Labels, labeled articles, and methods for manufacturing labeled articles

Abstract

To provide a label, a labeled article, and a method for manufacturing a labeled article, which allow for easy formation of a mask layer (peel-off edge) and printing of information on the adhesive layer, and which can suppress stickiness at the peel-off edge caused by adhesive seepage. [Solution] The label of the present invention comprises a base film, an adhesive layer provided on one side of the base film, and a printing layer provided on at least a portion of the surface of the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer contains an activated adhesive that exhibits adhesive properties when activated during bonding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a label, an article with a label, and a method for manufacturing an article with a label.

Background Art

[0002] There are known tack labels that are attached to an article with an adhesive (pressure-sensitive adhesive) or the like (for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, it is also known to use an activated adhesive that is activated immediately before use, such as a heat-activated adhesive or a photo-activated adhesive, and then exhibits adhesiveness, for the adhesion of a label (for example, a linerless label that is a label without a release paper).

[0003] In recent years, in order to perform recycling, there has been an increasing need for consumers to peel off labels when discarding containers. In the case of a tack label, as an easy-peeling method for making the label easy to peel off, the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer is adjusted to be easy to peel off, and further, a mask layer (adhesive suppression) is formed at the end of the surface of the adhesive layer using an ultraviolet (UV) curable ink or the like, and that portion is used as a peeling edge (a portion that serves as a starting point for gripping to peel off the label), which is a common method.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Since the cured product of the UV curable ink is hard, cracks occur in a pressurized environment (such as during transportation in a boxed state) or temperature changes (such as in a high-temperature environment), and the adhesive (paste) leaks out from the gaps in the cracked portions, causing problems such as the peeling edge becoming sticky.

[0006] Furthermore, there are other cases where it is desirable to print ink or other materials on the surface of the adhesive layer. For example, when it is desired to print information such as a manufacturing number or management number on a label (using solvent-based ink, etc.), solvent-based ink does not adhere well to the protective layer (release layer) on the front side of the label, so it is desirable to be able to print on the adhesive layer on the back side of the label.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a label, a labeled article, and a method for manufacturing a labeled article that can easily form a mask layer (peel-off edge) and print information on an adhesive layer, and can suppress stickiness at the peel-off edge caused by the leakage of adhesive. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The label of the present invention comprises a base film, an adhesive layer provided on one side of the base film, and a printing layer provided on at least a portion of the surface of the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer includes an activated adhesive that exhibits adhesive properties when activated during bonding. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily form a mask layer (peel-off opening) and print information on the adhesive layer, and to suppress stickiness at the peel-off opening caused by the leakage of adhesive, thereby providing a label, a labeled article, and a method for manufacturing a labeled article. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the label of the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing a labeled article according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing method of the label raw material used in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0012] <label> Referring to Figure 1, the label 2 of the present invention has a front surface 2a and a back surface 2b that can be attached to an article 5. When the label 2 is attached to an article 5, the front surface 2a is the side opposite to the article 5, and the back surface 2b is the side facing the article 5.

[0013] Label 2 comprises a base film 3, an adhesive layer 4 provided on one side of the base film 3, and a printing layer 41 provided on at least a portion of the surface of the adhesive layer 4 (the back surface 2b, which is the surface of Label 2 opposite to the base film 3).

[0014] In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 4 includes an activated adhesive that exhibits adhesive properties when activated during bonding. With the activated adhesive layer 4 activated, the back surface 2b of the label 2 can be attached to the article 5.

[0015] Label 2 may be a linerless label (label without backing paper) that does not have a release liner (release paper), or it may be a label with a backing paper in which the surface of the adhesive layer 4 is protected by a release liner that peels off when used.

[0016] Using linerless labels eliminates the need for release paper, reducing raw material costs and minimizing environmental impact by eliminating waste during manufacturing (label application). Furthermore, the increased label capacity per roll due to the absence of release paper improves production efficiency by reducing the frequency of roll changes. Additionally, space savings in roll storage improve transportation efficiency and reduce storage costs. Thus, cost reductions and environmental impact reductions can be achieved in many aspects.

[0017] In a linerless label, at least in the state of being unwound from the roll, the adhesive layer 4 is not protected. Therefore, an activation adhesive that does not have adhesiveness until use and exhibits adhesiveness by being activated during use is used for the adhesive layer 4. As a result, the handling property of the label continuum 20 without a backing sheet is improved, and the time during which the adhesive layer 4 has tackiness is shortened, so that adhesion of dust or the like to the adhesive layer 4 (the back surface 2b of the label 2) is suppressed.

[0018] (Base film, base material layer) The base film 3 (base material layer 30) may be a resin film or paper. Examples of the material of the resin film include polyolefin-based resins such as polyethylene-based resins, polypropylene (PP)-based resins, cyclic olefin-based resins, and copolymer polymers containing polyethylene; polyester-based resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyamide-based resins; polystyrene-based resins; and (meth)acrylic-based resins.

[0019] The thickness (total thickness) of the base film 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 20 μm to 100 μm, and more preferably 38 μm to 50 μm. If the thickness is too thin, the rigidity (stiffness) of the label becomes weak, so that the sticking accuracy of the label may deteriorate. Also, if the thickness is too thick, the rigidity of the label may become too strong, making it easy to peel off from the article or resulting in poor followability.

[0020] Note that a printing layer (not shown) may be provided on the front surface 2a side of the base material layer 30 to exhibit the visibility and advertising effect of the label 2. Also, a printing layer (not shown) may be provided on the back surface 2b side of the base material layer 30. The method for forming the printing layer is not particularly limited, and ordinary gravure printing, flexographic printing, letterpress printing, offset printing, etc. can be used.

[0021] (Protective layer) A protective layer 31 may be provided on the front surface 2a side of the base layer 30 (or on the front surface 2a side of the printed layer if a printed layer is provided on the front surface 2a side of the base layer 30). However, the base film 3 may consist only of the base layer 30 and not have a protective layer 31.

[0022] The protective layer 31 is a layer provided primarily to protect the surface of the base film 3. The protective layer 31 is preferably transparent, more preferably colorless and transparent, but does not have to be transparent. The protective layer 31 may optionally contain lubricating components such as lubricants. The thickness of the protective layer 31 is, for example, 0.5 μm to 5 μm. The method for forming the protective layer 31 is not particularly limited, and gravure printing, flexographic printing, letterpress printing, offset printing, etc., can be used. Alternatively, the protective layer 31 may be formed by laminating a protective sheet to be the protective layer 31 onto a base sheet to be the base layer 30.

[0023] (Adhesive layer: activated adhesive layer) An adhesive layer 4 is provided on one side of the base film 3 (the surface on the back side 2b). However, it is not necessary for the adhesive layer 4 to be provided over the entire surface of one side of the base film 3; it is sufficient if the adhesive layer 4 is only partially provided on the back side 2b, as long as it can be attached to the article 5.

[0024] In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 4 contains an activated adhesive. That is, the adhesive layer 4 is an activated adhesive layer. Activated adhesives (also called "reactivated adhesives") are adhesives that exhibit adhesive properties (tackiness) when activated during bonding, and have no adhesive properties or extremely low adhesive properties when not activated (before and after activation).

[0025] Because the activated adhesive is composed of a reversible resin that softens when activated but hardens when not activated, it is less prone to bleeding compared to other adhesives such as acrylic adhesives. As a result, when a printed layer 41 such as a mask layer (peel-off opening) is provided on the surface of the adhesive layer 4, stickiness of the printed layer 41 is suppressed.

[0026] A typical example of an activated adhesive (activated adhesive resin) is a thermoactivated adhesive (heat-sensitive adhesive). A heat-activated adhesive is an adhesive that does not exhibit adhesive properties at room temperature (23°C) but becomes activated and exhibits adhesive properties upon heating. In this invention, the term "adhesive" includes a concept that includes substances called tacks. A heat-activated adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it does not exhibit adhesive properties at room temperature and becomes adhesive to a substrate upon heating.

[0027] Examples of heat-activated adhesives include delayed-tack type heat-sensitive adhesives, emulsion-type heat-sensitive adhesives that do not contain solid plasticizers (hereinafter simply referred to as "emulsion-type heat-sensitive adhesives"), solvent-type heat-sensitive adhesives, and hot-melt type adhesives. Delayed-tack type thermal adhesives are adhesives that do not have adhesive strength at room temperature, but are activated by heating to develop adhesive strength, which lasts for a long time after cooling. Delayed-tack type thermal adhesives can be applied by printing, such as gravure coating. Examples of delayed-tack type thermal adhesives include emulsion types in which a tackifier and a solid plasticizer are compounded into a base resin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl acetate-acrylic acid ester copolymer, or synthetic rubber. Emulsion-type and solvent-type heat-sensitive adhesives do not exhibit adhesive strength at room temperature, but develop adhesive strength upon heating. These adhesives are, for example, solutions prepared by dissolving or dispersing a heat-adhesive resin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and a tackifier in water or an organic solvent, and can be applied by printing methods such as gravure coating. Emulsion-type and solvent-type heat-sensitive adhesives are used after drying following application. Hot-melt adhesives are adhesives that do not have adhesive properties at room temperature but develop adhesive properties upon heating. Hot-melt adhesives are adhesives that can be applied by heating and melting them using a hot-melt coater, extrusion laminator, or the like. Examples of hot-melt adhesives include those made by compounding ethylene-based resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, or base resins such as styrene-butadiene block copolymers, with additives such as tackifiers.

[0028] The activation temperature of the heat-activated adhesive (heat-activated adhesive layer) is not particularly limited, and for example, a heat-activated adhesive with an activation temperature in the range of 30 to 80°C may be used. For example, a delayed-tack type heat-sensitive adhesive with an activation temperature of 40 to 80°C (preferably 50 to 65°C) can be used. Alternatively, an emulsion-type heat-sensitive adhesive or a solvent-type heat-sensitive adhesive with an activation temperature of 40 to 80°C (preferably 50 to 65°C) can be used. Furthermore, a hot-melt type adhesive with an activation temperature of 30 to 50°C (preferably 30 to 40°C) can be used.

[0029] Furthermore, a heat-activated adhesive, such as the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-71369, can also be used. This heat-activated adhesive has an activation temperature of 60°C to 110°C, preferably 60°C to 90°C, and more preferably 60°C to 70°C. Transparent heat-activated adhesives are particularly preferred. Examples of such heat-activated adhesives include those formulated by blending a base resin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-acrylic acid ester copolymer, ethylene-methacrylic acid ester copolymer, or thermoplastic elastomer (synthetic rubber, olefin-based such as ethylene-α-olefin, or thermoplastic elastomer such as urethane) with additives such as petroleum-based, terpene-based, terpene phenol-based, or chroman-indene-based tackifiers, waxes, or lubricants. Examples of waxes include higher fatty acid-based and polyethylene-based waxes, and examples of lubricants include amide-based waxes. The base resins can be used individually or in combination of two or more. Preferably, the base resin of the heat-activated adhesive comprises an ethylene copolymer and an olefin elastomer, and more preferably, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and an olefin elastomer. Such a heat-activated adhesive is activated at a relatively low temperature. Furthermore, when the base resin comprises an ethylene copolymer (preferably an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) and an olefin elastomer, the content ratio is not particularly limited. The content of the ethylene copolymer in the heat-activated adhesive is, for example, 20% to 60% by mass, preferably 25% to 55% by mass; the content of the olefin elastomer is, for example, 10% to 50% by mass, preferably 15% to 45% by mass; and the content of the tackifier is, for example, 1% to 40% by mass, preferably 5% to 35% by mass. Among these, a heat-activated adhesive comprising an ethylene copolymer (preferably an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) and an olefin elastomer as the base resin is preferred.

[0030] (Photoactivating adhesive: Light-absorbing heat-generating agent) By incorporating a light-absorbing heat-generating agent (such as ultraviolet light) into a heat-activated adhesive (adhesive layer 4), and heating the heat-activated adhesive using the light-absorbing heat-generating agent, the adhesive layer 4 can be activated simply by irradiating it with light such as ultraviolet light. Furthermore, even heat-activated adhesive layers with relatively high activation temperatures can be easily activated. Adhesives made by incorporating a light-absorbing heat-generating agent into a heat-activated adhesive are also called hot-melt type photoactivated adhesives (photosensitive adhesives). Furthermore, a light-absorbing heat-generating agent may be incorporated into the base film 3 (base layer 30), etc., to enable heating of the adhesive layer 4.

[0031] When the adhesive layer 4 is formed with a hot-melt type photoactivating adhesive, there are advantages such as the following: Since the adhesive layer 4 does not soften when forming the printed layer 41 on the adhesive layer 4, the printed layer 41 can be formed by printing with high precision. Furthermore, the light-activated adhesive layer can be activated with LED lights, etc., and does not require large heat sources such as heaters, making it easy to place equipment for activating the adhesive layer even in narrow spaces, such as when feeding the label continuous from the raw material and applying it. In general, a label application device (labeler) for tack labels (label 2) transports the label 2 by adsorbing the base film 3 side (front side 2a) of the label 2 with a drum or belt, and attaches the exposed adhesive layer 4 side (back side 2b) of the label 2 to the adherend. In the case of heat-activated adhesives, the drum or belt itself acts as a heat source, heating the base film 3 in contact with it, and this heat is transferred to the adhesive layer 4 on the opposite side (back side 2b), activating the adhesive layer 4. Therefore, a large amount of heat is required for activation. On the other hand, in the case of photoactivated adhesives, the adhesive layer 4 can be activated by directly irradiating it with UV light without going through the base film 3, so the adhesive layer 4 can be activated efficiently with less energy.

[0032] Light-absorbing heat-generating materials are substances that convert light, such as ultraviolet rays, into thermal energy and use that thermal energy to raise the temperature of the surrounding area (generating heat). Examples of light-absorbing heat-generating agents (ultraviolet-absorbing heat-generating agents) include organic materials such as benzophenone compounds, salicylate compounds, cyanoacrylate compounds, benzoate compounds, benzotriazole compounds, and triazine compounds, or inorganic materials such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and carbon black. These light-absorbing heat-generating agents may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0033] When a light-absorbing heat-generating agent is included in the heat-activated adhesive layer, the content of the light-absorbing heat-generating agent is, for example, 0.5% to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the heat-activated adhesive layer containing the light-absorbing heat-generating agent.

[0034] The thickness of the adhesive layer 4 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, about 3 μm to 30 μm. Furthermore, in order to firmly bond the back surface of the base film 3 and the adhesive layer 4, a known anchor coat layer (not shown) may be provided on the back surface of the base film 3, and the adhesive layer 4 may be provided on the back surface of the anchor coat layer.

[0035] (Printing layer: Adhesive surface printing layer) In the label of this embodiment, a printing layer 41 (adhesive surface printing layer) is provided on at least a portion of the surface of the adhesive layer 4 (the back surface 2b, which is the surface of the label 2 opposite to the base film 3). The printed layer 41 (adhesive surface printed layer) is not particularly limited as long as it is a layer formed on the surface of the adhesive layer 4 by various printing methods, but examples include an adhesive-suppressing layer (mask layer), a printed layer, etc.

[0036] When the printed layer 41 is an adhesive-suppressing layer provided at the peel-off point or the like, the activated adhesive is less likely to bleed out, thus suppressing stickiness at the peel-off point or the like caused by adhesive bleeding from the adhesive layer 4. Furthermore, when forming a mask layer by coating the surface of the adhesive layer with UV-curable ink, the cured product of the UV-curable ink is hard, so cracks can occur under pressure (such as during transport in a boxed state) or temperature changes (such as in high-temperature environments). This can cause the adhesive to seep out through the cracks, resulting in a sticky residue at the peel-off point.

[0037] Furthermore, if the printing layer 41 is the printing layer, the activated adhesive is less likely to bleed out, thus suppressing the deformation of the printing layer caused by the adhesive bleeding out from the printing layer 41.

[0038] The printed layer 41 may be formed using a solvent-based ink or a UV-curable ink. For example, the adhesive-suppressing layer and the printing layer are formed using a solvent-based ink that is easily inkjet printed (IJP).

[0039] The printed layer 41 preferably has shielding properties. Here, shielding properties refer to the characteristic of being resistant to the leakage of adhesive from the adhesive layer 4.

[0040] In order for the printed layer 41 to have shielding properties, it is preferable that the printed layer 41 contains particles, and it is preferable that the diameter of the particles is large. This is because the larger the diameter of the particles contained in the printed layer, the less likely the adhesive is to seep out. For example, since the titanium dioxide particles contained in white pigment usually have a larger particle size than the carbon particles contained in black pigment, forming the printed layer using a white pigment containing titanium dioxide can more reliably suppress the seepage of the adhesive from the adhesive layer.

[0041] The printed layer may or may not transmit light such as ultraviolet light (it may also be light-blocking). If the printed layer has high light-blocking properties (e.g., ultraviolet blocking properties), the activation of the adhesive layer 4 by external light is suppressed, and the leakage of the adhesive caused by light can be suppressed more reliably.

[0042] The printed layer is preferably a layer created by inkjet printing. Traditionally, creating peel-off openings has presented relatively difficult technical and production process challenges. For example, a mask layer that extends continuously along the longitudinal direction (MD: machine direction) in a portion of the label continuum's width direction (TD: transverse direction) can be formed relatively easily by continuously coating it with UV-curable ink. However, mask layers for peel-off openings are often provided intermittently along the longitudinal direction of the label continuum. In this case, equipment capable of intermittent coating is required, and precise control of the mask layer's position necessitates pitch alignment and sensor-based control. In contrast, by forming a printed layer using inkjet printing, it is possible to easily provide, for example, a mask layer for peeling off intermittently in the longitudinal direction of the label continuum, and also to easily provide a printed layer. However, methods other than inkjet printing may be used to form the printed layer, such as gravure printing, flexographic printing, letterpress printing, or offset printing.

[0043] <Labeled items> The labeled article 1 of this embodiment comprises the label 2 described above and the article 5 to which the label is attached (see Figure 2).

[0044] The article 5 (subject) to which label 2 is attached is not particularly limited, but examples include the product itself (including a container filled with contents, etc.), the product's packaging container or cardboard box, and packaging such as shrink labels attached to containers.

[0045] <Method of manufacturing labeled articles> The manufacturing method of this embodiment is the manufacturing method of the labeled article 1 described above (a method for attaching the label 2 to the article 5). The manufacturing method of this embodiment includes at least a printing step. In the printing process, the printed layer 41 is formed on the surface of the adhesive layer 4 by inkjet printing.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the manufacturing method of this embodiment includes, for example, the following preparation steps, a dispensing step, a cutting step, an activation step, and a bonding step.

[0047] (preparation process) In the preparation process, a label base roll 21 is prepared, which consists of continuous label sheets 20 wound into a roll.

[0048] (Feeding process) In the feeding process, the label continuous 20 is fed out from the label raw material 21.

[0049] (cutting process) In the cutting process, the label continuous 20 is cut by a cutting unit 62 or the like to obtain individual labels 2. The cut individual labels 2 are transported by a conveyor 64.

[0050] (activation process) In the activation process, the adhesive layer 4 of label 2 is activated (to exhibit adhesive properties). The activation process can be carried out, for example, by irradiating the adhesive layer 4 containing the UV-activated adhesive with ultraviolet light using a UV irradiation device 63 or the like. By irradiating the label 2 (adhesive layer 4) with ultraviolet light, for example, a UV-absorbing heat-generating agent generates heat, and the heat activates the adhesive layer 4, making it ready to adhere to the article 5. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 4 containing the heat-activated adhesive may be activated by heating it with hot air or the like.

[0051] (Pasting process) In the application process, the label 2 (the side with the adhesive layer 4: back surface 2b) having the activated adhesive layer 4 is attached to the article 5. This results in a labeled article 1. The application process is carried out after the activation process (within a predetermined period during which the activation of the adhesive layer 4 is maintained). In the application process, for example, the side of the activated label 2 facing the adhesive layer 4 (back surface 2b) is transported by a conveyor or the like and pressed against the article 5, thereby attaching the label 2 to the article 5.

[0052] (Printing process) In a manufacturing method in which these processes are carried out, the printing process on the surface of the adhesive layer 4 is performed after the dispensing process and before the activation process. In other words, in a labeling device (labeler) as shown in Figure 2, a printed layer 41 (adhesive surface printed layer) is formed. Here, the long label continuous 20 is wound into a roll to become the label raw material 21, so the adhesive layer 4 is cooled by the time of the unwinding process at the latest. In this way, with the adhesive layer 4 cooled, the printing layer 41 is formed by inkjet printing or the like. Furthermore, when the adhesive layer is heated (hot-melted) and laminated onto the substrate during the manufacturing process of the label continuum (label roll), the adhesive layer is highly tacky immediately after hot-melting, making it difficult to print on the back of the adhesive layer during the label continuum manufacturing process. In other words, when the adhesive layer 4 is activated in the label manufacturing apparatus (see Figure 3), it is difficult to form the printing layer 41 (adhesive surface printing layer) due to stickiness, etc. It is conceivable to unwind the label continuum from the label roll, where the adhesive layer has cooled, and print on the adhesive layer using a separate device, but this would require a separate device. Thus, if one attempts to form the printing layer 41 in a process prior to the labeler, a separate device for forming the printing layer is required. In contrast, in this embodiment, by forming the printed layer 41 with a labeler (after the feeding process and before the activation process), no additional equipment is required, the manufacturing process and equipment can be simplified, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0053] The printing process using the printing device 61 (inkjet printer) (formation of the printed layer with the labeler) may be performed before the cutting process (see Figure 2) or after the cutting process, but it is preferable to perform it before the cutting process. This is because if the printing process is performed after the cutting process, errors in the spacing between the individual labels 2 will also affect the printing accuracy, potentially leading to a decrease in printing accuracy.

[0054] <Method for manufacturing label raw material (preparation process)> Referring to Figure 3, the manufacturing method for the label base material 21 (label continuous 20) will be described. The manufacturing method for the label base material 21 used in this embodiment includes, for example, a printing step, a coating step, and an adhesive layer formation step.

[0055] In the printing process, a printing layer is formed on the surface of the base sheet 300. The printing layer includes the display of characters, figures, etc. As shown in Figure 3, the printing process is carried out by a printing unit 71. Examples of printing methods used by the printing unit 71 include letterpress, flexographic, and gravure printing.

[0056] In the coating process, a coating material supply unit 72 supplies coating material to the surface of the base sheet 300 (the surface on which the printed layer, etc., is formed) to further form a protective layer. The coating material supply unit 72 can form the protective layer, for example, by printing.

[0057] In the adhesive layer formation process, an activated adhesive is supplied to the surface of the base sheet 300 (the surface on the back side 2b) by the adhesive supply unit 73, thereby forming an adhesive layer 4 on the surface of the base sheet 300. The adhesive supply unit 73 can form the adhesive layer 4 by, for example, printing.

[0058] Thus, when the adhesive layer is heated and laminated onto the substrate during the manufacturing process of a label continuum (label base), the adhesive layer is highly tacky immediately after hot melting, making it difficult to print the printing layer on the back of the adhesive layer during the manufacturing process of the label continuum. It is also conceivable to unwind the label continuum from the label base and print the printing layer onto the adhesive layer using a separate device, but this would require a separate device and complicate the manufacturing process. Therefore, as in the manufacturing method of the labeled container described above, by forming the printing layer 41 with a labeler (after the unwinding process and before the activation process), the need for a separate device is eliminated, simplifying the manufacturing process and equipment, and reducing manufacturing costs. [Examples]

[0059] (Example 1: Pressure test) The following samples (linerless labels) were evaluated for the presence or absence of adhesive seepage. Specifically, the adhesive layer (with a mask layer in some cases) of each of the following samples, whose adhesive layer was activated by UV irradiation, was pressure-bonded to a PET sheet. The presence or absence of stickiness in the mask layer was then evaluated by strength measurement using an autograph. The conditions for UV irradiation, pressure bonding, etc., are as follows.

[0060] (sample) An adhesive layer was formed by applying a UV-activated adhesive to one side of a base film (single-layer PET film manufactured by Toyobo: 15 mm x 25 mm x 50 μm thick). The thickness of the adhesive layer was approximately 25 μm. Mask layers A to C (adhesive surface printed layers) were formed on a portion of the surface of the adhesive layer (the side opposite the base film) using an inkjet printer. Samples A to C (labels each containing mask layers A to C) were prepared in this way for pressure testing. The number of tests (n) for each sample was set to 5. Mask layer A: Resin mask layer (white) containing 5 wt% titanium dioxide filler (average particle size: 180 nm ~ 250 nm) (Keyence inkjet printer white ink, MGK series) Mask layer B: A resin mask layer (black) containing 5 wt% carbon filler (average particle size: 50 nm to 100 nm) (Keyence inkjet printer black ink, MGK series) Mask layer C: A resin-based mask layer (transparent) that does not contain fillers (Keyence's transparent ink for inkjet printers, MGK series)

[0061] (conditions) UV irradiation: Cumulative light intensity 1000 mJ·cm 2 Irradiate the adhesive layer side of each sample in such a manner. Adhered material: PET sheet Pressurization time: 5 seconds Pressure: 0.3 MPa

[0062] (Evaluation results) For sample A, all 5 samples had an intensity of 0.5N or less. For sample B, all 5 samples had intensities ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 N. For sample C, all 5 samples had intensities between 1.5 and 2N. Furthermore, if the strength is 0.5N or less, there is virtually no leakage of adhesive. If the strength is between 0.8 and 1.2N, leakage is not a problem. If the strength is between 1.5 and 2N, there is slight leakage, but it is not a problem. If the strength is between 2N and 3N, it is within the acceptable range (it can be peeled off cleanly). These results show that samples A and B, which have a mask layer containing fillers, exhibit less adhesive seepage compared to sample C, which has a mask layer without fillers. Furthermore, sample A, which has a mask layer containing larger particle sizes of fillers, exhibits less adhesive seepage compared to sample B, which has a mask layer containing smaller particle sizes of fillers.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways. Two or more embodiments selected from the various embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate, or at least one configuration (part of a configuration) selected from the various embodiments described above may be replaced with a part of a configuration of another embodiment.

[0064] <Summary> The embodiments of the present invention described above are listed below as examples.

[0065] (1) comprising a base film, an adhesive layer provided on one side of the base film, and a printing layer provided on at least a portion of the surface of the adhesive layer, The adhesive layer of the label includes an activated adhesive that exhibits adhesive properties when activated during bonding.

[0066] (2) The label according to (1), wherein the printed layer has shielding properties.

[0067] (3) The labeled article according to (1) or (2), wherein the printed layer contains particles.

[0068] (4) The printed layer is a layer created by inkjet printing, the label as described in any of (1) to (3).

[0069] (5) A labeled article comprising a label described in any of (1) to (4) and an article to which the label is affixed.

[0070] (6) A method for manufacturing a labeled article as described in (5), A manufacturing method comprising a printing step, wherein the printed layer is formed by inkjet printing.

[0071] (7) Preparation step of preparing a label roll in which a continuous label material is wound into a roll, A feeding process for feeding out the label continuous from the label raw material, A cutting step, in which the label raw material is cut to obtain the label in sheet form, An activation step to activate the adhesive layer of the label, The process includes a pasting step of pasting the label having the activated adhesive layer onto the article, The manufacturing method according to (6), wherein the printing step is performed after the feeding step and before the activation step. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Labeled items 2 labels 2a Front side 2b Back side 20 Label Continuum 21 Label raw material (roll-shaped labels) 3. Base film 31 Protective layer 310 Protective Sheet 30 Base material layer 300 base sheet 4 Adhesive layer 41 Printing layer (adhesive surface printing layer) 5 Goods 61 Printing equipment (inkjet printer) 62 Cutting Units 63 Ultraviolet irradiation device 64 Conveyors 71 Printing Unit 72 Coating material supply unit 73 Adhesive supply unit

Claims

1. The device comprises a base film, an adhesive layer provided on one side of the base film, and a printing layer provided on at least a portion of the surface of the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer of the label includes an activated adhesive that exhibits adhesive properties when activated during bonding.

2. The label according to claim 1, wherein the printed layer has shielding properties.

3. The label according to claim 1, wherein the printed layer includes particles.

4. The label according to claim 1, wherein the printed layer is a layer created by inkjet printing.

5. A labeled article comprising the label described in claim 1 and an article to which the label is affixed.

6. A method for manufacturing a labeled article according to claim 5, A manufacturing method comprising a printing step, wherein the printed layer is formed by inkjet printing.

7. Preparation process: Prepare a label roll consisting of a continuous sheet of labels wound into a roll. A feeding process for feeding out the label continuous from the label raw material, A cutting step, in which the continuous label material is cut to obtain a single-sheet label, An activation step to activate the adhesive layer of the label, The process includes a pasting step of pasting the label having the activated adhesive layer onto the article, The manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein the printing step is performed after the dispensing step and before the activation step.

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