Shrink label with smart label

Abstract

A shrink label for a container includes a heat shrink film and a smart label inlay. The smart label inlay may be removed and separated from the container, the shrink label, or both, during a recycling process, allowing the container, the shrink label, or both to be recycled without the smart label inlay. The shrink label may include a floatable component adhered to the smart label inlay with a caustic resistant adhesive. The floatable smart label may be adhered to the heat shrink film with an adhesive that releases in a caustic wash. Alternatively, the shrink label and smart label inlay may be configured to be adhered together with a caustic resistant adhesive. The smart label inlay may be separated from the container, the shrink label, or both using density differences or magnetism.

Description

Attorney Docket Number: 0644.000007W001SHRINK LABEL WITH SMART LABELCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 692,491, filed September 9, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.SUMMARY

[0002] The shrink labels having a smart label as disclosed in the present disclosure improve the recyclability of the container and / or the shrink label. The present disclosure provides shrink labels having a smart label that allow the smart label to be removed during the recycling process and separated from the recycling stream. The present disclosure provides various mechanisms and methods by which the smart label may be separated from the container or shrink label or both and separating the smart label from the recycling stream. In some such embodiments, the smart label may be separated from the recycling stream using differences in density. In some such embodiments, the smart label may be separated from the recycling stream using magnets.

[0003] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a recyclable shrink label. The recyclable shrink label includes a heat shrink film. The heat shrink film may include a recyclable polymer and have a thickness from 15 pm to 100 pm. The recyclable shrink label may include a floatable component and a smart label inlay. The smart label inlay may include an antenna and a chip and have a density of greater than 1 g / mL. The recyclable shrink label may include a first adhesive adhering the smart label inlay to the floatable component and forming a floatable smart label having a density of less than 1 g / mL. The recyclable shrink label may include a second adhesive adhering the floatable smart label to the heat shrink film. The second adhesive is releasable in a caustic solution.

[0004] In some such embodiments, the recyclable polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG or PET-G), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) or oriented polystyrene (OPS), or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the heat shrink film includes PET or PETG. Additionally or alternatively, the floatable component includes polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the floatable component includes a cavitatedpolymer or a foam. Additionally or alternatively, the density of the floatable component is selected such that the density of the floatable smart label is less than 1 g / mL. Additionally or alternatively, the floatable component has a density of less than 0.8 g / mL. Additionally or alternatively, the smart label inlay includes an antenna and a chip has an RFID inlay. The RFID inlay optionally utilizes a wireless protocol selected from radio frequency, ultra-high frequency (UHF), low energy wireless, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), long-term evolution (LTE), and ZigBee. Additionally or alternatively, the first adhesive includes a hot-melt adhesive, a solvent-based adhesive, an emulsion adhesive, a UV-cured adhesive, or a combination or two or more thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the first adhesive may be resistant to a 1 wt-% caustic solution. Additionally or alternatively, the first adhesive may be resistant to caustic wash conditions including immersion in the caustic solution for 15 min at a temperature of 85 °C. Additionally or alternatively, the second adhesive may be an emulsion adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the second adhesive may be releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater. Additionally or alternatively, the second adhesive may be releasable in caustic wash conditions including immersion in the caustic solution for 15 min at a temperature of 85 °C.

[0005] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a method of making a shrink label with a smart label inlay. The method includes adhering a floatable component onto a continuous length of shrink label material and registering and adhering the smart label inlay onto the floatable component. Additionally or alternatively, the method may further include continuously conveying the continuous length of shrink label material from a first roll to a second roll in a seamer. The adhering of the floatable component and the smart label inlay may occur between the first roll and the second roll. Additionally or alternatively, the floatable component may adhere to the shrink label material using an adhesive that is releasable in a 1 wt- % caustic solution. Additionally or alternatively, the smart label inlay is adhered to the floatable component using an adhesive that is resistant to the 1 wt-% caustic solution.

[0006] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a method of recycling a container comprising a shrink label. The shrink label includes a heat shrink fdm comprising a recyclable polymer and having a thickness from 15 pm to 100 pm; a floatable component; a smart label inlay includes an antenna and a chip and having a density of greater than 1 g / mL; afirst adhesive adhering the smart label inlay to the floatable component and forming a floatable smart label having a density of less than 1 g / mL; and a second adhesive adhering the floatable smart label to the heat shrink film, the second adhesive being releasable in a 1 wt-% caustic solution. The method includes immersing the container in a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater to separate the floatable smart label from the heat shrink film. Additionally or alternatively, the method further includes crushing or comminuting the container prior to the immersing.

[0007] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a recyclable shrink label. The recyclable shrink label includes a heat shrink film. The heat shrink film may include a recyclable polymer and a metallic ink. The recyclable shrink label includes a smart label inlay. The smart label inlay may include an antenna and a chip. The recyclable shrink label includes an adhesive adhering the smart label inlay to the heat shrink film.

[0008] In some such embodiments, the adhesive is resistant to caustic wash conditions including immersion in the caustic solution for 15 min at a temperature of 85 °C. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive may be an emulsion adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive is releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater. Additionally or alternatively, the recyclable polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG or PET-G), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) or oriented polystyrene (OPS), polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof

[0009] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a recyclable shrink label. The recyclable shrink label has a heat shrink film. The heat shrink film has a recyclable polymer and has a thickness from 15 pm to 100 pm. The recyclable shrink label has a smart label inlay that includes an antenna and a chip and has a density of greater than 1 g / mL. The recyclable shrink label may include a first adhesive adhering the smart label inlay to the heat shrink film forming a composite label having a density of less than 1 g / mL.

[0010] In some such embodiments, the recyclable polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the recyclable shrink label further includes a floatable component adhered to the smart label inlay with a second adhesive. The density of the floatablecomponent is selected such that the density of the composite label including the floatable component is less than 1 g / mL. Additionally or alternatively, the floatable component may have a density of less than 0.8 g / mL. Additionally or alternatively, the floatable component and the smart label inlay form a floatable smart label having a density of less than 1 g / mL. Additionally or alternatively, the first adhesive is releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater. Additionally or alternatively, the first adhesive is resistant to a 1 wt-% caustic solution. Additionally or alternatively, the first adhesive includes a hot-melt adhesive, a solvent-based adhesive, an emulsion adhesive, a UV-cured adhesive, or a combination or two or more thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the second adhesive is resistant to a 1 wt-% caustic solution.

[0011] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a recyclable shrink label. The recyclable shrink label includes a heat shrink film. The heat shrink film has a recyclable polymer and has a thickness from 15 pm to 100 pm. The recyclable shrink label includes a smart label inlay has an antenna and a chip. The recyclable shrink label includes an adhesive adhering the smart label inlay to the heat shrink film forming a composite label having a density of greater than 1 g / mL.

[0012] In some such embodiments, the recyclable polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG or PET-G), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) or oriented polystyrene (OPS), or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive may be resistant to caustic wash conditions including immersion in a 1 wt-% caustic solution for 15 min at a temperature of 85 °C. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive includes an emulsion adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive may be releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater.

[0013] Some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to a recyclable shrink label. The recyclable shrink label has a heat shrink film. The heat shrink film may include a recyclable polymer and has a thickness from 15 pm to 100 pm. The recyclable shrink label has a smart label inlay adhered to the heat shrink film. The smart label inlay includes an antenna and a chip and has a density of greater than 1 g / mL. The recyclable shrink label has a releasable layerbetween the smart label inlay and the heat shrink film. The releasable layer may be releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater.

[0014] In some such embodiments, the recyclable polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the releasable layer may include an adhesive adhering the smart label inlay to the heat shrink film. The adhesive may be releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive may include an emulsion adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the releasable layer may include a cellulosic material that disintegrates or dissolves in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater.DEFINITIONS

[0015] The terms “polymer” and “polymeric material” include, but are not limited to, organic homopolymers, copolymers, such as for example, block, graft, random, copolymers, terpolymers, etc., and blends and modifications thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term “polymer” shall include all possible geometrical configurations of the material. These configurations include but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic, and atactic symmetries.

[0016] The term “copolymer” refers to polymers containing two or more different monomeric units or segments, including terpolymers, tetrapolymers, etc.

[0017] As used herein, the term “ink” refers to a colored material for writing and printing. Generally, ink has four main ingredients: (1) colorant, which is composed of a pigment, dye, or mixture of pigments and / or dyes which define the color of the colorant, (2) resin, which is a binder that can be soluble or in a solvent and the binder holds the colorant on a substrate, (3) optionally solvent or water to dissolve the resin (the solvent or water is removed after printing onto the label), and (4) optionally additives to adjust properties of the ink. Pigments can be organic and inorganic substances. Inks herein can be differentiated as metallic inks and non- metallic inks. As used herein, the term “metallic ink” refers to an ink to which metal flakes or powder are added as a pigment additive to the ink. Metallic inks when printed can appear to be reflective or shiny. Therefore, “non-metallic ink” herein refers to inks without such metal flakes or powder components.

[0018] As used herein, the term “opaque” refers to a substrate or printed substrate that has an opacity greater than or equal to 50 %. Opacity can be measured as described in ASTM D 589-97, Standard Test Method for Opacity of Paper (15° / Diffuse Illuminant A, 89 % Reflectance Backing and Paper Backing). As used herein, the term “high opacity” refers to a substrate or printed substrate having opacity greater than or equal to 50 %.

[0019] As used herein, the term “indicia” refers to markings or indications that can be used to convey a message. The message conveyed can be an indication of source, the characteristics of a product in a package, the quantity of a product in a package, the quality of a product in a package, or any other message. Indicia can be a symbol such as a graphic resembling a target used for training archers to indicate a particular retail store. Indicia can be text in any language or combination of languages representative of verbal communication. Indicia can be patterns of colors, lines, or combinations thereof. Indicia can be illustrations of tangible objects such as an apple indicating the source of a particular brand of computer. Indicia can be artwork depicting tangible objects or imaginary compositions or any kind of marking. A single dot of a single color can be indicia. Indicia can be the type, texture, smell, or sound when rustled of the material used to form a package. Indicia can be a combination of any and all of the indicia described previously.

[0020] As used herein, the term “viscosity” refers to the flowrate of a liquid and is measured using a calibrated #2 Zahn viscosity cup.

[0021] The words “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

[0022] The term “comprises” and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the description and claims. Such terms will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

[0023] By “consisting of’ is meant including, and limited to, whatever follows the phrase “consisting of” Thus, the phrase “consisting of’ indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, and that no other elements may be present. By “consisting essentially of’ is meant including any elements listed after the phrase and limited to other elements that do not interfere with or contribute to the activity or action specified in the disclosure for the listed elements. Thus, the phrase “consisting essentially of’ indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present depending upon whether or not they materially affect the activity or action of the listed elements.

[0024] The term “substantially” as used here has the same meaning as “nearly completely,” and can be understood to modify the term that follows by at least about 90 %, at least about 95 %, or at least about 98 %. The term “not substantially” as used here has the same meaning as “not significantly,” and can be understood to have the inverse meaning of “substantially,” i.e., modifying the term that follows by not more than 10 %, not more than 5 %, or not more than 2 %.

[0025] Unless otherwise specified, “a,” “an,” “the,” and “at least one” are used interchangeably and mean one or more than one.

[0026] As used herein, the term “or” is generally employed in its usual sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] The term “and / or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0028] Any reference to standard methods (e.g., ASTM, TAPPI, AATCC, etc.) refer to the most recent available version of the method at the time of filing of this disclosure unless otherwise indicated.

[0029] Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[0030] Herein, “up to” a number (for example, up to 50) includes the number (for example, 50).

[0031] The term “in the range” or “within a range” (and similar statements) includes the endpoints of the stated range.

[0032] For any method disclosed herein that includes discrete steps, the steps may be conducted in any feasible order. And, as appropriate, any combination of two or more steps may be conducted simultaneously.

[0033] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” or “some embodiments,” etc., means that a particular feature, configuration, composition, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, configurations, compositions, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0034] The term “about” is used here in conjunction with numeric values to include normal variations in measurements as expected by persons skilled in the art, and is understood have the same meaning as “approximately” and to cover a typical margin of error, such as ±5 % of the stated value.

[0035] All headings are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of the text that follows the heading, unless so specified.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] The disclosure will be further explained with reference to the drawings. These figures, which are idealized, are not to scale and are intended to be merely illustrative and nonlimiting.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of embodiments applied to a sinkable container.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of embodiments applied to a floatable container.

[0039] FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of an article including the label of the present disclosure, according to an embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 3B is a schematic representation of a recyclable shrink label of the present disclosure, according to an embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 4A is a schematic representation of an article including the label of the present disclosure, according to an embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 4B is a schematic representation of a recyclable shrink label of the present disclosure, according to an embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 5 schematically depicts an embodiment of a disclosed article according to an embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 6 schematically depicts an embodiment of a disclosed article according to an embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 7 schematically depicts an embodiment of a disclosed article according to an embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 8 schematically depicts an embodiment of a disclosed article according to an embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 9 schematically depicts an embodiment of a disclosed article according to an embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 10 is schematic depiction of a system and method for making shrink labels with smart labels according to an embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 11 schematically depicts an embodiment of a disclosed article according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present disclosure relates to shrink labels that are recyclable. The present disclosure relates to shrink labels on containers that aid or improve the recyclability of the container. The present disclosure further relates to recyclable shrink labels with a smart label (such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlay).

[0051] The term label is used here broadly. Although many embodiments described herein may be characterized as shrink sleeves, the disclosure and the term label are not limited to suchembodiments only. The label may cover at least some clear or transparent parts of a package. The label may serve to block light from reaching a product inside the package. The label may be used to provide graphic elements and information about the product, such as product information required by law, if applicable (e.g., ingredient list and / or nutritional facts).

[0052] In industrial and commercial settings, such as manufacturing, product transport, whole sale, and retail, it may be desirable to include a smart label on individual product packaging. Smart labels include a microchip that can be loaded with information about the product, its identity, manufacturing, and use, etc. Smart labels can allow producers, transporters, retailers, and consumers to easily access information about the product. The information on a smart label can also be read by an automated system. Examples of smart labels include radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags, near field communication (NFC) tags, ultra high frequency (UHF) tags, and the like. A smart label typically includes an inlay with an antenna and a microchip on a substrate, and a sticker or label with an adhesive that allows the smart label to be adhered to a product or its packaging. However, due to the use of different materials (e.g., metal, silicon, and polymers) in smart labels, the presence of a smart label on an otherwise recyclable package may cause problems with recycling, such as contamination of the recycling stream. This may cause issues with shrink labels, in particular, because containers with shrink labels typically are recycled and go through the recycling process with the shrink label still on the container. Thus, it would be desirable to provide solutions for improving the recyclability of shrink labels that include a smart label. It would be desirable to provide solutions for improving the recyclability of containers that have a shrink label with a smart label. It would be desirable to provide a shrink label with a smart label that allows the smart label to be removed during the recycling process and separated from the recycling stream.

[0053] The shrink labels having a smart label as disclosed in the present disclosure improve the recyclability of the container and / or the shrink label. The present disclosure provides shrink labels having a smart label that allow the smart label to be removed during the recycling process and separated from the recycling stream. According to some embodiments, the smart label is removable in a caustic wash and may be separated from the recycling stream using differences in density. If the shrink label is used on a container made of a sinkable (density greater than 1 g / mL) polymer, the smart label may be combined with a floatable component and a causticdissolvable adhesive. If the shrink label is used on a container made of a floatable (density less than 1 g / mL) polymer, the smart label may be combined with a caustic dissolvable adhesive and allowed to sink in a caustic wash. According to another embodiment, the shrink label and / or smart label includes ferrous or magnetic components that allow the shrink label and / or smart label to be removed from a recycling stream using magnets.RECYCLING PROCESSES

[0054] Typical recycling processes include various separation processes to sort and separate different materials into different recycling streams. Such separation processes may include, for example, manual sorting, automated sorting utilizing scanning (e.g., near infrared (NIR) scanning), air stream sorting, magnetic separation, floatation, and the like. The sorted and separated recycling streams can then be further processed to remove foreign materials (that is, materials that are different from the target material) from the stream. The presence of foreign materials may contaminate the recycling stream and produce a low quality recycled product or even prevent recycling of the target material.

[0055] In some embodiments, the labels of the present disclosure are recyclable according to Evaluation of the Near Infrared (NIR) Sorting Potential of a Whole Plastic Article (SORT-S-01, previously SORT-B-01), Evaluation of Sorting Potential for Plastic Articles Utilizing Metal, Metalized or Metallic Printed Components (SORT-S-03, previously SORT-B-03), the Association for Plastic Recyclers (APR) Critical Guidance Protocol for Clear PET Articles with Labels and Closures (PET-CG-02), the APR Benchmark Evaluation for Clear PET Articles with Labels and Closures (PET-B-02), or a combination thereof.

[0056] Plastic recycling typically involves comminuting the material into smaller pieces and treating the material in a caustic wash. The caustic wash not only helps clean the material but can also be used to separate different plastics using their different densities. For example, polyolefins typically float, while polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and its derivatives (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG or PET-G)) typically sink. Typical caustic wash conditions include a hot wash. The solution used in the hot wash is typically an aqueous NaOH solution with a concentration about 0.5 wt-% to 4 wt-% or, for example, about 1 wt-% of NaOH. The caustic wash solution may further include a surfactant. The typical temperature for the hot wash is maintained at about 70 °C to 90 °C or, for example, about 85 °C (e.g., for PET containers) orabout 75 °C (e.g., for polyethylene or polypropylene). The material is typically treated in the hot wash for about 10 min to 20 min or, for example, about 15 min (e g., for PET containers) or about 10 min (e.g., for polyethylene or polypropylene). The caustic wash may be followed by a rinse. The rinse solution may be water. The rinse water may be purified water (for example, distilled (DI) water), tap water, or the like. A typical temperature for the rinse may be about 20 °C to 50 °C, about 40 °C to 50 °C or, for example, about 45 °C (e.g., for PET containers) or about 20 °C (e.g., for polyethylene or polypropylene). The material is typically treated in the warm water rinse for about 1 min to 10 min or, for example, 5 min. The caustic wash may additionally include a sink-float process where the target material is separated from other materials based on their density and sinking or floating properties in water. The solution used in the sink-float process is typically water. The material floating on the top of the water surface is skimmed off to separate it from materials that sink. Either the floating material, the sinking material, or both may be recycled. The materials may go through additional separation processes to further purify the materials for recycling.

[0057] Magnetic separation typically includes separating components of the mixture by using a magnet to attract ferrous or magnetic components. Magnetic separation may be performed after comminuting the material. Magnetic separation may be performed before or after a caustic wash. Magnetic separation may be performed before or after a sink-float process. Magnetic separation may be performed instead of a sink-float process.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the shrink label with a smart label is constructed such that it allows for the smart label to be separated from the container and optionally the shrink label during the recycling process. The shrink label with a smart label may be constructed such that it allows for the smart label to be separated from the container and optionally the shrink label during or after the caustic wash. The shrink label with a smart label may be constructed such that it allows for the smart label to be separated from the container and optionally the shrink label during the recycling process using magnetic separation.FILMS

[0059] According to an embodiment, the shrink label (sometimes referred to here simply as the label) includes a heat shrinkable film or heat shrink film. The terms heat shrink film and shrink film are used here interchangeably. Any suitable heat shrink film may be used to preparethe shrink label. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film is a polyester heat shrink film, of the type that is used in the packaging industry. The heat shrink film can also be described as a film that is not heat stabilized so that it will shrink when exposed to heat.

[0060] The heat shrink film is a polymeric film that is substantially two-dimensional with two major surfaces. The term substantially two-dimensional is used to refer to an object having a significantly large size measurement in two dimensions compared to a significantly small size measurement in the third dimension (e.g., the thickness). In some embodiments, useful heat shrink films or articles including such heat shrink films shrink from 1 % to 90 % in the transverse direction (TD) and up to 10% in the machine direction (MD). In some embodiments, useful heat shrink films or articles including such heat shrink films shrink from 1 % to 90 % in the machine direction and up to 10% in the transverse direction. As used herein, transverse direction means a direction perpendicular to the direction of working. As used herein, machine direction means a direction parallel to the direction of working.

[0061] The composition of the heat shrink film, whether two- or three-dimensional, is not particularly limited and can comprise high- or low-density polymers, or combinations thereof. Low density polymers that have a density of less than 1 g / cm3 may be preferred. Such low densities allow for water flotation separation from a denser substrate during recycling processes. In some embodiments, the label includes a heat shrink film having a density of 1 g / cm3or less.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the label includes a heat shrink film having a thickness of 15 pm or greater, 30 pm or greater, 35 pm or greater, 37 pm or greater, 40 pm or greater, 45 pm or greater, 50 pm or greater, or even 60 pm or greater. The preferred heat shrinkable film is comprised of a film having a thickness of not greater than 100 pm or less, 90 pm or less, 90 pm or less, 85 pm or less, 80 pm or less, 75 pm or less, 70 pm or less, 65 pm or less, or even 60 pm or less. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film has a thickness ranging from 15 pm to 100 pm, 30 pm to 80 pm, 40 pm to 60 pm, or even 40 pm to 55 pm.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the label includes a heat shrink film that shrinks when heated to or above a shrink initiation temperature. The shrink initiation temperature may be above 22.5 °C or in the range from about 40 °C to about 200 °C. Shrinkage of heat shrink films is typically measured using a hot water bath method, where the film is immersed in a heated water bath for 10 seconds. The measurement may be repeated at different temperatures, such asat 100 °C and 80 °C. Shrinkage may be reported at a given temperature, or shown as a shrink curve. Shrinkage numbers here are given as measured at 100 °C. When heated to 100 °C, the heat shrink fdm shrinks 1 % or more, 2 % or more, 5 % or more, 10 % or more, 20 % or more, 30 % or more, 40 % or more, or 50 % or more of the size it was before heating. When heated to 100 °C, the heat shrink film shrinks 90 % or less, 80 % or less, 75 % or less, 70 % or less, or 50 % or less of the size it was before heating. When heated to 100 °C, the heat shrink film may shrink from 1 % to 90 %, from 2 % to 80 %, or from 5 % to 70 %. The shrinkage may be in the machine direction, the transverse direction, or both. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film shrinks primarily in the transverse direction only. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film shrinks primarily in the machine direction only.

[0064] In some embodiments, the polymeric films useful in the label possess balanced shrink properties. The balanced shrink properties allow the film to tighten darts and wrinkles initially formed in the label when the label is applied over curved surfaces and allow the darts and wrinkles to be wiped down with minimal graphics distortion of the label. In some embodiments, the films used in the label have unbalanced shrink properties. Films having unbalanced shrink, that is, films having a high degree of shrink in one direction and low to moderate shrink in the other direction may be particularly useful. In some embodiments, particularly useful films are those that have one dimensional shrink (e.g., in the transverse direction) because they may provide the ability to pre distort indicia formed thereon more easily versus those that have biaxial shrinkage. In some embodiments, the film may be used in a process called “roll-on-shrink-on,” where the film shrinks primarily in the machine direction.

[0065] Preferably, the shrink film is thermally shrinkable and yet has sufficient stiffness (e.g., modulus) to be dispensed using conventional labeling application equipment and converting processes, including treating, printing, coating, slitting, seaming, cutting, and label application. The desired stiffness of the film depends on the size of the label, the speed of application, the shape and moisture content on the surface of the container, and the labeling equipment being used.

[0066] The shrink film may be made by conventional processes. For example, the shrink film may be produced using blown, calendared, or tentered extrusion processes.

[0067] The shrink film useful in the label may be a single layer construction or a multilayer construction. The layer or layers of the shrink film may be formed from a polymer chosen from numerous types of polymers, including for example polyesters and polyolefins. Illustrative specific polymers or polymer types that can be utilized to form shrink films can include, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG or PET-G), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene or oriented polystyrene (OPS), polylactic acid (PLA), copolymers, non-petroleum based biopolymers, and copolymers and blends thereof. Additional illustrative specific types of polymers that can be utilized to form shrink films can include, polyolefins, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and copolymers and blends thereof. In some embodiments, illustrative specific copolymers can include copolymers of PP and PE, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the shrink film includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is recyclable with PET bottles. In some embodiments, the shrink film consists of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0068] Shrink films are typically polymeric films that are applied over or around a substrate or, for example, a container (e.g., a bottle, jar, tube, or the like) or multiple containers (e.g., a multipack of containers). Two portions (e.g., two edges) of the film can be bonded together to form a seal or seam that results in a sleeve or tube configuration. When heated to 100 °C, the shrink film contracts or shrinks by 1 % or more, 2 % or more, 5 % or more, 10 % or more, 20 % or more, 30 % or more, 40 % or more, or 50 % or more. When heated to 100 °C, the shrink film may contract or shrink by 90 % or less, 80 % or less, 75 % or less, 70 % or less, or 50 % or less of the size it was before heating. The shrink film may contract or shrink from 1 % to 90 %, from 2 % to 80 %, or from 5 % to 70 % upon heating to or above the shrink initiation temperature. The shrinkage may be in the machine direction, the transverse direction, or both. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film shrinks primarily in the transverse direction only. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film shrinks primarily in the machine direction only. The amount that a shrink film shrinks can be largely dependent or may be chosen based on the container which it is to be shrunk around. The film shrinks to conform to the contours of the underlying article. In one embodiment, the shrink film is microperforated to allow trapped air to be released from the interface between the label and the article to which it has adhered. In another embodiment, the shrink film is permeable to allow fluid to escape from the adhesive or from the surface of the article. In one embodiment, vent holes or slits are provided in the shrink film. Insome embodiments, perforations, pin holes, or such features may desirably be avoided in order to maximize light blocking characteristics.

[0069] The layers of the shrink film, or layers applied to the shrink films may optionally contain pigments, fillers, stabilizers, light protective agents, or other suitable modifying agents if desired. In some embodiments, the shrink film is recyclable. Shrink films that include layers (including other polymer types than the main film material, inks, pigments, fillers, etc.,) that cannot be removed from the heat shrink film during the recycling process typically render the shrink film non-recyclable. Thus, if some embodiments, it may be desirable to only include layers that are either recyclable with the heat shrink film (e.g., include the same type of polymer), or can be removed during the recycling process (e.g., using one of the mechanical separation process or the caustic wash). Examples of recyclable light blocking shrink labels are disclosed, for example, in WO2022 / 241272 to Sharp et al. which is incorporated herein by reference. Such recyclable light blocking shrink labels may include a light blocking layer and optionally other layers, such as an indicia layer and a high opacity layer, that are formulated to be removable in a caustic wash.

[0070] The shrink film may have any suitable color. However, for recyclability, useful shrink films may specifically include clear shrink films and white shrink films (e.g., white floatable films). Clear shrink films may be made white by including an additional layer or layers that include a pigment that makes the heat shrink film appear white when viewed. White shrink films may also be made by adding white pigments during the extrusion or formation process for example. In some embodiments, the shrink film includes only inks or pigments in layers that are removable in a caustic wash. In some embodiments, any ink or pigment compositions used on the shrink film include components that render the ink or pigment composition removable, such as surfactants, latex particles, and / or other additives.

[0071] Useful shrink films may also contain a layer of an ink-receptive composition that enhances the printability of the shrink film, and the quality of the print layer thus obtained. A variety of such compositions are known in the art, and these compositions generally include a binder and a pigment, such as silica or talc, dispersed in the binder. The presence of the ink- receptive composition may decrease the drying time of some inks. Such ink-receptivecompositions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,288 (Shih et al.) which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0072] The adhesion of the ink to the surface of the polymeric shrink film can be improved, if necessary or desired, by techniques well known to those skilled in the art. For example, as mentioned above, an ink primer or other ink adhesion promoter can be applied to the surface layer of the shrink film before application of the ink. Alternatively, the surface of the shrink film can be treated by methods such as corona treated or flame treated, for example, to improve the adhesion of the ink to the polymeric film layer.

[0073] Useful ink primers may be transparent or opaque and the primers may be solventbased, water-based, or UV-based, digital printing ink diluted with known solvents and / or additives to achieve a desired viscosity for the specific printing process. In one embodiment, the primers are radiation curable (e.g., UV). The ink primer may comprise a lacquer and a diluent. The lacquer may be comprised of one or more polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polyester copolymers, polyurethanes, polysulfones, polyvinylidene chloride, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, ionomers based on sodium or zinc salts or ethylene methacrylic acid, polymethyl methacrylates, acrylic polymers and copolymers, polycarbonates, polyacrylonitriles, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and mixtures of two or more thereof. Examples of the diluents that can be used include alcohols such as ethanol, isopropanol and butanol; esters such as ethyl acetate, propyl acetate and butyl acetate; aromatic hydrocarbons such as ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as heptane; and mixtures thereof. The ratio of lacquer to diluent is dependent on the viscosity desired for application of the ink primer, the selection of such viscosity being within the skill of the art. The ink primer layer may have a thickness of from about 0.5 pm to about 20 pm, about 1 pm to about 4 pm, or from about 1.5 pm to about 3 pm.

[0074] A transparent or non-transparent polymer topcoat or overcoat layer may be present in the labels of the present disclosure. The topcoat or overcoat layer could provide desirable protective properties to the label before and after the label is affixed to an article, such as a container. The presence of a transparent or non-transparent topcoat layer over the print layer may, in some embodiments, provide additional properties such as antistatic properties, stiffness, and / or weatherability, and the topcoat may protect the print layer from, e.g., weather, sun,abrasion, moisture, water, etc. The transparent or non-transparent topcoat layer can enhance the properties of the underlying print layer to provide a glossier and richer image. The transparent or non-transparent topcoat layer could change the aesthetics of the underlying print layer or label (e.g., matte finish or soft touch finish). The protective transparent protective layer may also be designed to be abrasion resistant, radiation resistant (e.g., UV resistant), chemically resistant, thermally resistant, thereby protecting the label and, particularly the print layer from degradation from such causes. The overcoat may also contain antistatic agents or anti-block agents to provide for easier handling when the labels are being applied to containers at high speeds. The layer may be applied to the print layer by techniques known to those skilled in the art. The polymer film may be deposited from a solution or applied as a preformed film (laminated to the print layer), or by any other suitable means known in the art.

[0075] When a transparent or non-transparent topcoat or overcoat layer is present, it may have a single layer or a multilayered structure. The thickness of the protective layer is generally in the range of about 1 pm to about 125 pm, about 12.5 pm to about 125 pm, and in one embodiment about 25 pm to about 75 pm. Examples of topcoat layers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,106,982 (Mientus et al.) which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] The topcoat or overcoat layer may comprise polyolefins, thermoplastic polymers of ethylene or propylene, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, epoxy, vinyl acetate homopolymers, co- or terpolymers, ionomers, and mixtures thereof. The transparent topcoat or overcoat layer may contain an antioxidant. Any antioxidant useful in making thermoplastic films can be used.

[0077] According to an embodiment, an exemplary label includes clear recyclable shrink PET film having an optional anti-static coating, high TD shrinkage, low MD shrinkage, very low shrink force, and gradual shrink curve. According to an embodiment, the labels of the present disclosure can meet certain industry standards, including for example the Association for Plastic Recyclers (APR) Critical Guidance Protocol for Clear PET Articles with Labels and Closures (PET-CG-02), or the APR Benchmark Evaluation for Clear PET Articles with Labels and Closures (PET-B-02), or both. In some embodiments, the labels of the present disclosure are recyclable according to Evaluation of the Near Infrared (NIR) Sorting Potential of a Whole Plastic Article (SORT-B-01), Evaluation of Sorting Potential for Plastic Articles Utilizing Metal,Metalized or Metallic Printed Components (SORT-B-03), or both. That is, according to an embodiment, upon removal of the smart label, the shrink labels of the present disclosure may be fully recyclable. For example, the shrink labels may include inks that can be washed off in a typical recycling wash (caustic wash) and the polymers used in the labels are preferably clear. In some embodiments, the shrink labels are free or substantially free of inks that cannot be washed off in a caustic wash. In some embodiments, the shrink labels are free or substantially free of colored plastics (including white plastics).SMART LABEL

[0078] The shrink label of the present disclosure is coupled with a smart label. The term “smart label” is used here to refer to various types of labels that include an antenna and a readable chip. In some embodiments, the smart label may include a microchip that stores data. In some embodiments, the smart label does not contain a microchip but instead relies on magnetic materials or transistorless thin fdm circuits to store data. While the latter is sometimes referred to as a “chipless tag” in the art, the term smart label is used here to refer to both embodiments, and reference to a “chip” is understood to include the magnetic material or transistorless thin film circuits capable of storing data. The chip may be configured to store and / or process information. When interrogated by a reading device (also called an interrogator), RFID inlays reflect or retransmit a radio frequency signal to return an encoded identification (ID) to the interrogator. The microchip may also be configured to modulate and demodulate signals. For example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) inlay may include a microchip that reflects or retransmits radio frequency signals to return an encoded identification (ID) to an interrogator or reading device. According to various examples, the radio frequency signals are ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency signals. The smart label may include other types of technology such as low energy wireless, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), long-term evolution (LTE), ZigBee, and other wireless protocols, for example.

[0079] The antenna and chip are typically constructed of materials that result in the smart label having a density of greater than 1 g / mL. In some embodiments, the smart label comprises an RFID inlay. In some embodiments, the RFID inlay utilizes a wireless protocol selected from radio frequency, ultra-high frequency (UHF), low energy wireless, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), long-term evolution (LTE), and ZigBee.

[0080] In some embodiments, the RFID inlay itself may be recyclable. For example, if the RFID base label is made of a recyclable polymer (e.g., PET, polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like), and the antenna is formed by printing a metallic ink on the base label, the base label may be recyclable.COMPOSITE LABEL

[0081] The term composite label is used here to refer generally to the combination of the shrink label and smart label inlay of the present disclosure. In some preferred embodiments, the shrink label is recyclable. The composite label may include additional parts, such as one or more different adhesives, additional layers, a floatable component, one or more different inks and ink layers, etc., as further discussed herein. In some embodiments, a container is at least partially covered by the composite label. In some embodiments, a container may be more than 50 % covered by the composite label. In some embodiments, a container may be substantially (e.g., at least 90 %) covered by the composite label.

[0082] The composite label includes a smart label inlay. The smart label inlay has an antenna and a chip, as discussed above. The smart label may also include other additional layers, for example, a covering material, a release layer, or the like.

[0083] In the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the composite label (including the shrink label and the smart label) is constructed such that the smart label inlay is capable of being separated from the container, allowing the container to be recycled. In some preferred embodiments, the composite label is constructed such that the smart label inlay is capable of being separated from the container and the shrink label, allowing both the container and the shrink label to be recycled. In some embodiments, the container and the shrink label may be recycled together. The different materials of the composite label and the construction of the composite label may be selected based on whether the container is sinkable or floatable (that is, has a density of greater than 1 g / mL or lower than 1 g / mL). In some embodiments, as further detailed below, the container is sinkable, the shrink label is sinkable, and the smart label is floatable. In some embodiments, the container is sinkable, and the shrink label and the smart label are floatable. In some embodiments, the container is floatable, and the shrink label and the smart label are sinkable. In some embodiments, the container is floatable, the shrink label is floatable, and the smart label is sinkable. In some embodiments, the composite label includes aferrous or magnetic component that allows the composite label to be separated from the container. Exemplary embodiments of the label that may be used with a sinkable container are shown in the diagram of FIG. 1. Exemplary embodiments of the label that may be used with a floatable container are shown in the diagram of FIG. 2.

[0084] The shrink label according to embodiments of this disclosure may be disposed on the outer surface of a container. The shrink label includes a first side and an opposite second side. In some embodiments, the first side of the shrink label faces the container and the second side faces out (away from the container). The shrink label includes a heat shrink film, a smart label inlay, and optionally a floatable component. The arrangement of the smart label and optional floatable component on the heat shrink film is not particularly limited. For example, the smart label and optional floatable component may be placed on the first side or the second side of the heat shrink film. In some embodiments, the smart label inlay is sandwiched between the heat shrink film and the floatable component. In some other embodiments, the floatable component is sandwiched between the heat shrink film and the smart label inlay. In some embodiments, the floatable component can be omitted.

[0085] The density of a polymer is typically an inherent property that, unless otherwise modified (e.g., by causing air bubbles to form), depends on the type of polymer, its components, and structure. In general, sinkable polymers are understood to include at least polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and its derivatives (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG or PET-G)), polystyrene (PS) and its derivatives, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and its derivatives. In general, floatable polymers are understood to include polyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE) and its derivatives, polypropylene (PP) and its derivatives, and polylactic acid (PLA) and its derivatives.Sinkable Container with Sinkable Shrink Label and Floatable Smart Label

[0086] When the container is sinkable with a sinkable shrink label, it is desirable to have the smart label float to separate the smart label from the container and to recycle the container. Preferably, in such embodiments, the smart label is floatable in an aqueous caustic wash solution. This may be achieved by including a floatable component to counteract the density of the smart label. Thus, according to an embodiment, the composite label includes a heat shrink fdm, a floatable component, a smart label inlay, a first adhesive, and a second adhesive.According to an embodiment, the smart label is attached to the floatable component. The smart label and the floatable component form a floatable smart label. The floatable smart label has a density of less than 1 g / mL.Floatable component

[0087] Any suitable floatable component may be used that is capable of being adhered to the smart label, gives the floatable smart label the desired density of less than 1 g / mL, and can withstand the caustic wash conditions. In some embodiments, the floatable component has a density of less than 0.9 g / mL, less than 0.8 g / mL, or less than 0.7 g / mL.

[0088] The material of the floatable component is not particularly limited, as long as the above conditions are met. Suitable materials for the floatable component include polymers that either inherently have a low density or that incorporate air to result in a low density. In some embodiments, the floatable component includes a polymer with a density of less than 0.9 g / mL. In some embodiments, the floatable component includes a cavitated polymer or a foam. In some embodiments, the floatable component includes polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, or a combination thereof.Adhesives

[0089] The smart label inlay is attached to the floatable component by a first adhesive, forming the floatable smart label. The floatable smart label is attached to the heat shrink film by a second adhesive. According to an embodiment, the first adhesive is different from the second adhesive. The two adhesives are selected such that the smart label remains attached to the floatable component but becomes separated from the shrink label in the caustic wash. This allows the floatable smart label to float to the surface of the wash and the shrink label to sink with the sinkable container material.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the first adhesive is not releasable (e.g., not soluble or degradable) in the caustic wash. That is, the smart label inlay remains attached to the floatable component in the caustic wash. In some embodiments, the first adhesive is nonreactive when immersed in the caustic wash. In some embodiments, the first adhesive is resistant to a 1 wt-% caustic solution. In some embodiments, the first adhesive is resistant up to a 3 wt-% caustic solution. The first adhesive may be nonreactive when immersed in the caustic wash under certainconditions. In some embodiments, the first adhesive is resistant to caustic wash conditions when immersed in the caustic solution for 15 min at a temperature of 85 °C.

[0091] The composition of the first adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it is resistant to the caustic wash conditions and is otherwise suitable for use with polymeric labels. Examples of suitable adhesive types include hot-melt adhesives, solvent-based adhesives, emulsion adhesives, UV-cured adhesives, and the like. Hot-melt adhesives are usually formed from a mixture of thermoplastic rubber, resins, and plasticizers. Hot-melt adhesives typically come in solid form at room temperature and are heated to become flowable. Solvent-based adhesives typically include an adhesive dissolved into a solvent before coating. Emulsion adhesives, such as liquid pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), typically include a polymer dispersed in water. UV-cured adhesives, such as UV curable PSAs, are curable by exposure to UV light.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the second adhesive is releasable in a caustic wash. In some embodiments, the second adhesive is releasable in a caustic solution having a concentration of about 0.5 wt-% to 4 wt-%, about 1 wt-% to about 3 wt-%, or about 1 wt-%. The second adhesive is releasable when immersed in the caustic wash under certain conditions. In some embodiments, the second adhesive is releasable in a caustic wash when immersed in the caustic solution for at least 5 min, at least 8 min, at least 10 min, or about 15 min. In some embodiments, the second adhesive is releasable in a caustic wash when immersed in the caustic solution at a temperature of at least 70 °C, or at least 80 °C. In some embodiments, the second adhesive is releasable in caustic wash conditions when immersed in the caustic solution for 15 min at a temperature of 85 °C.

[0093] The composition of the second adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it is releasable (e.g., soluble) in the caustic wash conditions and is otherwise suitable for use with polymeric labels. Examples of suitable adhesive types include emulsion adhesives, such as emulsion acrylic adhesives available from Avery Dennison Corporation in Mentor, OH.Releasable layer

[0094] Alternatives to releasable adhesives include other releasable materials. The releasable adhesives and other releasable materials may be collectively referred to as releasable layers. Thatis, the smart label may be attached to a shrink label by a releasable layer. According to an embodiment, the releasable layer is releasable in a caustic wash. In some embodiments, the releasable layer is releasable in a caustic solution having a concentration of about 0.5 wt-% to 4 wt-%, about 1 wt-% to about 3 wt-%, or about 1 wt-%. In some embodiments, the releasable layer is releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater.

[0095] In some embodiments, the releasable layer may include a releasable adhesive as discussed above. In some embodiments, the releasable layer includes a cellulosic material that disintegrates or dissolves in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of about 0.5 wt-% to 4 wt-%, about 1 wt-% to about 3 wt-%, or about 1 wt-%. In some embodiment, the releasable layer comprises a cellulosic material that disintegrates or dissolves in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater. The cellulosic material may be used with an adhesive, including a caustic wash resistant adhesive, as long as the combination of cellulosic material and adhesive are still capable of releasing in caustic wash conditions.Shrink Label

[0096] The floatable smart label is attached to a shrink label made of a heat shrink film. The heat shrink film preferably includes a recyclable polymer. Various details of the heat shrink film are discussed above. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film includes a sinkable polymer. That is, the polymer has a density of greater than 1 g / mL. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film includes a recyclable polymer that may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG or PET-G), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) or oriented polystyrene (OPS), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film is PET or PETG.Sinkable Container with Floatable Shrink Label and Floatable Smart Label

[0097] When the container is sinkable with a floatable shrink label, it is desirable to have the smart label float with the shrink label solution to separate the smart label from the container and recycle the container. Preferably, in such embodiments, the smart label is floatable in an aqueous caustic wash solution. This may be achieved either by attaching the smart label inlay to thefloatable shrink label by an adhesive that does not dissolve in the caustic wash, or by including a floatable component to counteract the density of the smart label. Thus, according to an embodiment, the smart label is attached to the shrink film by an adhesive (e.g., a first adhesive). The smart label and the shrink film form a composite label. The composite label has a density of less than 1 g / mL. The composite label may further include a floatable component and another adhesive (e.g., a second adhesive).Floatable component

[0098] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to include a floatable component in the composite label if the smart label inlay would cause the composite label (or some of the comminuted composite label chips) to sink. Thus, in some embodiments, the shrink label may further include a floatable component adhered to the smart label inlay, forming a floatable smart label. The floatable component may be adhered to the smart label inlay with a second adhesive. Any suitable floatable component may be used that is capable of being adhered to the smart label, gives the floatable smart label the desired density of less than 1 g / mL, and can withstand the caustic wash conditions. In some embodiments, the floatable component has a density of less than 0.9 g / mL, less than 0.8 g / mL, or less than 0.7 g / mL. Suitable floatable components are discussed above.Adhesives

[0099] The smart label inlay is attached to the shrink label by a first adhesive. In some embodiments, the first adhesive is resistant to caustic wash conditions. Suitable caustic wash resistant adhesives are discussed above.

[0100] In some embodiments, the smart label inlay is attached to a floatable component by a second adhesive. In some such embodiments, both the first and the second adhesive are resistant to caustic wash conditions. That is, the shrink label, the smart label inlay, and the floatable component remain adhered together in the caustic wash. However, in other embodiments, the first adhesive may be releasable in caustic wash conditions and the second adhesive may be resistant to caustic wash conditions. Alternatively, another releasable layer may be used. That is, the shrink label may become separated from the floatable smart label, while both float, in thecaustic wash conditions. Suitable caustic wash releasable layers and releasable adhesives are discussed above.Shrink Label

[0101] The floatable smart label is attached to a shrink label made of a heat shrink film. The heat shrink film may include a recyclable polymer. Various details of the heat shrink films are discussed above. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film includes a floatable polymer. That is, the polymer has a density of less than 1 g / mL. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film includes a polyolefin. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film includes polyethylene terephthalate polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof.Sinkable or Floatable Container with Removable smart label

[0102] In some embodiments, whether the container is sinkable or floatable, the shrink label and / or smart label includes ferrous or magnetic components that allow the shrink label and / or smart label to be removed from a container by magnetic separation. Such ferrous or magnetic components may be provided in any suitable form. One example of a suitable ferrous or magnetic component is an ink that contains ferrous or magnetic particles, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,643,559 B2 (Ravish Y. et al.), which is incorporated herein by reference. Such ink may be printed onto the shrink label and / or the smart label. The amount of ferrous or magnetic components may be such that it allows for the pieces of material having the ink to be lifted from the recycling stream using magnets. In addition or alternatively, the smart label inlay may include ferrous or magnetic components that allow the smart label inlay to be lifted from the recycling stream using magnets.Adhesives

[0103] The smart label is attached to a heat shrink film by an adhesive. In embodiments where the ferrous or magnetic compound is on the shrink label, it is desirable for the smart label to remain adhered to the shrink label. That is, it may be desirable to use an adhesive that is resistant to caustic wash conditions. Suitable caustic wash resistant adhesives are discussed above.

[0104] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to adhere the smart label to the shrink label with a releasable layer that is releasable in a caustic wash. This may be desirable if the composite label is separated from the container before a caustic wash and / or if the smart label also includes a ferrous or magnetic component. Using a caustic wash releasable adhesive allows for the smart label to be separated from the shrink label and the shrink label to be recycled. Suitable caustic wash releasable layers and releasable adhesives are discussed above. This embodiment may also be combined with a floatable component as discussed above.Shrink Label

[0105] The smart label is attached to a shrink label made of a heat shrink fdm. In this embodiment, the composition of the shrink label is not particularly limited, and either floatable or sinkable shrink fdms may be used. In embodiments that incorporate a floatable component, it may be desirable to use a sinkable shrink film. The heat shrink film may include a recyclable polymer. Various details of the heat shrink films are discussed above.Floatable Container with Sinkable Shrink Label and Sinkable Smart Label

[0106] When the container is floatable with a sinkable shrink label, it is desirable to have the smart label sink in an aqueous caustic wash solution to separate the smart label from the container and to recycle the container. Preferably, in such embodiments, the smart label is sinkable in an aqueous caustic wash solution. This may be achieved either by allowing the smart label to remain attached to the sinkable shrink label, or allowing the smart label to become detached and sink due to its own density. Thus, according to an embodiment, the smart label is attached to the heat shrink film by an adhesive. The smart label and the heat shrink film form a composite label. The composite label has a density of greater than 1 g / mL.Adhesives

[0107] The smart label is attached to a heat shrink film by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive is resistant to the caustic wash and the composite label sinks in the aqueous caustic wash solution and is separated from the container. Suitable caustic wash resistant adhesives are discussed above.

[0108] In other embodiments, the smart label inlay is attached by an adhesive that is releasable in caustic wash conditions. That is, the shrink label may become separated from the smart label, while both sink, in the caustic wash conditions. Suitable caustic wash resistant adhesives are discussed above.Shrink Label

[0109] The floatable smart label is attached to a shrink label made of a heat shrink film. The heat shrink film preferably includes a recyclable polymer. Various details of the heat shrink film are discussed above. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film includes a sinkable polymer. That is, the polymer has a density of greater than 1 g / mL. Suitable examples of sinkable shrink films are discussed above.Floatable Container with Floatable Shrink Label and Sinkable Smart Label

[0110] When the container is floatable with a floatable shrink label, it is desirable to have the smart label sink in an aqueous caustic wash solution to separate the smart label from the container and recycle the container. Preferably, in such embodiments, the smart label is sinkable in an aqueous caustic wash solution. This may be achieved by allowing the smart label to become detached from the shrink label and sink due to its density, while the container and the shrink label float. Thus, according to an embodiment, the smart label is attached to the heat shrink film by an adhesive. The smart label and the heat shrink film form a composite label. The composite label has a density of greater than 1 g / mL.Adhesives

[0111] The smart label is attached to a heat shrink film by an adhesive. According to an embodiment, smart label inlay is attached by releasable layers or an adhesive that is releasable in caustic wash conditions. That is, the smart label becomes detached from the shrink label and sinks, while the shrink label and the container float, in the caustic wash conditions. Suitable caustic wash releasable layers and releasable adhesives are discussed above.Shrink Label

[0112] The floatable smart label is attached to a shrink label made of a heat shrink film. The heat shrink film preferably includes a recyclable polymer. Various details of the heat shrink filmare discussed above. In some embodiments, the heat shrink film includes a floatable polymer.That is, the polymer has a density of greater than 1 g / mL. Suitable examples of floatable shrink films are discussed above.LAYERS OF COMPOSITE LABEL

[0113] The order of the layers of the composite label is not particularly limited. Various representative embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. However, additional embodiments may exist, for example regarding the order of layers, or the orientation of the shrink label on the container, as well as different types, shapes, and sizes of the container, shrink label, and smart label.

[0114] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-6, according to an embodiment, the smart label inlay 120 is attached to the floatable component 140 by a first adhesive 130. The smart label inlay 120, the first adhesive 130, and the floatable component 140 form a floatable smart label 160.

[0115] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show an article 1 (e.g., a bottle or other container) having a shrink label applied on its outside surface. The article 1 includes a container 10 (e.g., a bottle) defining an outer surface 11. A recyclable shrink label 20 according to embodiments of this disclosure is disposed on the outer surface 11 of the container. The first side 201 of the recyclable shrink label 20 faces the container 10 and a second side 202 faces out. The recyclable shrink label 20 includes a heat shrink film 100, a floatable component 140, and a smart label inlay 120. In the current example, the smart label inlay 120 is sandwiched between the heat shrink film 100 and the floatable component 140 on the second side 202 of the heat shrink film 100.

[0116] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show the article 1 having the recyclable shrink label 20 applied on its outside surface. The article 1 includes the container 10 (e.g., a bottle) defining the outer surface 11. The recyclable shrink label 20 according to embodiments of this disclosure is disposed on the outer surface 11 of the container. The first side 201 of the recyclable shrink label 20 faces the container 10 and the second side 202 faces out. In the current example, the smart label inlay 120 and the floatable component 140 are disposed on the first side 201 of the heat shrink film 100.

[0117] The article or container is not particularly limited and may be made of any polymer (e g., conventional polymer or biopolymer), glass, or metal such as aluminum. In some embodiments, the container is made of a polymer. Examples of suitable polymeric materials include high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, nylon, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polystyrene, etc. The article or container may be made of a recyclable material. The article or container may be made of the same or similar polymer as the label, e.g., PET.

[0118] The various embodiments of the shrink label may include a plurality of layers. The different layers may be arranged in varying configurations. The shrink label 20 may be referred to as a composite label 20. FIG. 5 shows an example of a composite label 20. The composite label 20 includes a heat shrink film 100 and a floatable smart label 160. The floatable smart label 160 includes the smart label inlay 120 and the floatable component 140. The smart label inlay 120 is attached to the floatable component 140 by a first adhesive 130. The floatable smart label 160 is adhered on one surface of the heat shrink film 100 by a second adhesive 110. The composite label 20 may be oriented in either direction, either with the floatable smart label 160 facing toward the container, or with the floatable smart label 160 facing away from the container. The heat shrink film 100, the second adhesive 110, the smart label inlay 120, the first adhesive 130, and the floatable component 140 are consistent with the components as discussed above. According to an embodiment, the first adhesive 130 is different from the second adhesive 110. If the heat shrink film 100 is sinkable and the container is sinkable, the two adhesives may be selected such that the smart label inlay 120 remains attached to the floatable component 140 but becomes separated from the heat shrink film 100 in the caustic wash. This allows the floatable smart label 160 to float to the surface of the wash and the heat shrink film 100 to sink with the sinkable container material. In this manner, the smart label inlay 120 is separate from the heat shrink film 100 and the container. This can advantageously increase the efficacy of the recycling process by simplifying the separation of recyclable materials and non-recyclable materials.

[0119] The composite label 30 shown in FIG. 6 is similar to the composite label 20 of FIG. 5 in that the composite label 30 includes the floatable smart label 160 and a heat shrink film 100. The floatable smart label 160 includes a smart label inlay 120, a first adhesive 130, and afloatable component 140. The floatable smart label 160 is attached to the heat shrink film 100 by the second adhesive 110. However, unlike FIG. 5, the floatable component 140 is arranged between the heat shrink film 100 and the smart label inlay 120.

[0120] If the container and the shrink label are both floatable, the floatable component may be omitted. FIG. 7 shows a composite label 40 that does not include a floatable component. The composite label 40 includes a heat shrink film 200, upon which a smart label inlay 220 is attached on one surface by an adhesive 210. The adhesive 210 may be selected such that it is released in a caustic wash. Such an embodiment could be useful, for example, in circumstances where the smart label inlay 220 is non-recyclable and is the only sinkable component on the container, and some or all of the floatable components of the container are recyclable.

[0121] In some embodiments, the shrink label and / or smart label includes ferrous or magnetic components that allow the shrink label and / or smart label to be removed from a container by magnetic separation. For example, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show two different configurations of such embodiments. FIG. 8 shows a composite label 50. The composite label 50 includes a heat shrink film 300 and a smart label 320 adhered to the shrink label by an adhesive 310. The heat shrink film 300 includes an additional layer 305 that includes a ferrous or magnetic component that allows the composite label 50 to be separated from the container. The additional layer 305 may include, for example, an incl layer with ferrous or magnetic particles. Such an embodiment could be useful when the caustic wash not applied or in circumstances where it is desirable to separate the composite label 50 (with the smart label 320 attached by the adhesive 310) from the container before a caustic wash.

[0122] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the composite label 60 includes a shrink label 400, upon which a smart label inlay 420 is attached on one surface by an adhesive 410. In such embodiments, the smart label inlay 420 includes ferrous or magnetic components that allow the smart label inlay 420 to be separated from the container. If the adhesive 410 used to attach the smart label inlay 420 to the shrink label 400 is releasable in the caustic wash, the smart label inlay 420 may be separated from both the container and the shrink label 400. Since the process relies on the magnetic separation, the container and / or the shrink label 400 may be floatable or sinkable. The floatable component is optional in such embodiments. In the current example, the floatable component is omitted.METHOD OF MAKING COMPOSITE LABEL

[0123] According to an embodiment, the smart label inlay and floatable component are adhered to the shrink label during the making of the smart label. For example, the floatable component may be adhered onto a continuous length of shrink label material. The smart label inlay may be registered and adhered onto the floatable component. Alternatively, the smart label inlay and the floatable component may be applied in a reverse order. The smart label inlay and the floatable component may be applied onto the shrink label in a seamer. The method may further include continuously conveying the continuous length of shrink label material from a first roll to a second roll in a seamer. An example of a seaming process and system are shown in FIG. 10. The seamer 700 includes a first roll 701 (e.g., an unwind roll) and a second roll 702 (e.g., a wind roll). Shrink label material 100 is conveyed as a continuous length in a machine direction 790 from the first roll 701 to the second roll 702. The seamer 700 may further include various guide rollers 710 that guide and tension the shrink label material 100; a former 720 that forms the shrink label material 100 into a tube by seaming two edges of the shrink label material 100 together. The seamer 700 may further include a perforator 730 arranged to perforate the shrink label material 100, and one or more nips 740. The adhering of smart label (e.g., the floatable component and the smart label inlay) may occur between the first roll 701 and the second roll 702. One suitable location may be after the perforator 730, as indicated by arrow 750. A plurality of floatable components and smart label inlays may be applied in a continuous or batch process such that every shrink label prepared from the roll includes a smart label. The floatable component may be adhered to the shrink label material 100 using an adhesive that is releasable in a 1 wt-% caustic solution. The smart label inlay may be adhered to the floatable component using an adhesive that is resistant to the 1 wt-% caustic solution. In some embodiments, the smart label is adhered to the shrink label material 100 on a side that becomes the inside surface of the shrink label after formation to a tube in the seamer 700. The smart label inlay and the floatable component may be applied onto the shrink label such that the smart label is positioned on the container in a desired location after the shrink label is applied to the container.POSITIONING OF SMART LABEL

[0124] Smart labels, such as labels including an RFID inlay, may be difficult to read through a liquid. Since the composite label, including the smart label and the shrink label, may be appliedto a container for liquid, it may be desirable to position the smart label to reduce or minimize interference of the liquid on the ability to read the smart label. In some embodiments, the smart label may be positioned above the intended fill line of the container. As shown in FIG. 11, a container 101 may include liquid having a fill level 150. A shrink label 500 may substantially cover the container 101 from the bottom 103 to the top 104. A smart label inlay 120 may be adhered to the shrink label 500 in an area of the container 101 that is above the fill level 150 when the container 101 is upright. The smart label inlay 120 may be adhered to a floatable component 140 to form a floatable smart label 160 as described above. In embodiments where the shrink label includes a tamper band, the smart label inlay 120 may be positioned in the tamper band or above the tamper band.EXAMPLESExample 1

[0125] Various combinations of smart label inlays, floatable components, adhesives, shrink labels, and containers may be tested to evaluate the ability to separate the smart label inlay from the container and / or the shrink label during a recycling process. To test suitability, the smart label inlay may be adhered to a floatable component using an adhesive that is resistant to the 1 wt-% caustic solution to form a smart label, and the smart label may be adhered to a shrink label using an adhesive that is releasable in a 1 wt-% caustic solution to form a composite label. Alternatively, the smart label inlay may be adhered directly to a shrink label using an adhesive that is releasable in a 1 wt-% caustic solution to form a composite label. The testing process may follow APR (The Association of Plastic Recyclers) guidelines found in APR Document Number PET -P-00 (PET Standard Laboratory Processing Practices), Washing and Sink / Float Separation of PET Flake, PET -P-04, or for polyolefins in APR Document Number O-P-OO for Polyolefin Standard Laboratory Processing Practices.

[0126] The prepared composite labels may be tested on their own or with containers or flakes (containers broken down in a recycling process) by immersing in a 1 wt-% caustic solution and observing the release and float / sink behavior of the various components. In a successful test, the smart label inlay will separate from the shrink label and will exhibit the opposite float / sink behavior from the shrink label. If tested with containers or flakes, the smart label inlay will exhibit the opposite float / sink behavior from the containers or flakes. For example, if the shrinklabel (and optionally container or flakes) sink (e.g., are made from PET or cPET), the smart label inlay will float due to being adhered to the floatable component. On the other hand, if the shrink label (and optionally container or flakes) float (e.g., are made from a floatable polyolefin), the smart label inlay will sink.Example 2

[0127] The ability to separate a smart label from a shrink sleeve in a recycling process was tested according to APR process PET -P-04.

[0128] A cPET shrink sleeve having a thickness of 50 pm was applied to a PET bottle. An RFID label with clear permanent acrylic adhesive (designed to not be soluble in hot caustic wash) was adhered to a piece of white biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) having a thickness of 2.4 mil (about 61 pm) which in turn was adhered to the shrink sleeve with clear permanent acrylic adhesive designed to be removed from PET in the hot caustic wash (product number B7785, including BOPP film and adhesive, available from Avery Dennison Corporation in Mentor, OH).

[0129] A wash solution was prepared by adding tap water to a stainless wash vessel. The vessel was placed on a heat source and NaOH was added to the water to achieve a lwt-% solution. Surfactant was added at a concentration of 0.3 wt-%. The solution was heated to 85 °C.

[0130] The bottle with the shrink sleeve and smart label were granulated to create flakes that were added to the wash solution. The solution was agitated with an impeller at a tip speed of at least 240 m / min for 15 minutes. The agitation and heating were ceased, and the vessel was allowed to sit for 5 min.

[0131] It was observed that the RFID with pressure sensitive label (B7785) released from the shrink sleeve and floated to the top of the vessel and could be skimmed off the surface. The cPET shrink sleeve and PET bottle flake sank to the bottom of the vessel and could be recycled.

[0132] All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety into this disclosure, except to the extent they may directly contradict this disclosure. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it willbe appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments and examples set forth herein and that such examples and embodiments are presented by way of example only with the scope of the disclosure intended to be limited only by the claims set forth here.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A recyclable shrink label comprising: a heat shrink film comprising a recyclable polymer and having a thickness from 15 pm to 100 pm; a floatable component; a smart label inlay comprising an antenna and a chip and having a density of greater than 1 g / mL; a first adhesive adhering the smart label inlay to the floatable component and forming a floatable smart label having a density of less than 1 g / mL; and a second adhesive adhering the floatable smart label to the heat shrink film, the second adhesive being releasable in a caustic solution.

2. The recyclable shrink label of claim 1, wherein the recyclable polymer comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG or PET-G), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) or oriented polystyrene (OPS), or a combination thereof.

3. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the heat shrink film comprises PET or PETG.

4. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the floatable component comprises polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, or a combination thereof.

5. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the floatable component comprises a cavitated polymer or a foam.

6. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the density of the floatable component is selected such that the density of the floatable smart label is less than 1 g / mL.

7. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the floatable component has a density of less than 0.8 g / mL.

8. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the smart label inlay comprising an antenna and a chip comprises an RFID inlay, optionally wherein the RFID inlay utilizes a wireless protocol selected from radio frequency, ultra-high frequency (UHF), low energy wireless, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), long-term evolution (LTE), and ZigBee.

9. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first adhesive comprises a hot-melt adhesive, a solvent-based adhesive, an emulsion adhesive, a UV-cured adhesive, or a combination or two or more thereof.

10. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the first adhesive is resistant to a 1 wt-% caustic solution.

11. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the first adhesive is resistant to caustic wash conditions comprising immersion in the caustic solution for 15 min at a temperature of 85 °C.

12. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the second adhesive comprises an emulsion adhesive.

13. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the second adhesive is releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater.

14. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the second adhesive is releasable in caustic wash conditions comprising immersion in the caustic solution for 15 min at a temperature of 85 °C.

15. A method of making a shrink label with a smart label inlay, the method comprising: adhering a floatable component onto a continuous length of shrink label material; and registering and adhering the smart label inlay onto the floatable component.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising continuously conveying the continuous length of shrink label material from a first roll to a second roll in a seamer, wherein the adhering of the floatable component and the smart label inlay occurs between the first roll and the secondroll, optionally wherein the adhering of the floatable component and the smart label inlay occurs prior to seaming of the shrink label material.

17. The method of any one of claims 15-16, wherein the floatable component is adhered to the shrink label material using a first adhesive that is releasable in a 1 wt-% caustic solution.

18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the smart label inlay is adhered to the floatable component using a second adhesive that is resistant to a 1 wt-% caustic solution.

19. A method of recycling a container comprising a shrink label, wherein the shrink label comprises: a heat shrink film comprising a recyclable polymer and having a thickness from 15 pm to 100 pm; a floatable component; a smart label inlay comprising an antenna and a chip and having a density of greater than 1 g / mL; a first adhesive adhering the smart label inlay to the floatable component and forming a floatable smart label having a density of less than 1 g / mL; and a second adhesive adhering the floatable smart label to the heat shrink film, the second adhesive being releasable in a 1 wt-% caustic solution; wherein the method comprises: immersing the container in a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater to separate the floatable smart label from the heat shrink film.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising crushing or comminuting the container prior to the immersing.

21. A recyclable shrink label comprising: a heat shrink film comprising a recyclable polymer and a metallic ink, and having a thickness from 15 pm to 100 pm; a smart label inlay comprising an antenna and a chip; and an adhesive adhering the smart label inlay to the heat shrink film.

22. The recyclable shrink label of claim 21, wherein the adhesive is resistant to caustic wash conditions comprising immersion in a caustic solution for 15 min at a temperature of 85 °C.

23. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 21-22, wherein the adhesive comprises an emulsion adhesive.

24. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 21-23, wherein the adhesive is releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater.

25. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 21-24, wherein the recyclable polymer comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG or PET-G), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) or oriented polystyrene (OPS), polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof.

26. A recyclable shrink label comprising: a heat shrink film comprising a recyclable polymer and having a thickness from 15 pm to 100 pm; a smart label inlay comprising an antenna and a chip and having a density of greater than1 g / mL; and a first adhesive adhering the smart label inlay to the heat shrink film forming a composite label having a density of less than 1 g / mL.

27. The recyclable shrink label of claim 26, wherein the recyclable polymer comprises polyethylene terephthalate polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof.

28. The recyclable shrink label of claim 26 or 27, wherein the first adhesive is resistant to a 1 wt-% caustic solution.

29. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 26-28, wherein the first adhesive comprises a hot-melt adhesive, a solvent-based adhesive, an emulsion adhesive, a UV-cured adhesive, or a combination or two or more thereof.

30. The recyclable shrink label of claim 26 or 27, further comprising a floatable component adhered to the smart label inlay with a second adhesive, wherein the density of the floatablecomponent is selected such that the density of the composite label comprising the floatable component is less than 1 g / mL.

31. The recyclable shrink label of claim 30, wherein the floatable component has a density of less than 0.8 g / mL.

32. The recyclable shrink label of claim 30 or 31, wherein the floatable component and the smart label inlay form a floatable smart label having a density of less than 1 g / mL.

33. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 30-32, wherein the first adhesive is releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater.

34. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 30-33, wherein the second adhesive comprises a hot-melt adhesive, a solvent-based adhesive, an emulsion adhesive, a UV-cured adhesive, or a combination or two or more thereof.

35. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 30-34, wherein the second adhesive is resistant to a 1 wt-% caustic solution.

36. A recyclable shrink label comprising: a heat shrink film comprising a recyclable polymer and having a thickness from 15 pm to 100 pm; a smart label inlay comprising an antenna and a chip; and an adhesive adhering the smart label inlay to the heat shrink film forming a composite label having a density of greater than 1 g / mL.

37. The recyclable shrink label of claim 36, wherein the recyclable polymer comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG or PET-G), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) or oriented polystyrene (OPS), or a combination thereof.

38. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 36-37, wherein the adhesive is resistant to caustic wash conditions comprising immersion in a 1 wt-% caustic solution for 15 min at a temperature of 85 °C.

39. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 36-38, wherein the adhesive comprises a hot-melt adhesive, a solvent-based adhesive, an emulsion adhesive, a UV-cured adhesive, or a combination or two or more thereof.

40. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 36-37, wherein the adhesive is releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater.

41. A recyclable shrink label comprising: a heat shrink film comprising a recyclable polymer and having a thickness from 15 pm to 100 pm; a smart label inlay adhered to the heat shrink film, the smart label inlay comprising an antenna and a chip and having a density of greater than 1 g / mL; and a releasable layer between the smart label inlay and the heat shrink film, the releasable layer being releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater.

42. The recyclable shrink label of claim 41, wherein the recyclable polymer comprises polyethylene terephthalate polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof.

43. The recyclable shrink label of claim 41 or 42, wherein the releasable layer comprises an adhesive adhering the smart label inlay to the heat shrink fdm, the adhesive being releasable in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater.

44. The recyclable shrink label of claim 43, wherein the adhesive comprises an emulsion adhesive.

45. The recyclable shrink label of any one of claims 41-44, wherein the releasable layer comprises a cellulosic material that disintegrates or dissolves in a caustic wash with a caustic solution having a concentration of 1 wt-% or greater.

46. A container for liquids, the container comprising: a container having an interior volume for housing a liquid up to a fill level; a shrink label disposed about the container and comprising a heat shrink film; anda smart label adhered to the shrink wrap and positioned above the fdl level when the container is in an upright position.

47. The liquid container of claim 46, wherein the shrink label is a recyclable shrink label, wherein the heat shrink film comprises a recyclable polymer and having a thickness from 15 pm to 100 pm, wherein the smart label inlay has a density of greater than 1 g / mL and is adhered to a floatable component with a first adhesive having a density of less than 1 g / mL, forming a floatable smart label, and wherein the floatable smart label is adhered to the heat shrink film with a second adhesive being releasable in a caustic solution.

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