label

The label design with a re-moistened adhesive layer and pseudo-adhesive layer allows for user-specific information to be hidden until revealed, addressing the need for concealed information on conventional labels and reducing environmental impact.

JP2026061346APending Publication Date: 2026-04-09LINTEC CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-30
Publication Date
2026-04-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing labels lack the ability to include information visible only to the user and not externally, such as delivery information for recipients, which is not addressed by conventional pseudo-adhesive layers.

Method used

A label design comprising a surface substrate, a pseudo-adhesive layer, and a re-moistened adhesive layer with a partially exposed display portion, allowing for information to be hidden until revealed by applying water, which activates the adhesive for easy attachment.

Benefits of technology

Enables easy addition of user-specific information on labels without requiring a release liner, reducing environmental impact and facilitating easy information revelation upon attachment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a label that can be attached to a surface and allows for the easy addition of information that is not visible from the outside but is known only to the user. [Solution] A label having a surface substrate, a pseudo-adhesive layer, and a re-moistened adhesive layer containing a re-moistened adhesive, wherein the label has a partially displayed area on the re-moistened adhesive layer on the side opposite to the pseudo-adhesive layer.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to labels.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for various purposes, labels that are attached to an adherend via an adhesive layer have been widely used. For example, when delivering a package by courier or the like to a delivery destination, a delivery slip label printed with the destination and item information is attached to cardboard or the like, and an adhesive layer is provided on the adherend side of such a delivery slip label. In the case of a delivery slip label, after a receipt stamp or the like is made at the delivery destination, the receipt is peeled off and taken home from a part of the delivery slip attached by the delivery company as a receipt, and a pseudo-adhesive layer has been used so that the receipt or the like can be peeled off. For example, in Patent Document 1, a resin treatment is applied to the back surface of a surface base material, and a pseudo-adhesive layer provided with a thermoplastic resin on the resin-treated surface by an extrusion lamination method, and a pseudo-adhesive sheet in which the surface base material can be peeled off is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 2, a pseudo-adhesive label in which the pseudo-adhesive layer contains a copolymer of ethylene and another monomer and is peeled off at the interface between the base material and the pseudo-adhesive layer is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, there is a demand for labels attached to objects to include information that is not visible from the outside and is only known to the user, in addition to the information visible from the surface. For example, in the case of delivery slip labels, delivery information is printed on the surface, but there is a demand to include information that is only necessary for the recipient at the delivery destination (for example, points information) on the label separately.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a label that can be attached to an object and that can easily add information that is not visible from the outside and is known only to the user, in addition to information that is visible from the surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides the following:

[0007] (1) A label comprising a surface substrate, a pseudo-adhesive layer, and a re-moistened adhesive layer containing a re-moistened adhesive, A label having a partially displayed portion on the re-moistened adhesive layer on the side opposite to the pseudo-adhesive layer.

[0008] (2) The label according to (1), wherein the surface substrate is a paper substrate or an opaque resin substrate.

[0009] (3) The label according to (1) or (2), wherein the pseudo-adhesive layer is positioned adjacent to the re-wetted adhesive layer.

[0010] (4) The label according to (1) or (2), wherein an intermediate substrate is placed between the pseudo-adhesive layer and the re-wetted adhesive layer, and the opacity of the intermediate substrate is 90% or less.

[0011] (5) A label according to any one of (1) to (4), on which the re-wet adhesive layer is exposed.

[0012] (6) A label according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the display unit contains variable information.

[0013] The label according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the display portion is formed by printing.

[0014] (8) The label according to any one of (1) to (7), which is a delivery slip label. [[Effect of the Invention]]

[0015] According to the label of the present invention, in a label that can be attached to an adherend, in addition to information visible from the surface, information that can only be known by the user and is not visible from the outside can be easily provided. [[Brief Description of the Drawings]]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a label according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view showing the state after the label of FIG. 1 is attached to an adherend. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a label according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a label according to another embodiment. [[Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]]

[0017] [[ID=​​​​​

[0019] In the present invention, the re-wetting adhesive layer contains a re-wetting adhesive. The re-wetting adhesive exhibits tackiness when water is applied, and has no tackiness in its normal state. Therefore, a display portion can be easily formed by a normal method (e.g., printing). On the other hand, when attaching a label to an adherend, if water is applied to the adhesion surface, the tackiness of the re-wetting adhesive layer is exhibited, so that the attachment to the adherend is also easy. In the present specification, "printing" includes not only the case of using a plate but also the case of not using a plate (so-called "printing").

[0020] Further, since the re-wetting adhesive exhibits tackiness when water is applied, it does not have tackiness in a state where water is not applied. Thus, in the case of an adhesive layer having permanent adhesiveness, a release liner is required until use, but the re-wetting adhesive layer does not require a release liner, so the environmental load is small. Therefore, the label of one aspect of the present invention does not include a release liner. Furthermore, since the re-wetting adhesive layer does not require a release liner and is usually disposed on the outermost layer of the label, it is easy to change the printing for each lot or print variable information.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a label according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the label 10 is composed of a surface base material 11, a pseudo-adhesive layer 12, a re-wetting adhesive layer 13, and a display portion 14. The surface base material 11 can print information such as a delivery destination. The label 10 is separable between the surface base material 11 and the pseudo-adhesive layer 12. Alternatively, the label 10 may be separable between the pseudo-adhesive layer 12 and the re-wetting adhesive layer 13. Note that pseudo-adhesion means that at the interface between one layer and the other layer, peeling due to delamination is possible, but no re-adhesion and re-tackiness are exhibited after peeling.

[0023] In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the pseudo-adhesive layer is positioned adjacent to the re-wetted adhesive layer. That is, there is no intermediate substrate between the pseudo-adhesive layer and the adhesive layer, as shown in Figure 3 below. By not having an intermediate substrate, the overall thickness of the label can be reduced.

[0024] The label may have other functional layers placed on the surface or between each layer.

[0025] Figure 2(A) is a schematic diagram showing the surface substrate 11 after the label 10 has been attached to the adherend 15. The pseudo-adhesive layer 12 and the re-moistened adhesive layer 13 are transparent. Therefore, the information of the display section 14 ("123" in Figure 2(B)) can be seen when viewed from the top surface of the label (pseudo-adhesive layer side). In order for the information of the display section 14 to be visible, it is preferable that the opacity of the portion of the remaining material (e.g., the pseudo-adhesive layer and the re-moistened adhesive layer) that does not have a display section formed on it after peeling off the material including the surface substrate is 90% or less, but it may be 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, or 70% or less. Furthermore, the lower limit of the opacity is 0% or more, but it may be 1% or more. Here, the opacity can be measured in accordance with JIS P 8149:2023. Furthermore, the total light transmittance of the portion of the component remaining after peeling off the component including the surface substrate (e.g., the pseudo-adhesive layer and the re-wetted adhesive layer) where the display portion is not formed is preferably 20% or more (upper limit 100%, but may be 95% or less), and may be 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, or 40% or more. The total light transmittance can be measured in accordance with JIS K 7361-1:1997.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a label 20 of another embodiment. In addition to the surface substrate 11, pseudo-adhesive layer 12, re-moistened adhesive layer 13, and display section 14, the label 20 in Figure 3 has an intermediate substrate 16 placed between the pseudo-adhesive layer 12 and the re-moistened adhesive layer 13. The intermediate substrate 16 is, for example, a paper substrate. In this case, the pseudo-adhesive layer 12 and the intermediate substrate 16 are peelable.

[0027] Figure 4(A) is a cross-sectional view showing a label 30 of another embodiment. Figure 4(B) shows the label 30 after it has been affixed to an adherend 15 (e.g., a package). The label 30 in Figure 4 consists of a surface substrate 11, a pseudo-adhesive layer 12, a re-moistened adhesive layer 13, and a display section 14. The label 30 is provided with a half-cut line 33. The half-cut line 33 is formed by cutting the surface substrate 11 so as not to cut (penetrate) the pseudo-adhesive layer 12 from the surface side in the lamination direction. The half-cut line 33 may be formed in the shape of a perforation or in the shape of a slit. The half-cut line 33 separates the label 30 into a peelable region 31 and region 32 from the pseudo-adhesive layer 12. Region 32 is, for example, a delivery slip, and region 31 is, for example, a receipt slip. The display section 14 is positioned only on the re-moistened adhesive layer 13 on the region 32 side. If area 31 is a receipt, the delivery person peels off area 31 and takes it away once the delivery is complete (Figure 4(C)). Once area 31 is peeled off, the remaining areas 32 remain on the substrate 15 (Figure 4(C)). Subsequently, when the recipient at the delivery destination peels off area 32 (for example, the delivery slip), they can view the information on the display section 14 (Figure 4(D)). The display section 14 is a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), and by reading the two-dimensional code on the display section, information such as a description of the contents of the package can be obtained.

[0028] The following describes the components that make up each label. In this specification, "X~Y" indicating a range means "X or more and Y or less". Unless otherwise specified, operations and measurements of physical properties are performed under room temperature (20~25°C) / relative humidity of 45~55%RH. In the following description, the labels of the present invention may be simply referred to as "labels". The concept of "label" includes things such as films, sheets, tapes, etc.

[0029] (Surface base material) The surface substrate is not particularly limited and may be either a resin substrate or a paper substrate. Since the contents of the display area are not easily visible from the outside, the surface substrate is preferably opaque, preferably a paper substrate or an opaque resin substrate, and preferably a paper substrate as it can be used for slips and the like. The paper substrate is not particularly limited and examples include high-quality paper, kraft paper, glassine paper, coated paper, art paper, cast-coated paper, impregnated paper, foamed paper, synthetic paper, thermal paper, dust-free paper, parchment paper, rayon paper, recycled paper, etc. The paper substrate may also be a laminate made by laminating two or more layers of these. Among these, the paper substrate is preferably thermal paper, kraft paper, high-quality paper, art paper, coated paper, or cast-coated paper, and more preferably thermal paper.

[0030] The opacity of the surface substrate is preferably greater than 90%, and may be 95% or higher (up to 100%). Here, the opacity can be measured in accordance with JIS P 8149:2023.

[0031] Furthermore, the total light transmittance of the surface substrate is preferably less than 20%, and may be 15% or less, 10% or less, or 5% or less (lower limit 0%). Here, the total light transmittance can be measured in accordance with JIS K 7361-1:1997.

[0032] Various types of information may be recorded on the surface of the surface substrate (the side facing the pseudo-adhesive layer). If the surface substrate is thermal paper, it has a thermal color-developing layer (not shown) on its surface (the side facing the pseudo-adhesive layer). This makes it possible to record on the surface of the thermal paper using a thermal printer or the like. Examples of thermal color-developing layers include those containing a leuco dye and a developer that reacts with the leuco dye. The thermal color-developing layer is suitably formed by coating the surface of the paper substrate with a coating solution containing, for example, the above-mentioned leuco dye and developer, as well as a binder, wax, solvent, etc. as appropriate.

[0033] Furthermore, the surface substrate may have a printable coating layer on its surface.

[0034] The thickness of the surface substrate is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 μm to 200 μm, more preferably 20 μm to 150 μm, and even more preferably 30 μm to 100 μm. Such a thickness ensures good handling during application and after peeling.

[0035] The surface substrate is, for example, an information display substrate that displays information about the object to which it is applied. For example, if the object to which it is applied is a delivery item and the label is used as a delivery slip label, the information about the object to which it is applied may include the name or company name, address, and telephone number of the sender, the recipient, and the delivery company, as well as the contents of the delivery item.

[0036] This information may be displayed using, for example, letters, symbols, graphics, or any combination thereof. It may also be displayed using two-dimensional codes such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademarks).

[0037] In one embodiment, the surface substrate may be a surface substrate that does not display information (i.e., has no printing). In this embodiment, the surface substrate serves to cover the display area so that the information cannot be seen from the outside. Then, by peeling off the surface substrate, the information on the display area becomes visible.

[0038] (A pseudo-adhesive layer) The pseudo-adhesive layer is a layer provided to allow the surface substrate to be peeled off the adherend. The peeling point from the adherend may be between the surface substrate and the pseudo-adhesive layer, or between the pseudo-adhesive layer and the underlying intermediate substrate or re-moistened adhesive layer. The peeling point on a label can be controlled by the material of the pseudo-adhesive layer, the adhesion strength between the pseudo-adhesive layer and other layers, etc. With this configuration, a surface substrate to which information has been applied, such as a receipt, can be peeled off a delivery slip.

[0039] The pseudo-adhesive layer preferably contains a thermoplastic resin, and more preferably is formed substantially solely from a thermoplastic resin. A pseudo-adhesive layer being substantially composed solely of a thermoplastic resin means that 80% by mass or more (up to a maximum of 100% by mass) of the total mass of the pseudo-adhesive layer is composed of a thermoplastic resin. The pseudo-adhesive layer preferably contains 85% by mass or more of thermoplastic resin, more preferably 90% by mass or more, and even more preferably 95% by mass or more, based on the total mass of the pseudo-adhesive layer.

[0040] Examples of thermoplastic resins include ethylene-acrylic copolymer resins, styrene resins, acrylic resins, polyester resins, vinyl acetate resins, polyurethane resins, acrylic acid ester copolymer resins, polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, polyolefin resins such as polypropylene, styrene-butadiene copolymer resins, natural rubber resins, and vinylidene chloride resins. The pseudo-adhesive layer may contain one type of thermoplastic resin alone or two or more types.

[0041] The pseudo-adhesive layer preferably contains a polyolefin resin. The polyolefin resin is a polymer having at least one constituent unit derived from an olefin monomer. The olefin monomer is preferably an olefin having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Examples of olefins having 2 to 8 carbon atoms include ethylene, propylene, butylene, isobutylene, and 1-hexene. In one embodiment of this invention, the olefin monomer is more preferably at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, and butylene, which are olefins having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene and propylene, which are olefins having 2 to 3 carbon atoms. The polyolefin resin may be a polymer using one olefin monomer alone, or a copolymer using two or more olefin monomers in combination.

[0042] Examples of polyolefin resins include polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin (PP), polybutene resin (PB), ethylene-propylene copolymer, olefin elastomer (TPO), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer (EMMA), and olefin ternary copolymers such as ethylene-propylene-(5-ethylidene-2-norbornene). From the viewpoint of achieving good pseudo-adhesion, achieving good coating properties and adhesion of the re-wet adhesive layer, and facilitating heat-pressing onto paper substrates, the polyolefin resin is preferably at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin (PP), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and polybutene resin (PB), more preferably at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and even more preferably at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polypropylene resin and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0043] Examples of polyethylene resins include ultra-low density polyethylene (VLDPE, density: 880 kg / m³). 3 More than 910kg / m 3 (less than approximately), low-density polyethylene (LDPE, density: 910 kg / m³) 3 More than 942kg / m 3 (less than approximately), high-density polyethylene (HDPE, density: 942 kg / m³) 3 Examples include (to the extent mentioned above) and linear polyethylene, etc.

[0044] Examples of polypropylene resins include homopolypropylene, block polypropylene, random polypropylene, and modified polypropylene.

[0045] Examples of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers include random copolymers, alternating copolymers, block copolymers, and graft copolymers. The copolymerization ratio of vinyl acetate in the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, that is, the proportion of vinyl acetate as a monomer in the total constituent monomers constituting the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, is, for example, 3% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less. The softening point of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer is, for example, 50°C or more and 100°C or less. The softening point can be adjusted, for example, by appropriately selecting the copolymerization ratio of vinyl acetate in the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, the ratio of low molecular weight components to high molecular weight components, etc.

[0046] The pseudo-adhesive layer may contain additives. Examples of additives include antioxidants, lubricants, UV absorbers, colorants, and antiblocking agents. If the pseudo-adhesive layer contains additives, there may be one or more additives. If the pseudo-adhesive layer contains additives, the amount of additives is preferably 0.0001 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.0005 parts by mass or more and 15 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 0.001 parts by mass or more and 10 parts by mass or less, and may also be 5 parts by mass or less, 3 parts by mass or less, 1 part by mass or less, 0.5 parts by mass or less, or 0.1 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of thermoplastic resin.

[0047] The thickness of the pseudo-adhesive layer is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be 1 μm to 50 μm, 3 μm to 40 μm, 5 μm to 30 μm, or 5 μm to 20 μm.

[0048] (Intermediate material) In the present invention, the intermediate substrate is any material.

[0049] The intermediate substrate preferably has an opacity of 90% or less, but may be 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, or 70% or less, so that the information on the display can be easily seen from the top. The lower limit of the opacity is 0% or more, but may be 1% or more. The opacity can be measured in accordance with JIS P 8149:2023. The total light transmittance of the intermediate substrate is preferably 20% or more (upper limit 100%, and may be 99% or less), but may be 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, or 40% or more. The total light transmittance can be measured in accordance with JIS K 7361-1:1997.

[0050] The intermediate substrate is preferably a paper substrate from the viewpoint of adhesion with the re-wettable adhesive.

[0051] The paper substrate used as an intermediate material is not particularly limited and includes, for example, glassine paper, kraft paper, fine paper, coated paper, art paper, cast coated paper, recycled paper, etc. The paper substrate may also be a laminate obtained by laminating two or more layers of these materials. Among these, the paper substrate used as an intermediate material is preferably glassine paper, kraft paper, fine paper, coated paper, art paper, or cast coated paper, and more preferably glassine paper.

[0052] The thickness of the intermediate substrate is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 100 μm or less, and more preferably 20 μm or more and 80 μm or less, so that the information on the display is easily visible.

[0053] (Rewetting adhesive layer) Examples of materials for the re-wettable adhesive contained in the re-wettable adhesive layer include protein-based materials such as gelatin, casein, albumin, and soy protein; hydrated carbon-based materials such as starch and dextrin; cellulose-based materials such as methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and bissose; and water-soluble compounds such as gum arabic, tragacanth gum, sodium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl acetate. These materials may be used individually or in combination of two or more. In particular, from the viewpoint of tack performance, the adhesive constituting the re-wettable adhesive layer is preferably a re-wettable adhesive containing at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesives, starch-based adhesives, cellulose-based adhesives, and polyvinyl acetate-based adhesives, and more preferably a re-wettable adhesive containing a polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesive.

[0054] Examples of polyvinyl alcohol used in polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesives include unmodified polyvinyl alcohol and modified polyvinyl alcohol.

[0055] Examples of modified polyvinyl alcohols include α-olefin-modified polyvinyl alcohol, cation-modified polyvinyl alcohol, anionic-modified polyvinyl alcohol, silanol-modified polyvinyl alcohol, acetoacetyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol, and mercapto-modified polyvinyl alcohol.

[0056] The adhesive strength of the re-wettable adhesive layer depends, for example, on the degree of polymerization of the polyvinyl alcohol constituting the re-wettable adhesive layer, preferably being 300 to 5000, more preferably 350 to 4900, and even more preferably 400 to 4800.

[0057] This makes it possible to improve the solubility of polyvinyl alcohol in water, allowing for the more favorable formation of a re-wettable adhesive layer, and also improves the adhesive strength when water is applied.

[0058] In this specification, "degree of polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol" refers to the value measured by a method conforming to the "average degree of polymerization" described in JIS K 6726:1994.

[0059] Even if the degree of polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol is within the aforementioned range, the adhesion of the re-wetted adhesive layer can be adjusted by varying the degree of polymerization.

[0060] For example, if the degree of polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol is in a relatively low range, the polyvinyl alcohol becomes more soluble in water, which can improve the initial adhesive strength of the re-moistened adhesive layer, or in other words, the adhesive strength after water is added to the re-moistened adhesive layer to induce tackiness and then it is applied to the substrate before it dries.

[0061] Furthermore, if the degree of polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol is in a relatively high range within the aforementioned range, the adhesive strength of the re-moistened adhesive layer after drying, in other words, the adhesive strength when the re-moistened adhesive layer is given water to develop tackiness, attached to the adherend, and then dried to form a film, will be high.

[0062] This allows for better final adhesive strength.

[0063] Furthermore, the degree of polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol can be determined according to the adhesive properties that are important in the re-wetted adhesive layer, such as the initial adhesive strength after application to the substrate or the adhesive strength after drying.

[0064] Furthermore, considering the balance between the two above, it is also preferable to combine polyvinyl alcohols with high and low degrees of polymerization. Specifically, polyvinyl alcohol A, which has a degree of polymerization of 300 to 800, may be combined with polyvinyl alcohol B, which has a degree of polymerization of 2000 to 5000. The degree of polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol A is more preferably 350 to 700, and even more preferably 400 to 600. The degree of polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol B is more preferably 2300 to 4900, and even more preferably 4200 to 4800. The mixing ratio of polyvinyl alcohol A to polyvinyl alcohol B is preferably 30:70 to 70:30 by mass, more preferably 35:65 to 65:35, and even more preferably 40:60 to 60:40.

[0065] The degree of saponification of the polyvinyl alcohol is preferably 70 mol% to 90 mol%, more preferably 75 mol% to 90 mol%, and even more preferably 80 mol% to 90 mol%. This makes it possible to improve the tackiness that develops when water is applied to the re-wet adhesive layer.

[0066] In this specification, "degree of saponification of polyvinyl alcohol" refers to the value measured by a method conforming to the "degree of saponification" described in JIS K 6726:1994.

[0067] Examples of starches used in starch-based adhesives include cornstarch, wheat flour, sweet potato starch, potato starch, and tapioca. Note that this includes modified starch.

[0068] Polyvinyl acetate adhesives consist of polymers containing vinyl acetate as monomer units, and examples of constituent materials include polyvinyl acetate and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers.

[0069] Examples of materials that make up cellulose-based adhesives include methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and biscellulose.

[0070] The re-wet adhesive layer may contain other components. Examples of other components include fillers, softeners, heat and light stabilizers, antioxidants, and crosslinking agents.

[0071] The thickness of the re-wetted adhesive layer is, for example, 3 to 30 μm.

[0072] The re-wet adhesive layer preferably has an opacity of 90% or less, but may be 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, or 70% or less, in order to allow the information on the display to be easily visible from the top. The lower limit of this opacity is 0% or more, but may be 1% or more. Here, the opacity can be measured in accordance with JIS P 8149:2023. In addition, the total light transmittance is preferably 20% or more (upper limit 100%, and may be 99% or less), but may be 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, or 40% or more. The total light transmittance can be measured in accordance with JIS K 7361-1:1997.

[0073] (Display) The display unit is imprinted with various types of information, such as characters, numbers, symbols, and graphics (e.g., a company logo). While there are no particular limitations on how the display unit is formed, it is preferably formed by printing because it allows for the mass production of a fixed pattern and other designs, and also allows for the easy addition of variable information. Specifically, it can be formed by flexographic printing, offset printing, letterpress printing, gravure printing, screen printing, etc., which are suitable for mass production of a fixed pattern. On the other hand, thermal transfer printing, inkjet printing, electrophotography (electrostatic) printing, etc., are suitable for imprinting variable information, such as serial numbers.

[0074] In the present invention, since the re-wet adhesive layer is placed on the surface, it is easy to form a display area by printing or other means. Therefore, even if the display area contains variable information, the information can be displayed easily. For this reason, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is one in which the display area contains variable information. Examples of variable information include lot number, serial number, manufacturing date, barcode, two-dimensional code, and lottery result (winner, loser).

[0075] Furthermore, if this label is used in a place where it is prone to contamination, for example, if the surface material of a shipping label contains information about the recipient (postal code, address, name, telephone number, etc.) or the contents of the shipment, it may become illegible due to dirt. In such cases, if the recipient and contents information is added to the display area as variable information, the information will become visible even if the surface material is contaminated by peeling it off.

[0076] The ink used to form the display area, for example by printing, is not particularly limited and includes, for example, oil-based ink, latex ink, and light-curing ink (ultraviolet-curing ink, electron beam-curing ink).

[0077] The display portion is partially provided on the re-moistened adhesive layer in order to leave an exposed re-moistened adhesive layer for adhesion to the substrate (the re-moistened adhesive layer is partially exposed). The area of ​​the display portion is, for example, 60% or less of the area of ​​the re-moistened adhesive layer before the display portion is formed, but may also be 30% or less, 1 to 60%, or 3 to 30%.

[0078] (How to manufacture labels) The label can be manufactured, for example, by a manufacturing method comprising: a pseudo-adhesive layer formation step of forming a pseudo-adhesive layer on one surface of a substrate; a re-moistened adhesive layer on the pseudo-adhesive layer; and a display portion on the re-moistened adhesive layer.

[0079] The following describes each step.

[0080] [2-1] Pseudo-adhesive layer formation process In this process, a pseudo-adhesive layer is laminated onto one surface of the substrate.

[0081] The method for laminating a pseudo-adhesive layer onto a substrate is not particularly limited, but a pseudo-adhesive layer can be formed by melt-extruding a pseudo-adhesive layer-forming composition containing the materials constituting the pseudo-adhesive layer onto the substrate. For example, a method for melt-extruding the pseudo-adhesive layer-forming composition can be found using a T-die. The melt-extrusion temperature is preferably 180°C to 400°C, more preferably 200°C to 350°C, and even more preferably 230°C to 300°C.

[0082] The molten-extruded pseudo-adhesive layer forming composition is cooled. Specifically, this can be done, for example, by bringing the heated and melted pseudo-adhesive layer forming composition into contact with a cooling means such as a cooling roll. As a cooling roll, for example, one having a cylindrical body with a metal outer surface can be used. The cooling roll may also have a cooling function by passing cooling water or the like through the inside of the cylindrical body. When a cooling roll is used as a cooling means, the molten-extruded pseudo-adhesive layer forming composition may be cooled by directly contacting the outer surface of the cooling roll with the substrate, or the pseudo-adhesive layer forming composition may be cooled indirectly by directly contacting the outer surface of the cooling roll with the substrate. In addition, the molten-extruded pseudo-adhesive layer forming composition may be cooled by air cooling during the cooling process.

[0083] When an intermediate substrate is present, for example, a thermoplastic resin is melted onto the substrate at an initial temperature above its melting point to form a pseudo-adhesive layer. Immediately after this, the intermediate substrate is cooled and pressed with a cooling roll to form a laminated structure of surface substrate / pseudo-adhesive layer / intermediate substrate. With this formation method, the pseudo-adhesive layer formed by lamination at the initial temperature of the thermoplastic resin adheres firmly to the surface substrate, while the pseudo-adhesive layer and intermediate substrate, which are laminated at a temperature somewhat lower than the initial temperature of the thermoplastic resin, can be peeled off with an appropriate peeling force. The peeling force between the pseudo-adhesive layer and the intermediate substrate can be adjusted by the initial temperature of the thermoplastic resin and the pressure applied during lamination. Conversely, a surface substrate / pseudo-adhesive layer / intermediate substrate can also be formed by melting a thermoplastic resin at an initial temperature above its melting point to form a pseudo-adhesive layer on the intermediate substrate, and immediately after this, cooling and pressing the surface substrate with a cooling roll to form a laminated structure of surface substrate / pseudo-adhesive layer / intermediate substrate.

[0084] [2-2] Re-wetting adhesive layer formation process In this process, a composition for forming a re-wet adhesive layer, containing polyvinyl alcohol or the like, is applied to the pseudo-adhesive layer (or intermediate substrate) of the laminate.

[0085] As a composition for forming a re-wettable adhesive layer, for example, a composition containing water in addition to the components of the re-wettable adhesive layer described above can be used.

[0086] This allows for more favorable application of the re-wettable adhesive layer-forming composition, enabling the formation of a re-wettable adhesive layer of a suitable thickness while more effectively suppressing undesirable variations in thickness.

[0087] Methods for applying the re-wettable adhesive layer-forming composition include, for example, the roll coating method, bar coating method, knife coating method, roll-knife coating method, blade coating method, die coating method, and gravure coating method.

[0088] After coating, the composition for forming a re-moisturized adhesive layer is dried to form a re-moisturized adhesive layer. This removes the moisture contained in the coated composition for forming a re-moisturized adhesive layer, and a re-moisturized adhesive layer is formed. Drying can be done by, for example, natural drying or air drying, but it is preferable to do so by heating. The drying temperature is preferably 60°C to 100°C, and more preferably 70°C to 90°C.

[0089] [2-3] Display part forming process As mentioned above, the display section is formed, for example, by printing. Specifically, it is formed by flexographic printing, offset printing, letterpress printing, gravure printing, screen printing, etc., and these are suitable for mass production of a fixed design or pattern. On the other hand, thermal transfer printing, inkjet printing, electrophotography (electrostatic) printing, etc., are suitable for printing variable information such as serial numbers.

[0090] [2-4] Processing The resulting laminate is subjected to cutting or half-cutting as appropriate. In addition to using a die for half-cutting, cuts may also be formed by laser processing.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, if the surface substrate is thermal paper, information may be recorded using a thermal printer or the like.

[0092] [How to use the label] The label according to the present invention is attached to the substrate by applying water to the re-moistened adhesive layer to give it tackiness, and then using the re-moistened adhesive layer. The water applied to the re-moistened adhesive layer is not particularly limited, but for example, tap water, deionized water, etc., can be used, and liquids containing water can also be used.

[0093] The method for applying water to the re-wetted adhesive layer is not particularly limited, but examples include using a spray bottle, brush, sponge, sponge roller, etc.

[0094] [Label uses] The label is used, for example, as a shipping label. In other words, it is preferable that the label is a shipping label. When the label is a shipping label, the object to which it is attached is, for example, the item being shipped. The item being shipped usually consists of the item being shipped and the packaging material that packages the item. Examples of packaging materials include packaging paper, packaging film, packaging bags, packaging boxes, and packaging containers. Examples of materials for the packaging material include cardboard, paper, plastic, and metal, with cardboard and paper being particularly preferred. The shipping label is usually affixed to the packaging material of the item being shipped.

[0095] The labels may also be labels affixed to containers of food, beverages, etc., marking labels, sealing tapes, etc.

[0096] Although labels according to embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 10, 20, 30 labels, 11 surface base material, 12 Pseudo-adhesive layer, 13 Rewetting adhesive layer, 14 Display section, 15 Adherent, 16. Intermediate material.

Claims

1. A label comprising a surface substrate, a pseudo-adhesive layer, and a re-moistened adhesive layer containing a re-moistened adhesive, A label having a partially displayed portion on the re-moistened adhesive layer on the side opposite to the pseudo-adhesive layer.

2. The label according to claim 1, wherein the surface substrate is a paper substrate or an opaque resin substrate.

3. The label according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pseudo-adhesive layer is disposed adjacent to the re-wetted adhesive layer.

4. The label according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an intermediate substrate is disposed between the pseudo-adhesive layer and the re-wetted adhesive layer, and the opacity of the intermediate substrate is 90% or less.

5. The label according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the re-wet adhesive layer is exposed.

6. The label according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit contains variable information.

7. The label according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display portion is formed by printing.

8. A label according to claim 1 or 2, which is a shipping label.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Pseudo adhesion sheet

    JP1999202771A

  • Pseudo adhesion label

    JP2023033800A