyne / cm 2adhesive. Another well-known method of identifying a pressure-sensitive adhesive is an adhesive that has a strong and permanent tack at room temperature and firmly adheres to a variety of different surfaces upon mere contact without the need for pressure greater than that of a finger or hand and can be removed from a smooth surface without leaving a residue, as described in the Glossary of Terms Used in the Pressure Sensitive Tape Industry, 1996, provided by the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council. Another suitable definition of a suitable pressure-sensitive adhesive is that it preferably has a room-temperature storage modulus within the region defined by the following points plotted on a graph of modulus vs. frequency at 25 °C: at a frequency of about 0.1 radian / second (0.017 Hz), about 2×10 5 dyne / cm 2 to 4×10 5 dyne / cm 2 modulus range, and at a frequency of about 100 radians / second (17 Hz), about 2×10 6 dyne / cm 2 to 8×10 6 dyne / cm 2 modulus range. See, for example, Handbook of PSA Technology (Donatas Satas, Ed.), 2nd Edition, page 173, Van Nostrand Rheinhold, N.Y., 1989. Any of these methods of identifying a pressure-sensitive adhesive can be used to identify a suitable pressure-sensitive adhesive for use in the labels of the present invention. The pressure-sensitive adhesive has a permanent tack in dry form and can adhere firmly to a substrate with very light pressure. The adhesive does not need to be activated by solvents, water, or heat to exert sufficient holding power.

[0028] As used herein, the term "permanent" in connection with a "pressure-sensitive adhesive" means a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is not easily removed without completely destroying the laminate structure or without partially destroying the laminate structure (which is part of the laminate structure) or the substrate (to which the laminate structure is applied). Based on the Finat test method 1 - peel adhesion (180°) at 300 mm / minute, a permanent adhesive exhibits an adhesion value greater than 230 N / m. An example of a permanent adhesive is the S0290 adhesive available from Avery Dennison Corporation.

[0029] As used herein, the term "removable" in relation to a "pressure - sensitive adhesive" means a pressure - sensitive adhesive that can be removed without damaging the release structure (which is part of the release structure) or the substrate to which the release structure is applied. Based on the Finat Test Method 1 - peel adhesion (180°) at 300 mm / min, the removable adhesive exhibits an adhesion value greater than 30 N / m. Such a removable pressure - sensitive adhesive has low adhesion to the substrate, allowing the release structure to be easily removed by hand from the substrate to which it is applied. Removable pressure - sensitive adhesives include true removable adhesives that are chemically designed for removability, and permanent adhesives that are applied at a low coating weight such that they remain removable. An example of a removable adhesive is the R185 adhesive available from Avery Dennison Corporation.

[0030] As used herein, the phrase "release liner" means a sheet (usually paper such as kraft paper or cellophane, or a polymer film such as PET or polyolefin, typically applied during the manufacturing process) used to prevent premature adhesion of a sticky surface. A release agent that provides a release effect against any type of sticky material (such as an adhesive or glue) is coated on one or both sides. The release agent can be applied at a coating level of 0.5 gsm to 3 gsm.

[0031] As used herein, the phrase "printed mark" means any string of alphanumeric or special characters used to convey information (such as a name, address or mailing address, phone number, prescription number, etc.) and / or provide aesthetic appeal. The mark can be printed in any suitable manner, including by hand, typewriter, or conventional printing (such as flexography, offset printing, inkjet printing, laser - jet printing, videojet printing, thermal transfer, direct printing, gravure printing, etc.).

[0032] As used herein, the term "label" means a two - dimensional sheet of paper, fabric, plastic, or similar material that is configured to be attached to an object and give information about it and / or decorate it. The label can be of any suitable shape or design, such as rectangular, square, circular, oval, triangular, polygonal, and irregular shapes. The label can have sharp, rounded, or irregular edges and corners. The label can be formed from the release structure (also referred to as label material, and can be formed into rolls, strips, sheets, etc.) described herein that has an optional printed mark thereon.

[0033] As used herein, the phrase "non - ambient stimulus" means a material or condition that is not present in the environment where the release structure is normally used, but when introduced in the presence of the release structure, causes some type of response in one or more components of the release structure.

[0034] As used herein, "gsm" means grams per square meter.

[0035] Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages mentioned herein are weight percentages based on the weight of the composition.

[0036] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a composition comprising:

[0037] Based on the total weight of the composition, at least 15 wt% of at least one binder having a polymer backbone containing pendant hydroxyl or carboxyl groups, said pendant hydroxyl or carboxyl groups having been esterified or acetalized or ketalized to such an extent that the binder component has an acid value of from 0 mg KOH / g to 200 mg KOH / g or a hydroxyl value of from 0 mg KOH / g to 600 mg KOH / g (preferably from 0 mg KOH / g to 400 mg KOH / g) (preferably, wherein the polymer backbone contains carbon and optionally heteroatoms);

[0038] at least one hydrophobic resin; and

[0039] at least one crosslinking agent.

[0040] The present invention also relates to a layered structure comprising:

[0041] a facestock having a first surface and a second surface;

[0042] an adhesive on the first surface; and

[0043] a topcoat on the second surface,

[0044] wherein the topcoat comprises the composition disclosed herein.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a recycling method comprising:

[0046] providing an article having a label adhered thereto;

[0047] wherein the label comprises the layered structure disclosed herein; and

[0048] wherein the layered structure further comprises a printed mark on the topcoat; and

[0049] exposing the label to a non-environmental stimulus for a time sufficient to separate 100% of the printed mark from the facestock.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the non-environmental stimulus is exposure to a 1% caustic solution at a temperature of 80 °C for 15 minutes.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one anti-blocking agent.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one auxiliary resin selected from nitrocellulose, polyester, ketone resin, maleic resin, polyurethane, and combinations thereof, such as those disclosed in WO2021 / 165081 and WO2022 / 002734, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one soft resin, which preferably has a glass transition temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry at a rate of 20 °C per minute. Some examples of suitable soft resins include, but are not limited to, dioctyl adipate, acetyl tributyl citrate, sucrose acetate butyrate, and combinations thereof, such as those disclosed in WO2021 / 165081 and WO2022 / 002734, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one solvent. Some examples of suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, C2-C3 alkyl acetates (ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate); C2-C3 alkyl alcohols (ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol); and combinations thereof.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the binder is selected from polyesters (such as polyvinyl esters, polyacrylates, and combinations thereof); polyvinyl acetals (such as polyvinyl butyral); polyvinyl ketals; and combinations thereof, such as those disclosed in WO2021 / 165081 and WO2022 / 002734, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic resin is selected from poly(meth)acrylates, aliphatic polyether polyurethanes, aliphatic polyester polyurethanes, aliphatic urethane acrylates, and combinations thereof, such as those disclosed in US-B-9,061,536, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the crosslinking agent is selected from polyaziridines, polycarbodiimides, melamine formaldehyde, isocyanates, polyfunctional epoxy resins, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the crosslinking agent is selected from polyaziridines, polycarbodiimides, and combinations thereof.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one anti-blocking agent. Anti-blocking agents are typically inorganic fillers and certain organic fillers that reduce "blocking" by reducing the close contact between adjacent layers or materials. Suitable anti-blocking agents include, but are not limited to, inorganic mineral fillers (preferably, diatomaceous earth, talc, calcium carbonate, glass, etc.); crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate (MMA); synthetic silica; and combinations thereof.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the binder is present at a level of at least 20 wt% (preferably, at least 25 wt%), based on the total weight of the composition.

[0060] In certain embodiments, based on 100 parts of total solids in the composition, the crosslinking agent is present at a level of from 0.1 part to 30 parts.

[0061] In certain embodiments of the laminate structure, the facing material is selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and combinations thereof.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises:

[0063] At least one binder component having a polymer backbone (preferably a carbon backbone, but may contain heteroatoms in the backbone) containing pendant hydroxyl or carboxyl groups, wherein the pendant hydroxyl or carboxyl groups have been esterified or acetalized or ketalized to such an extent that the binder component has an acid value of from 0 mg KOH / g to 200 mg KOH / g (preferably from 0 mg KOH / g to 50 mg KOH / g) or a hydroxyl value of from 0 mg KOH / g to 600 mg KOH / g, preferably from 0 mg KOH / g to 400 mg KOH / g;

[0064] At least one aqueous aliphatic polyether or polyester polyurethane;

[0065] At least one aqueous aliphatic urethane acrylate; and

[0066] At least one water-dispersible crosslinking agent (preferably a polyfunctional aziridine) (such as those described in US-B-9,061,536, column 6, lines 4 to 27, incorporated herein by reference).

[0067] In certain embodiments, based on the total weight of the composition, the binder component is present in an amount of from 5 wt% to 20 wt%, preferably from 7 wt% to 15 wt%.

[0068] The laminate structure of the present invention can be used in a variety of different applications and methods where it is desired to remove one or more layers, such as to allow for the recycling of the laminate structure, the restoration of component layers or structures, the exposure of a masking layer of the laminate structure to avoid using unnecessary layers of the laminate structure, etc.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the thickness of the topcoat can be from 0.5 gsm to 5 gsm. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the release coat can be from 0.5 gsm to 3 gsm.

[0070] One possible laminate structure of this type is shown in Figure 1 which shows a printable topcoat structure 100 having a facing material 10 (having a first face 11 and a second face 12) and having a topcoat 30 on the first face 11 of the facing material 10.

[0071] A possible layered structure of this type is shown in Figure 2 wherein a release liner 200 is shown having a base layer 210 (having a first side 211 and a second side 212) and a release coating 220 (having a first side 221 and a second side 222) and a functional layer 230 therebetween.

[0072] The present invention is further defined in the following examples, all parts and percentages being by weight unless otherwise indicated. It is to be understood that these examples, while showing preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these examples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential characteristics of the invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

[0073] Examples

[0074] Deinking

[0075] Deinking was measured during rinsing tests in 1% caustic solution at 40 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C.

[0076] To test the alkaline responsiveness of printed and unprinted samples, the following rinsing procedure was used. In a 200 mL beaker, approximately 150 mL of 1% caustic solution was added and the mixture was heated to the desired temperature (40 °C to 80 °C). The test samples were cut into smaller samples of 4 cm × 3 cm. When the desired temperature was reached, these samples were then added to the rinsing solution together with a clean PET sheet (200).

[0077] The test was carried out for 15 minutes under mixing (600 rpm). After 15 minutes, the test samples were collected and analyzed visually and using FT-IR. Visual observation was used to test whether the ink remained on the samples. In the case of printed samples, when all the ink was washed off, FT-IR was used to analyze whether the surface coating was still present on the samples.

[0078] The test water that might be colored by the removed ink was also analyzed. This was done by filtering off the removed ink and the PET sheet via filter paper. Then the water was analyzed visually.

[0079] Printability test

[0080] Printability was measured by the ink adhesion of various inks, including UV flexography (both conventional and low migration) on polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE).

[0081] A laboratory-scale flexographic press: Flexiproof 100 UV flexographic printer was used to test the UV flexographic ink adhesion. A 2-cylinder anilox roll (3 cm 3 / m 2 and 4 cm 3 / m 2 ) at a speed of 40 mJ / cm 2 and the following three inks were printed:

[0082] ● Flint Flexocure Force (conventional)

[0083] ● Zeller+Gmelin Y81 (low migration)

[0084] ● Siegwerk-Nutriflex (low migration)

[0085] The ink fixity was evaluated by performing a tape test using SCOTCH-brand 810 tape. The tape was mounted on the printed matter using a FINAT 2 KG roller. Then the tape was pulled at an angle of 135°. Then it was mounted on a dedicated template. The test was repeated four times at time zero (T0). To quantify the amount of ink removed, Image J software was used.

[0086] Water resistance test

[0087] The water resistance test was measured under two conditions: (1) 30 minutes at 90 °C; (2) 24 hours at 0 °C.

[0088] Test results

[0089] The results are shown in the table below.

[0090]

[0091] It was found that when using Example 1-C alone, the construction provided the required UV flexographic ink fixity, but only provided poor ink removal in a 1% caustic soda solution in the temperature range of 40 °C to 80 °C. It was further found that when using Example 2-C alone, the construction provided excellent ink removal in a 1% caustic soda solution in the temperature range of 40 °C to 80 °C, but did not provide the required UV flexographic ink fixity. When Example 1-C was laminated on top of Example 2-C, the bilayer construction provided the required UV flexographic ink and ink removal in a 1% caustic soda solution in the temperature range of 40 °C to 80 °C, and did not pass the water resistance test at 0 °C for 24 hours. When Example 2-C was blended with Example 1-C at a level of at least 25% by weight, the present invention solved this problem.

[0092] When ranges are used herein for physical properties, all combinations and subcombinations of the ranges of the specific embodiments therein are intended to be included.

[0093] The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications cited or described in this document are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will understand that many changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all such equivalent variations that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A composition comprising: Based on the total weight of the composition, at least 15% by weight of at least one binder having a polymer backbone containing side-chain hydroxyl or carboxyl groups, said side-chain hydroxyl or carboxyl groups having been esterified or acetalized or ketalized to such an extent that the binder component has an acid value of 0 mg KOH / g to 200 mg KOH / g or a hydroxyl value of 0 mg KOH / g to 600 mg KOH / g (preferably 0 mg KOH / g to 400 mg KOH / g) (preferably, wherein the polymer backbone contains carbon and optionally heteroatoms); At least one hydrophobic resin; and At least one crosslinking agent.

2. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one anti-blocking agent.

3. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one auxiliary resin selected from nitrocellulose, polyester, ketone resin, maleic resin, polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

4. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one soft resin.

5. The composition according to claim 4, Wherein the soft resin is selected from dioctyl adipate, acetyl tributyl citrate, sucrose acetate butyrate, and combinations thereof.

6. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one solvent.

7. The composition according to claim 6, Wherein the solvent is selected from C2-C3 alkyl acetates, C2-C3 alkyl alcohols, and combinations thereof.

8. The composition according to claim 1, Wherein the binder is selected from polyester, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl ketal, and combinations thereof.

9. The composition according to claim 8, Wherein the polyester is selected from polyvinyl esters, polyacrylates, and combinations thereof.

10. The composition according to claim 8, Wherein the polyvinyl acetal is polyvinyl butyral.

11. The composition according to claim 1, Wherein the hydrophobic resin is selected from poly(meth)acrylates, aliphatic polyether polyurethanes, aliphatic polyester polyurethanes, aliphatic urethane acrylates, and combinations thereof.

12. The composition according to claim 1, Wherein the crosslinking agent is selected from polyaziridines, polycarbodiimides, melamine formaldehyde, isocyanates, polyfunctional epoxy resins, and combinations thereof.

13. The composition according to claim 1, Wherein the crosslinking agent is selected from polyaziridines, polycarbodiimides, and combinations thereof.

14. The composition according to claim 1, Wherein the anti-blocking agent is selected from inorganic mineral fillers, crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate (MMA), synthetic silica, and combinations thereof, and combinations thereof.

15. The composition according to claim 1, Wherein, based on the total weight of the composition, the binder is present at a level of at least 20% by weight.

16. The composition according to claim 1, Wherein, based on the total weight of the composition, the binder is present at a level of at least 25% by weight.

17. The composition according to claim 1, Wherein, based on 100 parts of total solids in the composition, the crosslinking agent is present at a level of 0.1 part to 30 parts.

18. A layered structure comprising: A face material having a first surface and a second surface; An adhesive on the first surface; and A face coating on the second surface, wherein the face coating comprises the composition according to claim 1.

19. The laminate structure according to claim 18, wherein the face material is selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and combinations thereof.

20. A recovery method, comprising: Providing an article having a label adhered thereto; wherein the label comprises the laminate structure according to claim 18; and wherein the laminate structure further comprises a printed mark on the face coating; and Exposing the label to a non-environmental stimulus for a time sufficient to separate 100% of the printed mark from the face material.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the non-environmental stimulus is exposure to a 1% caustic solution at a temperature of 80°C for 15 minutes.

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