Paper labels and containers

Abstract

To provide a paper label with which clean separation is possible without causing paper to peel off or break in an overlapping part that is likely to cause separation, and a container provided with the same.SOLUTION: A paper label 3A that has a laminate structure is wound around a container body 1 in a such a way that both ends overlap and passed by thermal fusion. The laminate structure includes a paper layer L3 as a base layer, an ink layer L4 that is located on a label surface side of the paper layer L3, a hot melt layer L1 that is located on a label reverse side of the paper layer L3, formed by applying coating of holt melt adhesive, and generates adhesive force by thermal fusion by heating, a first separation varnish layer L2 that is located on the label reverse side of the paper layer L3, formed by applying coating of separation varnish, and weakens the adhesive force of the hot melt layer L1, and a second separation varnish layer LA that is located on the most label surface side in a range that includes only one end that constitutes an overlapping part 3W of both ends, formed by applying coating of a separation varnish, and weakens the adhesive force of the hot melt layer L1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper label and a container. For example, the present invention relates to a peelable paper label and a container formed by attaching the paper label to the body portion of a container body.

Background Art

[0002] Paper labels are often attached to plastic containers used for foods such as yogurt and jelly in order to impart design or display the product name, ingredients, etc. of the contents. In that case, since the materials of the container and the label are different, it is necessary for the consumer to peel off the paper label from the plastic container and separate them at the time of disposal.

[0003] The attachment of the paper label is generally performed by a hot-melt layer formed on the back surface of the label with a hot-melt adhesive. However, if the adhesive strength of the hot-melt layer is too strong, it becomes difficult to peel the paper label from the plastic container, and paper peeling and paper breakage are likely to occur. In order to solve such problems, a technique has been proposed in Patent Document 1 in which an additive for reducing the peel strength is added to the hot-melt adhesive to make it easy to peel the paper label from the plastic container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the adhesion between paper labels. Depending on the product, it may be necessary to wrap the paper label around the container body and attach the paper label to the container body with both ends overlapping (for example, a wrap-around paper label). In that case, if the overlapping parts of the paper labels are firmly bonded together with hot melt adhesive, or if there is no tab to use as a starting point for peeling, it may be difficult to peel off, or even if it is peeled off, there is a high possibility of the paper tearing or peeling. If it is only for separate disposal, it is not a problem if the paper label tears. However, if the paper label needs to be peeled off cleanly for storage or use, it will cause burden and stress to the consumer if the paper label cannot be peeled off cleanly.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a paper label that can be cleanly peeled off without paper tearing or peeling at the overlapping portion that triggers the peeling, and a container equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the paper label of the first invention is a paper label that is wrapped around the container body so that both ends overlap and attached by heat fusion, A paper layer as a base layer, The ink layer located on the label surface side of the aforementioned paper layer, A hot melt layer located on the back side of the label of the aforementioned paper layer, formed by the application of a hot melt adhesive and generating adhesive force through heat fusion by heating, A first release varnish layer is located on the back side of the label of the paper layer and is formed by the application of release varnish to weaken the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer, In the range including at least one end that constitutes the overlapping portion at both ends, a second release varnish layer is located closest to the label surface and is formed by the application of release varnish to weaken the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer, It is characterized by having a laminated structure that includes [a specific component].

[0008] The paper label of the second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the second release varnish layer is formed within a range that includes only one end portion that constitutes the overlapping portion at both ends.

[0009] The paper label of the third invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the laminated structure further includes an OP varnish layer formed by applying OP varnish in an area other than one end that constitutes the overlapping portion at both ends, thereby protecting the surface of the ink layer.

[0010] The paper label of the fourth invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the second release varnish layer is formed over the entire surface of the label.

[0011] The paper label of the fifth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the second release varnish layer weakens the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer to the same extent as or greater than that of the first release varnish layer.

[0012] The container of the sixth invention is characterized in that a paper label relating to any one of the first to fifth inventions is wrapped around the container body so that both ends overlap, and then attached by heat fusion.

[0013] The container of the seventh invention is characterized in that, in the sixth invention described above, the hot melt layer is located adjacent to the first release varnish layer and the second release varnish layer in the overlapping portions at both ends.

[0014] The container of the eighth invention is characterized in that, in the sixth or seventh invention described above, the container body is made of plastic.

[0015] The container of the ninth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the sixth to eighth inventions described above, the container body is provided with a storage space for containing contents and an opening for inserting the contents, and has a lid that closes the opening so that the contents are sealed and packaged while contained within the storage space.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, since the adhesive strength of the hot-melt layer is weakened by the second release varnish layer located on the outermost label surface side, clean peeling without paper peeling or paper tearing can be achieved at the overlapping part that serves as the trigger for peeling. As a result, the burden and stress on consumers are reduced, and the paper label can be cleanly peeled off and stored or used. Also, the operation of peeling the paper label from the container body made of different materials and separately disposing of it can be easily performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] Schematic diagrams showing the appearance and cross-section of the first and second embodiments of the container. [Figure 2] External views showing the front and back surfaces of the first and second embodiments of the paper label. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional views showing the state of the main part of the paper label before and after peeling in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional views showing the state of the main part of the paper label before and after peeling in the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional views showing the state of the main part of the paper label before and after peeling in the comparative example.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, a paper label, a container, etc. according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings. In addition, the same parts and corresponding parts among the respective embodiments and specific examples are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0019] Figure 1 shows containers 10A and 10B according to the first and second embodiments. In Figure 1, (A) is a rear view of containers 10A and 10B, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of (A) along the line M-M'. Container 10A comprises a container body 1, a lid 2, a paper label 3A, etc., while container 10B comprises a container body 1, a lid 2, a paper label 3B, etc. In other words, containers 10A and 10B have the same configuration except for the paper labels 3A and 3B according to the first and second embodiments. Containers 10A and 10B are constructed by wrapping the paper labels 3A and 3B around the container body 1 so that both ends overlap, and then attaching them by heat fusion. As a result, at the overlapping portion 3W of both ends, one end is bonded to the container body 1, and both ends are bonded to each other.

[0020] The container body 1 is provided with a storage space S for containing the contents F and an opening H for putting in (or taking out) the contents F. The opening H is closed by a lid 2, for example by heat sealing (heat bonding), so that the contents F are sealed inside the storage space S. The contents F can be food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, supplements, cosmetics, detergents, daily necessities, etc.; their form can be liquid, gel, solid, powder, etc., but containers 10A and 10B are intended to contain yogurt, jelly, beverages, etc.

[0021] Examples of container body 1 include plastic containers (molded containers, etc.) such as polyethylene (PE) containers, polypropylene (PP) containers, polystyrene (PS) containers, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers; glass containers (glass bottles, etc.); metal containers (canned goods containers, etc.); and ceramic containers (porcelain, etc.). In containers 10A and 10B, it is assumed that consumers will peel off the paper labels 3A and 3B from the container body 1 and separate them for disposal. Therefore, the material of the container body 1 is a material that needs to be separated for disposal from the label material. Accordingly, paper labels 3A and 3B are suitable when the container body 1 is a plastic container or a glass container, but the container body 1 may also be made of paper.

[0022] In the containers 10A and 10B shown in Figure 1, the form is that of plastic containers used for foods such as yogurt and jelly. Therefore, suitable lids 2 for the plastic container body 1 include, for example, plastic films such as PE film, PP film, and PET film. In other words, for proper waste separation, it is desirable that the container body 1 and the lid 2 (i.e., the parts other than the paper labels 3A and 3B) be made of the same material.

[0023] As mentioned above, paper labels 3A and 3B are easy-peel wrap-around paper labels that are wrapped around the plastic container body 1 so that both ends overlap and are attached by heat fusion, and both consist of a single laminated sheet. Figure 2 shows the front and back surfaces of paper labels 3A and 3B. In Figure 2, (A) is a plan view showing the label surface of paper label 3A used on container 10A, (B) is a plan view showing the label surface of paper label 3B used on container 10B, and (C) is a plan view showing the back surfaces of paper labels 3A and 3B. Figures 3 and 4 show the main cross-sectional structures of paper labels 3A and 3B, respectively. In Figures 3 and 4, (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the overlapping portion 3W of paper labels 3A and 3B is peeled off, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the overlapping portion 3W of paper labels 3A and 3B has been peeled off.

[0024] The paper labels 3A and 3B have a laminated structure comprising: a paper layer L3 as a base layer; an ink layer L4 located on the label surface side of the paper layer L3; a hot melt layer L1 located on the label back side of the paper layer L3, formed by the application of a hot melt adhesive (heat sealant) and generating adhesive force through heat fusion; a first release varnish layer L2 located on the label back side of the paper layer L3, formed by the application of a release varnish and weakening the adhesive force of the hot melt layer L1; and a second release varnish layer LA located on the label surface side in a range including at least one end that constitutes the overlapping portion 3W at both ends, and formed by the application of a release varnish and weakening the adhesive force of the hot melt layer L1.

[0025] The paper label 3A and paper label 3B differ only in the layer configuration located on the label surface side; otherwise, they are constructed similarly. In other words, in paper label 3A, as shown in Figures 2(A) and 3, the second release varnish layer LA is formed in an area including only one end of the overlapping portion 3W, and the laminated structure further includes an OP (Over Print) varnish layer L5 formed by the application of OP varnish to protect the surface of the ink layer L4 in the area other than the one end of the overlapping portion 3W. On the other hand, in paper label 3B, as shown in Figures 2(B) and 4, the second release varnish layer LA is formed over the entire label surface. In this case, the second release varnish layer LA, which consists of a solid coating of release varnish, also functions as the OP varnish layer L5.

[0026] Therefore, the laminated structure of paper label 3A is, in order from the label surface side, a second release varnish layer LA (partial coating only on one end of the overlapping portion 3W) + OP varnish layer L5 (partial coating on all sides of the overlapping portion 3W) / ink layer L4 (full coating) / paper layer L3 / first release varnish layer L2 (full coating) / hot melt layer L1 (full coating). The laminated structure of paper label 3B is, in order from the label surface side, a second release varnish layer LA (full coating) / ink layer L4 (full coating) / paper layer L3 / first release varnish layer L2 (full coating) / hot melt layer L1 (full coating).

[0027] For the paper layer L3, any paper suitable for gravure printing or similar applications will suffice; here, we are assuming single-sided art paper. The basis weight of the paper should be 30-120 g / m². 2 Preferably, and more preferably, 70-90 g / m² 2 Therefore, here it is 79.1 g / m 2 This is assumed. The product name, ingredients, and other information of the contents F are printed by the ink layer L4 formed on the paper layer L3. In the paper label 3A, the aforementioned OP varnish layer L5 is provided on top of the ink layer L4 to prevent the ink layer L4 from peeling off due to friction on the label surface. This OP varnish layer L5 can be formed in the printing process in the same way as the ink layer L4.

[0028] The hot melt layer L1 is a layer that has no adhesive strength at room temperature but develops adhesive strength through heat fusion. Examples of hot melt adhesives used in the hot melt layer L1 include acrylic heat sealants, polyolefin heat sealants, and non-phthalate ester heat-sensitive adhesives with long-lasting adhesion (delayed tack adhesives). Specific examples include Seikadine (manufactured by Dainichi Seika Kogyo Co., Ltd.), Chemipearl (manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.), and DIC Seal ED-965KZ-2 (manufactured by DIC Corporation). The application amount of hot melt adhesive is 5-20 g / m². 2 Preferably, and more preferably, 6-10 g / m 2 Therefore, here it is 8±1.5g / m 2 This is what is being assumed.

[0029] The first release varnish layer L2 and the second release varnish layer LA are formed by the application of release varnish and act to weaken the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer L1. The first and second release varnish layers L2 and LA can be formed in the printing process in the same way as the ink layer L4, and the amount of release varnish layer L2 and LA applied is about the same as the amount of ink used for the ink layer L4 (for example, 3 g / m²). 2 (See below). Furthermore, since the release varnish can be applied by printing, the adhesive strength (peel strength) of the paper labels 3A and 3B can be controlled by the amount of release varnish applied, the shape and size of the application, the dot density, etc. For example, by applying the release varnish two or more times in the first and second release varnish layers L2 and LA, the peelability from the container body 1 and the peelability from the labels to each other can be improved.

[0030] In paper labels 3A and 3B, the first release varnish layer L2 on the back side of the label is formed by solid printing of the release varnish. In paper label 3B, the second release varnish layer LA is also formed by solid printing of the release varnish (Figures 2(B) and 4). In contrast, in paper label 3A, the release varnish is formed by printing only on one end of the overlapping portion 3W, forming the second release varnish layer LA (Figures 2(A) and 3). Here, the second release varnish layer LA is formed over the entire area including only one end of the overlapping portion 3W, but the second release varnish layer LA may also be formed in a part of the area including only one end of the overlapping portion 3W. In that case, the ink layer L4 will be exposed outside the area where the second release varnish layer LA is formed in the overlapping portion 3W.

[0031] When paper labels 3A and 3B are wrapped around the container body 1 so that their ends overlap and heated from the label surface side, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 (A), the paper labels 3A and 3B are adhered to the container body 1 by heat fusion on the back side of the labels, and the overlapping portion 3W of the paper labels 3A and 3B are adhered to each other. As a result, in the overlapping portion 3W at both ends of the paper labels 3A and 3B, the hot melt layer L1 is positioned adjacent to the first release varnish layer L2 and the second release varnish layer LA.

[0032] When peeling paper labels 3A and 3B from the container body 1, it is common to start the peeling from the overlapping portion 3W. When attempting to peel from the overlapping portion 3W (arrow m1 in (A) of Figures 3 and 4), force is concentrated at the overlapping portion 3W between the hot melt layer L1 on the back side of the label and the second release varnish layer LA on the front side of the label. The easy-peel action of the second release varnish layer LA triggers the peeling of paper labels 3A and 3B. As a result, as shown in (B) of Figures 3 and 4, peeling occurs between the hot melt layer L1 and the second release varnish layer LA (i.e., the adhesion between the labels is released), thus preventing the paper layer L3 from peeling or tearing. Furthermore, after peeling off the overlapping portion 3W of paper labels 3A and 3B, if the paper labels 3A and 3B are further peeled off from the container body 1, the portion other than the hot melt layer L1 will peel off while leaving the hot melt layer L1 on the container body 1 (arrow m2 in (B) of Figures 3 and 4).

[0033] If the second release varnish layer LA on the label surface weakens the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer L1 to the same extent as or greater than the first release varnish layer L2 on the label back side, then peeling from the overlapping portion 3W becomes easier and cleaner. To make the effect of weakening the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer L1 greater in the second release varnish layer LA than in the first release varnish layer L2, for example, at least one of the amount of release varnish applied or the application area can be made greater in the second release varnish layer LA than in the first release varnish layer L2.

[0034] Figure 5 shows the main cross-sectional structure of paper label 3C as a comparative example of paper labels 3A and 3B. In Figure 5, (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the overlapping portion 3W of paper label 3C is peeled off, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the overlapping portion 3W of paper label 3C has been peeled off. This paper label 3C does not have a second release varnish layer LA, and an OP varnish layer L5 is formed on the entire surface of the ink layer L4. Otherwise, it has the same configuration as paper labels 3A and 3B. Therefore, the laminated structure of paper label 3C is, in order from the label surface side, OP varnish layer L5 (full surface coating) / ink layer L4 (full surface coating) / paper layer L3 / first release varnish layer L2 (full surface coating) / hot melt layer L1 (full surface coating). Except for the difference between paper label 3C and paper labels 3A and 3B, the configuration of container 10C having paper label 3C is the same as containers 10A and 10B (Figure 1).

[0035] In the case of paper labels 3C, peeling is difficult because there is no second release varnish layer LA that initiates the peeling process. When attempting to peel from the overlapping portion 3W (arrow m1 in Figure 5(A)), the adhesive force of the hot melt layer L1 is too strong, which may cause paper peeling or tearing inside the paper layer L3, as shown in Figure 5(B). As a result, the paper label 3C cannot be peeled off cleanly, causing significant burden and stress to consumers. Furthermore, if the paper label 3C is peeled off from the container body 1 after peeling from the overlapping portion 3W, the portion other than the hot melt layer L1 will peel off while the hot melt layer L1 remains on the container body 1 (arrow m2 in Figure 5(B)).

[0036] As mentioned above, with paper labels 3A and 3B, the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer L1 is weakened by the second release varnish layer LA located on the outermost surface of the label. This allows for clean peeling without paper tearing or ripping at the overlapping portion 3W that triggers the peeling process. As a result, the burden and stress on consumers are reduced, and paper labels 3A and 3B can be cleanly peeled off for storage and use. Furthermore, the process of peeling paper labels 3A and 3B from containers made of different materials and separating them for disposal becomes easier.

[0037] Paper labels 3A and 3B can be used as wrap-around paper labels for the various types of container bodies 1 described above. However, depending on the intended use of containers 10A and 10B, the relative strength of the paper layer L3 relative to the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer L1 may be weak. For example, when refrigerated or frozen foods (contents F: yogurt, pudding, ice cream, etc.) change from a low temperature (e.g., below 10°C) during storage to a room temperature, condensation may occur, reducing the strength of the paper layer L3. Also, when the contents F of beverages, etc., drip and wet the paper labels 3A and 3B, the strength of the paper layer L3 may decrease.

[0038] In the above case, when paper labels 3A and 3B are peeled off from the container body 1, there is a high possibility that paper peeling will occur inside the paper layer L3 at the upper end of the overlapping portion 3W. When peeling is performed from the overlapping portion 3W, force is concentrated between the hot melt layer L1 on the back side of the label and the second release varnish layer LA on the front side of the label. Therefore, if the effect of the first release varnish layer L2 and the second release varnish layer LA in weakening the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer L1 is balanced, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned paper peeling. For example, if the second release varnish layer LA weakens the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer L1 to the same extent as or more than the first release varnish layer L2, as described above, it is possible to effectively prevent paper peeling that occurs inside the paper layer L3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1. Container body 2 lid 3A,3B,3C paper label 3W overlapping section 10A,10B,10C container L1 Hot Melt Layer L2 First release varnish layer L3 paper layer L4 Ink Layer L5 OP varnish layer LA Second release varnish layer H opening S Containment space F Contents

Claims

1. A paper label that is wrapped around the container body so that both ends overlap and then attached by heat fusion, A paper layer as a base layer, The ink layer located on the label surface side of the aforementioned paper layer, A hot melt layer is located on the back side of the label of the aforementioned paper layer and is formed by applying a hot melt adhesive, which is one of the following: an acrylic heat sealant, a polyolefin heat sealant, or a non-phthalate ester adhesive with long-lasting adhesion (delayed tack adhesive), and which generates adhesive strength through heat fusion by heating. A first release varnish layer is located on the back side of the label of the paper layer and is formed by the application of release varnish to weaken the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer, The laminated structure includes a second release varnish layer located on the label surface side, formed by the application of release varnish, which weakens the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer, in a range including at least one end that constitutes the overlapping portion of both ends, A paper label characterized in that the second release varnish layer weakens the adhesive strength of the hot melt layer compared to the first release varnish layer.

2. The paper label according to claim 1, characterized in that the second release varnish layer is formed within a range that includes only one end portion that constitutes the overlapping portion at both ends.

3. The paper label according to claim 2, characterized in that the laminated structure further includes an OP varnish layer formed by applying OP varnish in an area other than one end that constitutes the overlapping portion at both ends, thereby protecting the surface of the ink layer.

4. The paper label according to claim 1, characterized in that the second release varnish layer is formed over the entire surface of the label.

5. A container characterized by wrapping a paper label according to any one of claims 1 to 4 around the container body such that both ends overlap, and then attaching it by heat fusion.

6. The container according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the overlapping portions at both ends, the hot melt layer is located adjacent to the first release varnish layer and the second release varnish layer.

7. The container according to claim 5, characterized in that the container body is made of plastic.

8. The container according to claim 5, wherein the container body is provided with a storage space for containing contents and an opening for inserting the contents, and has a lid that closes the opening so that the contents are sealed and packaged while contained within the storage space.

Images