Label, composite label, and plastics bottle

Abstract

The invention relates to a label (100) for a plastics bottle (300), in particular a wrap-around label (100), wherein the label (100) is stretched in the machine direction (PM) and is substantially unstretched transversely to the machine direction (PM), such that the tensile strength of the label (100) in the machine direction (PM) is greater than the tensile strength of the label (100) transversely to the machine direction (PM). The invention also relates to a composite label (200) for a plastics bottle (300), in particular a wrap-around composite label (200), which has a base film (16) and an overlaminated transparent cover film (18), wherein the base film (16) is designed as a label (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and the cover film (18) is stretched in the machine direction (PM) and is substantially unstretched transversely to the machine direction (PM), such that the tensile strength of the cover film (18) in the machine direction (PM) is greater than the tensile strength of the cover film (18) transversely to the machine direction (PM). The invention finally relates to a plastics bottle (300), wherein the plastics bottle (300) is labeled with a label (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or with a composite label (200) according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

Description

[0001] AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025

[0002] 1

[0003] Label, composite label and plastic flap

[0004] The invention relates to a label for a plastic bottle, in particular a wraparound label, a composite label for a plastic bottle, in particular a wraparound composite label and a plastic bottle.

[0005] Technological background

[0006] Labels and composite labels of the type discussed here are known in the art and are commonly used in the beverage industry for labeling cylindrical plastic bottles. These labels are particularly well-known as wrap-around labels, which, when applied, completely encircle the plastic bottles. In their unapplied but pre-cut state, such labels are rectangular and have two parallel long sides that wrap around the plastic bottles when applied, and two parallel short sides that extend longitudinally along the surface of the plastic bottles when applied. These labels are predominantly made of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) or paper. BOPP is produced by stretching PP film.

[0007] Stretching refers to the lengthening (longitudinal deformation) of materials beyond their elastic yield strength, resulting in specific mechanical properties. Stretching renders the material anisotropic because the material fibers (polymers, molecular chains, crystal planes, etc.) align in the tensile direction. When stretching plastics, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), the disordered polymers in the unstretched state align themselves essentially parallel to the tensile direction. The stretched plastic has a higher tensile strength in the stretched direction and is therefore less flexible.

[0008] BOPP, the material predominantly used for labels, is biaxially stretched, meaning it has been stretched in two perpendicular directions. This gives BOPP high tensile strength regardless of direction, which is advantageous both during the printing process and the subsequent labeling or application of the labels.

[0009] RGTH A241458W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025

[0010] 2 is advantageous. However, such labels are not very flexible and therefore not very conformable when applied or affixed.

[0011] A standard label is typically dispensed from a roll containing stretched and printed labels wound unassembled. First, a single label is cut from the roll and coated with adhesive on one of its narrow sides. Then, a plastic bottle is held against the cut label so that the adhesive-coated edge of the label makes contact with the bottle. The remaining portion of the label is then tightly wrapped around the bottle. Finally, the exposed edge of the label is coated with adhesive and affixed to the bottle or to the already attached section of the label.

[0012] The plastic bottles are typically manufactured, filled, and labeled inline within a multi-step process. Manufacturing usually involves the blow-moulding process, in which a preform is heated and shaped under high pressure within a mold to fit a specific contour. During the subsequent filling process, the plastic bottles are filled and sealed under high pressure, causing them to expand slightly. The plastic bottles are labeled immediately after filling, while still in this expanded state.

[0013] In labeled plastic bottles filled with non-carbonated and still beverages, such as still water, the pressure inside the plastic bottles decreases over time, causing their radius to shrink slightly. Because the applied labels, due to their limited flexibility and conformability, do not follow this shrinkage, they lose their tight wrapping over time, resulting in a loose and therefore visually unappealing wrap. Furthermore, loosely fitting labels tend to wrinkle undesirably. This is especially true for plastic bottles with ribbing, which is used to stabilize particularly thin-walled bottles.

[0014] RGTH A241458W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025

[0015] 3

[0016] Description of the invention: Problem, solution, advantages

[0017] Starting from this premise, the object of the invention is to propose a label and a labeled plastic bottle that overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the label and the labeled plastic bottle should reduce or prevent the label wrapping from loosening over time, provide a permanently improved labeling result, and create better coverage of the ribbing of the plastic bottles.

[0018] Solution to the task using a label

[0019] This problem is solved by a label for a plastic bottle, in particular a wraparound label, where the label is stretched in the machine direction and essentially unstretched perpendicular to the machine direction, so that the tensile strength of the label is greater in the machine direction than the tensile strength of the label perpendicular to the machine direction. This results in a lasting visual improvement of the applied label, because despite the maintained high tensile strength, the label exhibits flexible and conformable behavior, allowing it to follow the shrinkage of the filled plastic bottle. Wrinkling, unsightly detachment, and loose wrapping of the applied label are thus avoided.

[0020] Advantageous further developments of the label are disclosed below and in the related subclaims.

[0021] Preferably, the label has a tensile strength in the machine direction of 100 N / mm². 2 up to 160 N / mm 2 , preferably of 115 N / mm 2 up to 145 N / mm 2 , especially of 130 N / mm 2 .

[0022] Preferably, the label has a tensile strength perpendicular to the machine direction of 10 N / mm². 2 up to 40 N / mm 2 , preferably of 15 N / mm 2 up to 30 N / mm 2 , especially of 20 N / mm 2 .

[0023] RGTH A241458W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025

[0024] 4

[0025] The label preferably has a thickness of 40 pm to 60 pm, in particular 50 pm.

[0026] Preferably, the label has a density of 0.9 g / cm³. 3 up to 1.4 g / cm³ 3 , especially of 0.97 g / cm³ 3 .

[0027] Following a further advantageous development, it is intended that the label will withstand a tensile force of 50 N / mm² when stretched by 10% in the machine direction. 2 up to 66 N / mm 2 , in particular of 58 N / mm 2 In contrast, the label preferably generates a tensile force of 10% of 10 N / mm² when stretched transversely to the machine direction. 2 up to 28 N / mm 2 , especially of 19 N / mm 2 .

[0028] In particular, it is intended that the label has an elongation at break in the machine direction of 120% to 160%, in particular 140%, and / or transverse to the machine direction of 530% to 730%, in particular 630%.

[0029] The label, in its finished (cut) state, is preferably rectangular and preferably has two parallel longitudinal sides and two parallel short sides. In particular, the machine direction is aligned parallel to the longitudinal sides of the label, so that the machine direction of the applied label is parallel to the circumferential direction of the plastic bottle. Alternatively, the machine direction can be aligned parallel to the short sides of the label, so that the machine direction of the applied label is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plastic bottle.

[0030] The label is preferably made of polyethylene. In particular, when combined with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle, this material combination allows for a pure separation within a washing solution, because shredded PET chips sink to the bottom, while the components of the PE label float to the top.

[0031] The label is designed to be opaque and colored, particularly white, as part of an advantageous further development. The label designed in this way is preferably

[0032] RGTH A241458W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025

[0033] 5. Frontally printed. Alternatively, the label can be transparent and printed on the reverse or front. Reverse printing offers the advantage of scratch resistance and abrasion protection. Regardless of the specific printing method, the label can include predefined information, particularly information about the contents of the labeled plastic bottle.

[0034] Solution to the task using a composite label

[0035] The stated problem is further solved by a composite label for a plastic bottle, in particular a wrap-around composite label, wherein the composite label comprises a base film and a laminated transparent cover film, the base film being designed as a label as previously described, and the cover film being stretched in the machine direction and essentially unstretched transversely to the machine direction, such that the tensile strength of the cover film in the machine direction is greater than the tensile strength of the cover film transversely to the machine direction. This results in a lasting optical improvement of the applied composite label, because despite the maintained high tensile strength, the composite label exhibits flexible and conformable behavior, so that the applied composite label follows the shrinkage of the filled plastic bottle. Wrinkling and unfavorable peeling or delamination are thus prevented.This prevents the applied composite label from wrapping loosely. The composite label also allows any ribs on the plastic bottle to be covered even better, and in particular, to maintain their shape more permanently.

[0036] Advantageous further developments of the composite label are disclosed below and in the related subclaims.

[0037] Preferably, the top film is printed in reverse. This makes the printed composite label abrasion-resistant, scratch-resistant and protected against abrasion (scraping), resulting in a permanently visually appealing label.

[0038] Preferably, the machine direction of the base film is aligned parallel to the machine direction of the top film, which has proven advantageous with regard to wrinkle-free and peel-free labeling.

[0039] RGTH A241458W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025

[0040] 6

[0041] Regardless of the individual material properties or characteristics of the cover film, it is provided, as part of an advantageous further development, that the cover film has the material properties of the label as described above.

[0042] Preferably, the base film is white or transparent.

[0043] Solving the problem using a plastic bottle

[0044] Finally, the task is accomplished using a plastic bottle, which is labelled with a label as described previously or with a composite label as described previously. This results in a lasting visual improvement of the applied label or composite label because, despite maintaining high tensile strength, the label or composite label exhibits flexible and conformable behavior, allowing it to adapt to the shrinkage of the filled plastic bottle. This prevents wrinkling, unsightly peeling, or loose wrapping of the applied label or composite label. In particular, labeling a plastic bottle with ribs, which serve to stabilize especially thin-walled plastic bottles, results in permanently better coverage.

[0045] Advantageous further developments of the plastic bottle are disclosed below and in the related subclaims.

[0046] Preferably, the machine direction of the label or the composite label is aligned parallel to the circumferential line of the plastic bottle or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plastic bottle.

[0047] Following a beneficial further development, it is planned that the plastic bottle will be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Particularly in combination with a label or a composite label made of polyethylene (PE), this material combination allows for the separation of different types of material within a washing solution, because shredded PET chips...

[0048] RGTH A241458W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025

[0049] 7 sink here, while the components of the PE label or the PE composite label float.

[0050] List of characters

[0051] Specific embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. These show:

[0052] Fig. 1a - c schematic representations of the process flow in the production of a label (Fig. 1a), in the production of a composite label (Fig. 1b) and in the production of a plastic bottle and the application of a label or a composite label (Fig. 1c);

[0053] Fig. 2a, b perspective views of a finished label;

[0054] Fig. 3a, b perspective views of a finished composite label;

[0055] Fig. 4a - d each shows a labeled plastic bottle.

[0056] Detailed description of the characters

[0057] Figures a1a-c show in several steps and in a schematic way the process flow for the production of a label 100, the production of a composite label 200, the production of a plastic bottle 300 and the application of a label 100 or a composite label 200 to a plastic bottle 300.

[0058] As part of a first concrete process step, a roll 10 containing label raw material 11 is provided. The label raw material 11 is unwound from the roll 10 and fed in the machine direction P. M fed to a stretching machine 12. There, the label raw material 11 is stretched in the machine direction P. M stretched. Then, in the machine direction P MStretched label raw material 11 is fed to a printing system 13, within which the label raw material 11 is printed frontally, thereby forming stretched and frontally printed labels 100, which are then wound onto a transportable and storable roll 14 (Fig. 1a)).

[0059] RGTH A241458W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025

[0060] 8

[0061] As part of an alternative process step, a first roll 151 containing white label raw material 11 is provided. The white label raw material 11 is unwound from the first roll 151 and fed in the machine direction P. M fed to a stretching machine 12. There, the label raw material 11 is stretched in the machine direction P. M stretched and wound as base film 16 into a transportable and storable roll 171.

[0062] Furthermore, a second roll 152 containing transparent label raw material 11 is provided. The label raw material 11 is unwound from the second roll 152 and fed in the machine direction P. M fed to a stretching machine 12. There, the label raw material 11 is stretched in the machine direction P. M stretched. Then, in the machine direction P M Stretched label raw material 11 is fed to a printing system 13, within which the label raw material 11 is printed in reverse, forming a cover film 18 which is wound into a transportable and storable roll 172.

[0063] Finally, the rolls 171, 172 with the base film 16 and the cover film 18 are unwound, and the base film 18 is coated with a laminating adhesive 19. The cover film 18 is laminated onto the base film 16 to form a composite label 200, which is wound into a transportable and storable roll 20 (Fig. 1b).

[0064] Within a further system, the plastic bottle 300 is manufactured, filled, and labeled. For this purpose, a preform 21 of the plastic bottle 300 is heated and fed into a mold 22. Within the mold 22, the preform 21 is compressed to conform to the mold contour. Following a cooling process, the plastic bottle 300 formed in this way is filled with a non-carbonated beverage and sealed within a filling system 23. Finally, the filled plastic bottle 300 is labeled within a labeling device 24. For this purpose, the printed and stretched labels 100 or composite labels 200 are unwound from the roll 14 or 20 and cut to size by means of a cutting device 25, so that individual preformed labels 100 or composite labels 200 are available, each of which is applied to one of the plastic bottles 300 (Fig. 1c).

[0065] RGTH A241458W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025

[0066] 9

[0067] Figures 2a and 2b show perspective views of a finished label 100 for a plastic bottle 300, where the label 100 is designed as a wrap-around label 100. The label 100 is in the machine direction P M stretched and perpendicular to the machine direction P M essentially unstretched, so that the tensile strength of the label is 100 in the machine direction P M is greater than the tensile strength of the label 100 perpendicular to the machine direction P M The label 100 has a tensile strength in the machine direction P. M of 130 N / mm 2 and a tensile strength perpendicular to the machine direction P M of 20 N / mm 2 The label 100 has a thickness D of 50 pm and a density of 0.97 g / cm³. 3 The label 100 generates a tensile force during elongation in the machine direction P. Mby 10% of 58 N / mm 2 and in the case of expansions perpendicular to the machine direction P M by 10% of 19 N / mm 2 The label 100 has an elongation at break in the machine direction P. M of 630%. In its finished state, the label 100 is rectangular and has two parallel long sides LI,2 and two parallel short sides Si,2. The label 100 is made of polyethylene and is printed on the front with a (not shown) imprint.

[0068] In the embodiment according to Fig. 2a, the machine direction is P M parallel to the long sides L i;2 the label 100 is aligned so that the machine direction P M the label 100 applied as intended is aligned parallel to the circumferential direction of the plastic bottle 300.

[0069] In the embodiment according to Fig. 2b, the machine direction is P Mparallel to the narrow sides Si,2 of the label 100 is aligned, so that the machine direction P M the label 100 applied as intended is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plastic bottle 300.

[0070] Figures 3a and 3b each show a finished composite label 200 for a plastic bottle 300, wherein the composite label 200 is designed as a wrap-around composite label 200. The composite label 200 initially has a base film 16 and an overlaminated transparent cover film 18, the base film 16 having the same material properties as the label 100 according to Figures 2a and 2b. Furthermore, the cover film 18 is laminated in the machine direction P M stretched and perpendicular to the machine direction P M is essentially unstretched, so the tensile strength of the cover film is 18 in

[0071] RGTH A241458W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025

[0072] 10

[0073] Machine direction PM is greater than the tensile strength of the cover film 18 perpendicular to the machine direction P M The cover film 18 also has the same material properties as the label 100 according to Figs. 2a, b. The cover film 18 is printed in reverse. The machine direction P M The base slide 16 is parallel to the machine direction P M aligned with the cover sheet 18.

[0074] In the embodiment according to Fig. 3a, the machine direction is P M parallel to the long sides LI,2 of the composite label 200 is aligned so that the machine direction P M the composite label 200 applied as intended is aligned parallel to the circumferential direction of the plastic bottle 300.

[0075] In the embodiment according to Fig. 3b, the machine direction is P M parallel to the narrow sides Si,2 of the composite label 200 is aligned, so that the machine direction P Mthe composite label 200 applied as intended is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plastic bottle 300.

[0076] Figures 4a-d each show a labeled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle 300. The embodiments according to Figures 4a and 4b each show a plastic bottle 300 with a label 100, as previously described. The machine direction P M The label 100 according to Fig. 4a is aligned parallel to the circumferential line of the plastic bottle 300. The machine direction P M The label 100 according to Fig. 4b is parallel to the longitudinal axis L A the plastic bottle 300. The embodiments according to Figs. 4c, d each show a plastic bottle 300 with a composite label 200, as previously described. The machine direction P M The composite label 200 according to Fig. 4c is aligned parallel to the circumferential line of the plastic bottle 300. The machine direction P MThe composite label 200 according to Fig. 4d is parallel to the longitudinal axis L A aligned with the plastic bottle 200.

[0077] RGTH A241458W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025

[0078] 11

[0079] Reference symbol list

[0080] 100 labels

[0081] 200 composite labels

[0082] 300 plastic bottles

[0083] 10 rolls

[0084] 11 Label raw material

[0085] 12 horizontal bar

[0086] 13 Printing system

[0087] 14 rolls

[0088] 151 roll

[0089] 152 rolls

[0090] 16 Base slide

[0091] 171 roll

[0092] 172 rolls

[0093] 18 Cover film

[0094] 19 Laminating adhesive

[0095] 20 rolls

[0096] 21 Preform

[0097] 22 tools

[0098] 23 Filling plant

[0099] 24 Labeling device

[0100] LI,2 Long side

[0101] Si,2 narrow side

[0102] L A Longitudinal axis

[0103] P M Machine direction

[0104] Thickness

[0105] RGTH A241458W009902PT

Claims

AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025 12 Claims 1. Label (100) for a plastic bottle (300), in particular a wrap-around label (100), characterized in that the label (100) is printed in the machine direction (P M ) is stretched and perpendicular to the machine direction (P M ) is essentially unstretched, so that the tensile strength of the label (100) in the machine direction (P M ) is greater than the tensile strength of the label (100) perpendicular to the machine direction (P M ).

2. Label (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the label (100) has a tensile strength in the machine direction (P M ) of 100 N / mm 2 up to 160 N / mm 2 , preferably of 115 N / mm 2 up to 145 N / mm 2 , especially of 130 N / mm 2 , owns.

3. Label (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label (100) has a tensile strength transverse to the machine direction (P M ) of 10 N / mm 2 up to 40 N / mm 2 , preferably of 15 N / mm 2 up to 30 N / mm 2 , especially of 20 N / mm 2 , owns.

4. Label (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label (100) has a thickness (D) of 40 pm to 60 pm, in particular 50 pm.

5. Label (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label (100) has a density of 0.9 g / cm³ 3 up to g / cm 3 , especially of 0.97 g / cm³ 3 , owns.

6. Label (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label (100) exhibits a tensile force during elongations in the machine direction (P M ) by 10% of 50 N / mm 2 up to 66 N / mm 2, in particular of 58 N / mm 2 , generated.

7. Label (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label (100) withstands tensile forces during stretching transversely to the RGTH A241458W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025 13 Machine direction (P M ) by 10% of 10 N / mm 2 up to 28 N / mm 2 , especially of 19 N / mm 2 , generated.

8. Label (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label (100) has an elongation at break in the machine direction (P M ) of 120% to 160%, in particular 140%, and / or perpendicular to the machine direction (P M ) of 530% to 730%, in particular 630%.

9. Label (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label (100) is rectangular in its assembled state and has two longitudinal sides (L) aligned parallel to each other.i;2 ) and has two narrow sides (Si,2) aligned parallel to each other.

10. Label (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the machine direction (P M ) parallel to the long sides (L i;2 ) of the label (100) is aligned so that the machine direction (P M ) of the label applied as intended (100) is aligned parallel to the circumferential direction of the plastic bottle (300).

11. Label (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the machine direction (P M ) is aligned parallel to the narrow sides (Si,2) of the label (100), so that the machine direction (P M ) of the properly applied label (100) parallel to the longitudinal axis (L A ) the plastic bottle (300) is aligned.

12. Label (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label is made of polyethylene.

13. Label (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label (100) is printed frontally.

14. Composite label (200) for a plastic bottle (300), in particular a wraparound composite label (200), characterized by a base film (16) and an overlaid transparent cover film (18), wherein the base film (16) is designed as RGTH A241458W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH August 26, 2025 14 label (100) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 13 and the cover film (18) in the machine direction (P M ) is stretched and perpendicular to the machine direction (P M ) is essentially unstretched, so that the tensile strength of the cover film (18) in the machine direction (P M ) is greater than the tensile strength of the cover film (18) perpendicular to the machine direction (P M ).

15. Composite label (200) according to claim 14, characterized in that the cover film (18) is printed in reverse.

16. Composite label (200) according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the machine direction (P M ) of the base film (16) parallel to the machine direction (P M ) the cover sheet (18) is aligned.

17. Composite label (200) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the cover film (18) has the material properties of the label (100) according to one of claims 2 to 12.

18. Plastic bottle (300), characterized in that the plastic bottle (300) is labelled with a label (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13 or with a composite label (200) according to one of claims 14 to 17.

19. Plastic bottle (300) according to claim 18, characterized in that the machine direction (P M ) of the label (100) or of the composite label (200) parallel to the circumferential line of the plastic bottle (300) or parallel to the longitudinal axis (L A) the plastic bottle (300) is aligned.

20. Plastic bottle (300) according to one of claims 18 or 19, characterized in that the plastic bottle (300) consists of polyethylene terephthalate. RGTH A241458W009902PT

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