Durable thin film adhesive labels and methods of making thereof

Abstract

Described are label systems, containing a thin film label, and methods of making and using thereof. The thin film systems contain a label and a carrier film, where the label contains an interlayer, overprint layer, indicia, and an adhesive layer. The interlayer improves one or more physical properties of the label, such as durability (e.g., resistance to etching and / or side displacement of indicia on the label), tensile strength, and / or elongation to break even at the same thickness as a corresponding label that does not contain the interlayer. Further, the location and / or composition of the interlayer in the label plays an important role in imparting one or more of these properties to the label.

Description

[0001]DURABLE THIN FILM ADHESIVE LABELS AND METHODS OF MAKING THEREOF CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 693,991 filed September 12, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention is generally directed to thin film labels and methods of making thereof, particularly thin film labels with improved physical properties, such as durability, tensile strength, and / or elongation to break. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Typical container decorations include the use of pressure-sensitive labels. A typical pressure-sensitive label includes a printed clear film, a pressure sensitive adhesive, and a release liner. The label (i.e., the film and indicia) typically adheres to a container with the pressure- sensitive adhesive. The release liner is discarded after labeling the containers. An unprinted laminate construction is typically produced through a lamination process where a release liner is laminated to the unprinted clear film using a pressure sensitive adhesive. Clear film pressure sensitive laminate constructions are popular as they provide container decorations with minimal aesthetic interruption caused by labeling media. This allows for a greater focus on the indicia and the contents of the container. To reduce material consumption and cost of labeling, it is common to use thin films for both the liner and the label base stock. For example, typical liners are as thin as 0.96 -1.2 mils (0.0244 - 0.0305 mm); and typical labels are 1.2 mils - 3.5 mils (0.0305 mm - 0.0889 mm) in thickness. The liner and label base are typically extruded plastics. Typically, there are additional coatings or treatments present on the label base to enhance printability as well as promote or allow adhesion of a pressure sensitive adhesive. Typically, a liner base material is coated, siliconized, or treated to allow adequate release of a pressure sensitive adhesive during label application. However, thinner films present challenges to the laminating, printing, and application process, as the thin films do not have good handling properties. In addition, extrusion processes utilized to make thin films also have diminishing handling properties and efficiencies as film thickness decreases. Therefore, there is a need for improved thin film labels and thin film labeling systems with improved physical properties. There is an additional need for improved thin film labels and thin film labeling system, which can be more easily handled. 1 45761626.1 There is a further need for improved thin film labels and thin film labeling systems that do not rely on costly lamination processes. There is also a need for an improved method for making thin films and thin film labeling systems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thin film labels, systems, and methods of making and using thereof are described. The thin film systems contain a label and a carrier film, where the label contains an interlayer, overprint layer, indicia, and an adhesive layer. Importantly, the interlayer improves one or more physical properties of the label, such as durability (e.g., resistance to etching and / or side displacement of indicia on the label), tensile strength, and / or elongation to break even at the same thickness as a corresponding label that does not contain the interlayer. It has been discovered that the location and / or composition of the interlayer in the label plays an important role in imparting one or more of these properties to the label. The interlayer is a clear and / or transparent layer with essentially no ink present in the interlayer. In some forms, the interlayer has a haze measurement ranging from 0% to 20%, as determined using a haze meter. The interlayer contains an inert resin and cross-linked monomeric repeat units. These monomeric repeat units are formed from monomers and / or oligomers upon curing of the interlayer using an energy source such as UV radiation. Prior to being cross-linked, the monomeric repeat units have a functionality of one or two. The carrier film may be coated or treated on one or both sides to promote adhesive layer and / or film release. The adhesive layer can be any suitable adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, a fluid activatable adhesive, a heat activated adhesive, or a contact activated adhesive. The films are so thin that they are difficult to handle. Therefore, they are formed by printing or coating the precursor materials on a support substrate, typically a carrier film. The label is formed by printing or coating one or more layers of precursor material directly on the carrier film using standard printing techniques. Suitable precursor materials include, but are not limited to epoxies, solvent cast films, UV-curable precursor compositions, polyurethane dispersions, such as acrylic-urethane hybrid polymer dispersions and polyester-polyurethane dispersions. After the overprint layer dries or is cured, the indicia are printed onto the overprint layer, then the adhesive is coated or applied by a printing press on top of the indicia. The adhesive may be formed from a UV-curable material. The resulting adhesive is typically a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Since the label is formed using a printer, it can easily be modified to accommodate different uses. 2 45761626.1 A plurality of labels is typically formed on a single sheet or web of carrier film, which can be rolled. Each label can then be removed and the adhesive side activated if needed and placed in contact with a container. The carrier film is separated from the film label and can be reused and / or recycled when the label is placed on a container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGs.1A and 1B are schematics of a cross-sectional view of a label system prior to placement of the label on a container. Release layers and carrier film are attached to the label. In FIG.1A, release layers are present on and abut both sides of the carrier film. In FIG.1B a release layer is present on and abuts only one side of the carrier film. FIGs.2A and 2B are schematics of a cross-sectional view of a label system prior to placement of the label on a container. Release layers and carrier film are attached to the label. An interlayer is positioned between an adhesive layer and a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer). In FIG.2A, release layers are present on and abut both sides of the carrier film. In FIG.2B a release layer is present on and abuts only one side of the carrier film. FIGs.3A and 3B are schematics of a cross-sectional view of a label system prior to placement of the label on a container. Release layers and carrier film are attached to the label. An interlayer is positioned between a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) and a digital indicia layer. In FIG.3A, release layers are present on and abut both sides of the carrier film. In FIG.3B a release layer is present on and abuts only one side of the carrier film. FIGs.4A and 4B are schematics of a cross-sectional view of a label system prior to placement of the label on a container. Release layers and carrier film are attached to the label. An interlayer is positioned between a digital indicia layer and an overprint layer. In FIG.4A, release layers are present on and abut both sides of the carrier film. In FIG.4B a release layer is present on and abuts only one side of the carrier film. FIGs.5A and 5B are two schematics of a cross-sectional view of a label following application of the label on a container. Release layers and carrier film are separate from the label, which is attached to the container. FIG.5A shows the label system of FIG.4A in which the label has been dislodged from the release layers and carrier film and attached to a container. FIG.5B shows the label system of FIG. 4B in which the label has been dislodged from the release layer and carrier film and attached to a container. FIG.6 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary manufacturing process utilizing a generally continuous web. FIGs.7A-7D show four thin film label systems with the same complete indicia, but different areas for the overprint and adhesive layers. The gray areas represent the overprint and adhesive 3 45761626.1 layers, while the black areas represent the indicia. FIG. 7A shows a thin film label system in which the overprint and adhesive layers are formed from a single label which is rectangular in shape. FIG. 7B shows a thin film label system in which the overprint and adhesive layers are formed from a single label which is shaped to be present only where indicia are located. In FIGs.7A and 7B, a single label contains the complete indicia. FIGs.7C and 7D show thin film label systems formed from a group of three and seven thin film labels, respectively. Each thin film label in a group contains an overprint layer, an adhesive layer, and a portion of the complete indicia for the label system. These labels can also include an interlayer, digital indicia layer, and / or flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) as discussed above in any of FIGs.2A-5B. “Indicia” in the labels in FIGs.7A-7D can include a digital indicia layer and / or a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) as separate layers or as one layer. FIG.8 shows pictures depicting the results from durability tests on different thin film labels attached to a container with an interlayer absent or located at different positions as specified in FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Definitions As used herein the term “thin film label system” refers to a thin film label and its carrier material, including any release liners. When in the form of a system, the carrier material is typically referred to as the “carrier film”. As used herein the term “overprint layer” refers to a layer of material in the thin film label, which covers the indicia when the label is applied to a container. The overprint layer is generally the outermost layer of a thin film label, when the label is applied to a container. As used herein the term “pressure sensitive adhesives” refers to contact adhesives, which in their dry state at room temperature adhere to a multitude of surfaces after being lightly pressed against them. As used herein the term “UV cured pressure sensitive coating” refers to a pressure sensitive adhesive, which upon exposure to high-intensity ultra-violet (UV) light results in an adhesive bond with high temperature stability and solvent resistance. As used herein the term “heat activated / thermosetting adhesive” refers to a thermoplastic adhesive which is activated by heat. As used herein the term “contact activated adhesive” refers to a pressure sensitive adhesive that requires light hand pressure to adhere to a multitude of surfaces. 4 45761626.1 As used herein the term “two-part thermoset adhesive” refers to a two-component system, which forms crosslinked polymeric resins that are cured using heat and / or heat and pressure for high strength and chemical resistance. The terms “styrene acrylic” and “acrylic styrene” as they relate to copolymers are used interchangeably herein to refer to copolymers having the general structure shown below: wherein x and y are independently occurrence of R’ is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and each occurrence of R is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl. The copolymer can be random, block, branched, or combinations of these. Examples of copolymers of styrene acrylic include, but are not limited to, poly(styrene-co-alkyl methacrylate), such as poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate), poly(styrene-co-alkyl acrylate), such as poly(styrene-co-methyl acrylate), poly(styrene-co-methacrylic acid), and poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid)). The term “elongation to break” refers to ratio of the changed length to initial length when a sample breaks. Elongation to break can be measured using the ASTM D882 standard method. The term “monomer” refers to a molecule that can react together with other monomer molecules to form larger polymer chains such as pre-polymers and oligomers. The term “pre-polymer” refers to a monomer or system of monomers that have been reacted to an intermediate-molecular mass state that can be used to synthesize polymers. In this case, repeat units within the polymer are formed from the pre-polymer. An example of a pre-polymer is an oligomer. The term “oligomer” refers to a molecule having from between three and ten, inclusive, monomeric repeat units. II. Thin Film Label System The labels described herein are thin film labels, which have thicknesses of approximately 0.1 mil to 1.5 mil (0.00254 - 0.0381 mm), preferably the thickness of the label ranges from 0.4 to 0.6 mil (0.0105 - 0.0152 mm). The thin film labels are typically provided in the form of a roll, 5 45761626.1 where the label is attached to a carrier material. Typically, the carrier material is coated on both sides with a first release layer and a second release layer, which allow for the release of the label from the carrier film, when desired. In preferred forms, the carrier material is coated on only one side with a first release layer. In further preferred forms, a first release layer is coated on the side of the carrier material that is not in contact with an overprint layer. Exemplary thin film label systems, which include the carrier film, are illustrated in FIGs.1A and 1B. As shown in FIG. 1A, the label system 100 contains an adhesive coating layer 110, an indicia layer 120, which can be a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) and / or a digital indicia layer, an overprint layer 130, a first release layer 160, a carrier film 150, and a second release layer 140. The label system can be applied to a container 300, and the first release layer 160, carrier film 150, and second release layer 140 can be removed. In some embodiments, the second release layer 140 is absent. For example, as shown in FIG.1B, the label system 100’ contains an adhesive coating layer 110, an indicia layer 120, which can be a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) and / or a digital indicia layer, an overprint layer 130, a release layer 160, and a carrier film 150. The label system can be applied to a container 300, and then the release layer 160 and carrier film 150 can be removed from the label. Preferably, the label contains an interlayer. The interlayer improves one or more physical properties of the label, such as durability (e.g., resistance to etching and / or side displacement of indicia on the label), tensile strength, and / or elongation to break even at the same thickness as a corresponding label that does not contain the interlayer. Data in the application show that the location and / or composition of the interlayer in the label plays an important role in imparting one or more of these properties to the label. Preferably, the interlayer is a clear and / or transparent layer with essentially no ink present in the interlayer. Essentially no ink means the interlayer contains less than 20% wt / wt ink (e.g., less than 20% wt / wt, less than 15% wt / wt, less than 10% wt / wt, less than 5% wt / wt, or 0% wt / wt). In some forms, the interlayer has a haze measurement ranging from 0% to 20%, preferably ranging from 0% to 10%, as determined using a haze meter. Preferably, the interlayer contains an inert resin and cross-linked monomeric repeat units. Preferably, these monomeric repeat units are formed from monomers and / or oligomers upon curing of the interlayer using an energy source such as UV radiation. Preferably, prior to being cross-linked, the monomeric repeat units have a functionality of one or two. Functionality here means the number of functional groups capable of cross-linking via covalent bond formation, such as an acrylate containing an olefinic group. Exemplary thin film label systems, which include an interlayer, are illustrated in FIGs.2A to 5B. As shown in FIG.2A, the label system 400 contains an adhesive coating layer 110, an 6 45761626.1 interlayer 170, a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125, a digital indica layer 126, an overprint layer 130, a second release layer 140, a carrier film 150, and a first release layer 160. The interlayer 170 is positioned between the adhesive layer 110 and the flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125. The label system can be applied to a container 300, and the first release layer 160, carrier film 150, and second release layer 140 can be removed. In some embodiments, the second release layer 140 is absent. For example, as shown in FIG.2B, the label system 400’ contains an adhesive coating layer 110, an interlayer 170, a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125, a digital indica layer 126, an overprint layer 130, a carrier film 150, and a first release layer 160. The label system can be applied to a container 300, and then the release layer 160 and carrier film 150 can be removed from the label. As shown in FIG.3A, the label system 500 contains an adhesive coating layer 110, an interlayer 170, a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125, a digital indica layer 126, an overprint layer 130, a second release layer 140, a carrier film 150, and a first release layer 160, wherein the interlayer 170 is positioned between the flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125 and the digital indica layer 126. The label system can be applied to a container 300, and the first release layer 160, carrier film 150, and second release layer 140 can be removed. In some embodiments, the second release layer 140 is absent. For example, as shown in FIG.3B, the label system 500’ contains an adhesive coating layer 110, an interlayer 170, a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125, a digital indica layer 126, an overprint layer 130, a carrier film 150, and a first release layer 160, wherein the interlayer 170 is positioned between the flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125 and the digital indica layer 126. The label system can be applied to a container 300, and then the release layer 160 and carrier film 150 can be removed from the label. As shown in FIG.4A, the label system 600 contains an adhesive coating layer 110, an interlayer 170, a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125, a digital indica layer 126, an overprint layer 130, a second release layer 140, a carrier film 150, and a first release layer 160, wherein the interlayer 170 is positioned between the digital indica layer 126 and the overprint layer 130. The label system can be applied to a container 300, and the first release layer 160, carrier film 150, and second release layer 140 can be removed. In some embodiments, the second release layer 140 is absent. For example, as shown in FIG.4B, the label system 600’ contains an adhesive coating layer 110, an interlayer 170, a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125, a digital indica layer 126, an overprint layer 130, a carrier film 150, and a first release layer 160, wherein the interlayer 170 is positioned between the digital indica layer 126 and the overprint layer 7 45761626.1 130. The label system can be applied to a container 300, and then the release layer 160 and carrier film 150 can be removed from the label. As shown in FIGs.5A and 5B, the labels 700 and 700’ that are each attached to a container 300. The labels contain an adhesive coating layer 110, a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125 and / or a digital indicia layer 126, an interlayer 170, and an overprint layer 130, where the outer surface of the container is directly in contact with the adhesive coating layer 110, and the overprint layer 130 is exposed. The interlayer can be in any suitable position as shown in FIGs.2A to 5B. In FIG.5A, the label shown in FIG.4A has been dislodged from the second release layer 140 and attached to a container 300. In FIG.5B, the label shown in FIG. 4B has been dislodged from the carrier film 150, and attached to a container 300. 1. Thin film label A. Overprint layer Referring to FIGs.5A and 5B, the overprint layer 130 is generally the outermost layer of the thin film label 700 or 700’, when the label is attached to a container 300. i. Coating Materials for forming overprint layer Coating materials suitable for forming the overprint layer include, but are not limited to, a solventless UV-cured system (also referred to herein as a UV-curable precursor composition), water-based or solvent-based systems such as solution polymers or copolymers, one-part polyurethane system, two-part polyurethane system (applied at multiple print or coating stations), hot-melt polymers or copolymers and epoxy systems that can be cured applied at one or multiple print or coating stations. Hybrid systems combining the aforementioned are also suitable. Further suitable materials include Bayhydrol® UH 240 that is commercially available from Bayer AG as an anionic polyester polyurethane dispersion, Hybridur 570® that is commercially available from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., as an acrylic-urethane hybrid polymer dispersion, polyurethane dispersions (PUDs), polyethylene (PE) emulsions that are available as nonionic, cationic, or anionic emulsions, acrylic and / or acrylic hybrid emulsion systems, and solvent cast film polymers including, but not limited to, cellulose nitrate, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, polycarbonates, polyethersulfone, polyetherimide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyimides, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), methyl cellulose, starch derivatives, gelatin, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), copolymers, mixtures of polymers, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the coating material for forming the overprint layer is Hybridur 570® or Hybridur 580®. 8 45761626.1 1. UV-curable Precursor compositions UV-curable precursor compositions typically contain at least one UV-curable precursor material and at least one photoinitiator. Suitable UV-curable precursor materials are able to cure when exposed to UV radiation, preferably one time, for a total exposure energy of 10 mJ / cm2to 1,000 mJ / cm2, 100 mJ / cm2to 800 mJ / cm2, most preferably 200 mJ / cm2to 450 mJ / cm2. Upon exposure to UV radiation, UV-curable precursor composition undergoes a curing process to form the overprint layer via a chemical reaction involving at least one of the UV-curable precursor materials. Preferably, the curing process fully cures or substantially cures the UV-curable precursor materials. Substantially cures refers to a percentage of monomer or oligomer conversion to polymer of at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%. Preferably, the curing process involves a chemical reaction between functional groups of the UV-curable precursor materials. An exemplary functional group is the vinyl group. In some forms, specifically, the functional group is an acrylate (e.g. acrylate), alkacrylate (e.g. methacrylate), or a combination thereof. The UV-curable precursor material may contain one or more types of monomers, one or more types of oligomers, or a combination thereof. a. Precursor materials In some forms, the UV-curable precursor material contains a single functional group that is involved in the curing process, i.e., a monofunctional precursor material. Exemplary monofunctional UV-curable precursor materials include compounds that have a single acrylate or alkacrylate functionality, such as isodecyl acrylate, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) ethyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate, trimethylcyclohexyl acrylate, or polyethylene glycol acrylate. Optionally, the UV-curable precursor composition contains more than one precursor, where each precursor is a monofunctional precursor material, optionally the functional group on each precursor is the same or different. In some forms, the UV-curable precursor material contains two or more functional groups that are involved in the curing process, i.e., a multifunctional precursor material. In some forms, the UV-curable precursor material is bifunctional, trifunctional, tetrafunctional, pentafunctional, or hexafunctional. In some forms, when a polydispersed UV-curable precursor material, such as an oligomer, is used, the number of functional groups, on average, can be between two integer values, such as between bifunctional and trifunctional, etc. Exemplary multifunctional UV-curable precursor materials include, but are not limited to, compounds that have two or more acrylate functionalities, two or more alkacrylate functionalities, and combinations thereof. Suitable multifunctional UV-curable precursor materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (e.g. polyethylene glycol (1000) dimethyacrylate), 9 45761626.1 trimethylolpropane triacrylate, neopentyl glycol propoxylate (2) diacrylate, dipropylene glycol diacrylate, triglycerol diacrylate, hexanediol diacrylate, ethoxylated (3) bisphenol A diacrylate, trimethoxylolpropane ethoxy triacrylate, ethoxylated (20) trimethylolpropane triacrylate, ethoxylated (15) trimethylolpropane triacrylate, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the UV-curable precursor material forms an overprint layer that delaminates cleanly, and passes a chemical resistance test. Accordingly, in some forms, the UV-curable precursor materials can be dipropylene glycol diacrylate, triglycerol diacrylate, hexanediol diacrylate, or ethoxylated (3) bisphenol A diacrylate, or a combination thereof. However, failure of the UV-curable precursor materials to form an overprint layer that passes either or both of the tests described above, does not preclude the inclusion of these precursor materials in a UV-curable precursor composition. For instance, UV-curable precursor materials that formed overprint layers that failed the chemical resistance tests can be included in a UV-curable precursor composition to increase the sensitivity of overprint layer to chemicals. This increased sensitivity can be exploited when needed for easy removal, such as during recycling operations. It is understood that in these forms, the UV-curable precursor composition includes at least one material, which forms an overprint layer that delaminates cleanly and passes one, and preferably both chemical resistance tests. In some forms, the UV-curable precursor composition contains a combination of monofunctional and multifunctional UV-curable precursor materials. The UV-curable precursor material(s) can constitute between about between about 65% wt / wt and about 97% wt / wt, between about 70% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, between about 75% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, between about 80% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, or between about 85% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, of the UV-curable precursor compositions. In some forms, the UV-curable precursor material(s) constitutes about 90% wt / wt to about 97% wt / wt, preferably about 90 % wt / wt to about 95 % wt / wt, optionally about 91% wt / wt of the UV-curable precursor materials. b. Photoinitiators Varying quantities of photoinitiators can be added to the UV-curable precursor compositions to initiate addition reactions, between the monomers and / or oligomers of the precursor materials. An exemplary addition reaction is the free radical initiated polymerization of vinyl groups. In some forms, the photoinitiators can be added as blends of other photoinitiators. Exemplary photoinitiators include, but are not limited to, dimethylhydroxyacetophenone (DMHA), 2,4,6- trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphone oxide (TPO), hydroxylcyclohexylphenylketone (CPK), 2,2- dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA), benzophenone, 2,2-diethyloxyactetophenone, 2,4- 10 45761626.1 diethylthiozanthone, isopropylthioxanthone, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide dimethylhydroxyacetophenone, ethyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phenylphosphinate, 2- phenylbenzophenone, methyl-o-benzoyl-benzoate, and methylbenzoylformate, or a combination thereof. In some forms, the photoinitiator can be a triple blend of DMHA, TPO, and CPK. In some forms, the triple blend contains between about 35% wt / wt and about 45% wt / wt DMHA, between about 25% wt / wt and about 35% wt / wt TPO, and between about 25% wt / wt and about 35% wt / wt CPK. In some forms, the photoinitiator blend contains 40% wt / wt DMHA, 30% wt / wt TPO, and 30% wt / wt CPK. The photoinitiators constitute between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 20% wt / wt, between about 1% wt / wt and about 20% wt / wt, between about 5% wt / wt and about 15% wt / wt, or between about 5% wt / wt and about 10% wt / wt. In some forms, the photoinitiator constitutes about 9% wt / wt of the UV-curable precursor materials. c. Solventless Preferably, the UV-curable precursor composition is solventless, i.e., free of or substantially free of solvent. A composition that is substantially free of solvent has an amount of a solvent that is at most 10% wt / wt of the total weight of the sample, as measured an analytical method such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. For example, a solventless UV-curable composition can have solvent present in an amount of less than 5% wt / wt, less than 4% wt / wt, less than 3% wt / wt, less than 2% wt / wt, less than 1% wt / wt, less than 0.5% wt / wt, less than 0.1% wt / wt, or 0% wt / wt. ii. Properties of Coating Containing Precursor Materials The coating includes monomers, oligomers, or polymers, or a combination thereof that can be in the form of an emulsion, solution, liquid, or solventless composition. The coating solution, liquid or emulsion can be aqueous or solvent-based. The coating may be formed from two or more precursor compositions, or from a single precursor composition. Each of the UV-curable precursor compositions can be sprayed or printed onto the carrier film (or a release layer attached to one side of the carrier film) and cured to form the coating. The preferred viscosity range of the coating for forming the overprint layer is 0 to 5,000 cps at 25°C, most preferred is 500 to 2,000 cps at 25°C. Preferred percent solids content is 90% wt / wt to 100% wt / wt, 95% wt / wt to 100% wt / wt, preferably 97% wt / wt to 100% wt / wt. iii. Properties of Dried / Cured film that forms the overprint layer Referring to FIG.1, the dried / cured film forms a continuous, thin overprint layer 130 that is capable of receiving an ink / dye / pigment formulation, possesses good tactile feel and flexibility. The 11 45761626.1 overprint layer 130 can be larger than the indicia, the same size as the indicia, or formulated to be part of the indicia. This can be accomplished by coating, printing, or casting material onto the carrier film by using a coating unit or a print station on a printing press. The overprint layer can also act as a protective barrier to the indicia to increase durability. The overprint layer also provides resistance to moisture, abrasion or scratch, corrosion by chemicals, and stains. The overprint layer 130 typically has a low percent haze as measured by ASTM-D1003 and an excellent elongation to break. Preferably the overprint layer has a haze measurement ranging from 0% to 20%, most preferably ranging from 0% to 10%, as determined using a haze meter, such as the “haze-gloss” instrument available from BYK-Gardner. Excellent elongation to break can be about 50% or greater, about 75% or greater, about 100% or greater, about 125% or greater, about 150% or greater, about 175% or greater, or about 200% or greater as measured by ASTM D882 standard method. Preferably the overprint layer has an elongation to break of 200% or greater. The overprint coating preferably has good wet-out onto the release carrier substrate and has medium adhesion to the surface of the release liner. For good wet out, the surface energy of the overprint coating closely matches the surface energy of the surface to be coated. For example, when coating polyester films with a surface energy of 42 dyne / cm, the preferred surface energy range of the overprint coating is 40-45 dynes / cm. Surface energy can be measured experimentally via contact angle measurements with a goniometer and tensiometer (such as available from Ramé- Hart). Good wet out can also be visually determined. Coatings with good wet out form a consistent film free of voids, ridges, and other visual distractions. Poor wet out is characterized by inconsistent film forming, showing orange peel effects, voids, patterns, ridges, beading or other visually distracting effects. Medium adhesion of the overprint layer to the release layer or carrier film can be measured by the force required to separate the two layers. The “separation” force, referred to as the delamination peel force, can be measured by ASTM method D-3330 method D. A suitable force to achieve medium adhesion between the overprint layer and the carrier film (or a release layer on the carrier film) is greater than 0 g / in (0 g / mm), such as 0.01g / mm or greater or 0.1 g / mm or greater, optionally, the delamination peel force is 0.02 g / mm or greater, 0.03 g / mm or greater, 0.04 g / mm or greater, 0.05 g / mm or greater, 0.06 g / mm or greater, 0.07 g / mm or greater, 0.08 g / mm or greater, or 0.09 g / mm or greater. However, generally the delamination peel force between the overprint layer and the carrier film (or a release layer on the carrier film) does not exceed 127 g / in (5 g / mm) or 76.2 g / in (3 g / mm). A suitable delamination peel force range to achieve medium adhesion between 12 45761626.1 the overprint layer and the carrier film (or a release layer on the carrier film) is from 0.01 g / mm to 5 g / mm, optionally from 0.01 g / mm to 3 g / mm; in some labels, a suitable delamination peel force range to achieve medium adhesion between the overprint layer and the carrier film (or a release layer on the carrier film) is from 0.1 g / mm to 5 g / mm, optionally from 0.1 g / mm to 3 g / mm. The adhesion forces between the adhesive layer and the surface of the container must be greater than the adhesion forces between the overprint layer and the carrier; however, the adhesion forces between the overprint layer and the carrier film must be greater than the adhesion forces between the adhesive layer the backside of the carrier film (or a second release layer). This allows the system to be self-wound without causing premature blocking or delamination of the thin label, while still allowing the thin label to be transferred from the carrier to the container during the application process. The overprint layer releases cleanly from the release layer or carrier film (i.e., in the absence of a release layer at the interface of the overprint layer and carrier film). “Releases cleanly” generally means that the overprint layer delaminates evenly and without defect from the release layer or carrier film and is free of debris and buildup as evaluated by visual inspection. Delamination peel force values of 5 g / mm or less coupled with higher load mean force values, such as 10 g or greater, generally provide overprint layers that have durable film qualities during transfer of the overprint label system from the carrier film to the container or substrate. Optionally, the overprint layer is chemically resistant to common cleaning agents, such as isopropanol, methyl ethyl ketone, water, ethanol, propanol, acetone, glycol ethers, vegetable oil, naphtha-based press wash solutions, petroleum-based press wash solutions, lacquer thinner, and turpentine. As a non-limiting example, chemical resistance can be demonstrated using a Crock Meter Rub tester fitted with cheese cloth on the rubbing surface, where overprint layer film samples, saturated with either methyl ethyl ketone or isopropyl alcohol, are mechanically rubbed for 50 double rubs. Dissolution or damage to the overprint layer film before 50 rubs or at 50 rubs indicates that the overprint layer is not chemically resistant, while samples that do not show any damage after 50 double rubs are considered to have an overprint layer with chemical resistance. Further the release layer or carrier film is smooth and undisturbed as evaluated by visual inspection. iv. Materials in Overprint Layer The overprint layer typically contains one or more polymers. In some forms, the polymers are homopolymers or co-polymers. The co-polymers can be block co-polymers, alternating co- polymers, graft co-polymers, or random co-polymers. Further, the homopolymers or co-polymers can be linear polymers, branched polymers, cross-linked polymers, or combinations thereof. For 13 45761626.1 example, the co-polymer can contain one more linear segments and one or more cross-linked segments. Following curing of a UV-curable precursor composition that was coated onto one side of the carrier film (or a release layer that is on one side of the carrier film), the resulting coating is an overprint layer. The polymers in the overprint layer can be formed from the monofunctional and / or multifunctional precursor materials described above. Accordingly, suitable polymers that form the overprint layer include poly(acrylate) polymers, poly(alkacrylate) polymers, poly(urethane) polymers, poly(urethane acrylate) polymers, poly(ethoxylated acrylate) polymers, polyester / polyether acrylates, and saturated or unsaturated poly(urethane acrylate) polymers, and co-polymers and combinations thereof. Exemplary polymers that can be present in the overprint layer include poly(isodecyl acrylate); poly(2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) ethyl acrylate); poly(dodecyl acrylate); poly(tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate); poly(isobornyl acrylate); poly(trimethylcyclohexyl acrylate); poly(polyethylene glycol acrylate); poly(polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate), e.g. poly(polyethylene glycol (1000) dimethyacrylate); poly(trimethylolpropane triacrylate); poly(neopentyl glycol propoxylate (2) diacrylate); poly(dipropylene glycol diacrylate); poly(triglycerol diacrylate); poly(hexanediol diacrylate); poly(ethoxylated (3) bisphenol A diacrylate); poly(trimethoxylolpropane ethoxy triacrylate); poly(ethoxylated (20) trimethylolpropane triacrylate); and poly(ethoxylated (15) trimethylolpropane triacrylate); and co-polymers and combinations thereof. Preferably, the overprint layer contains poly(dipropylene glycol diacrylate), poly(triglycerol diacrylate), poly(hexanediol diacrylate), poly(ethoxylated (3) bisphenol A diacrylate), or poly(trimethoxylolpropane ethoxy triacrylate), or a co-polymer or a combination thereof. v. Optional coating on Overprint Layer Optionally, a further coating is placed on top of the overprint layer. Suitable materials for coating the overprint layer 130 include, but are not limited to, low molecular weight PVC plasticized with Palamoll® 652 and cast from tetrahydrofuran (THF), water based polyurethane systems (optionally diluted with PVA or other water based systems to get better release from film), materials in the Hybridur® Series 878 (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)-free aliphatic urethane- acrylic hybrid polymer dispersion), 570 (an acrylic-urethane hybrid polymer dispersion), 870 (NMP-free anionically stabilized acrylic urethane hybrid polymer dispersion), 580 (an acrylic- urethane hybrid polymer dispersion), Sancure® 20041 (alphatic polyurethane dispersion), Impranil® DL 1537 (anionic aliphatic polyester-polyurethane dispersion), Carboset® 514H (acrylic colloidal dispersion polymer in ammonia water), Neocryl® A-1120 (solvent free, high solids, modified acrylic styrene copolymer dispersion), Joncryl® 544 from BASF (self-crosslinking acrylic 14 45761626.1 emulsion), Dur-O-Set® E-351 (vinylacetate ethylene copolymer emulsion), and combinations thereof. B. Indicia layer The indicia layer includes at least the digital indicia layer 126 and can be positioned in the label as shown in any of FIGs.2A-5B. Preferably, the digital indicia layer 126 is formed from an ink / dye / pigment formulation. In some forms, the digital indicia layer 126 applied to the overprint layer 130 or the interlayer 170, as shown in FIGs.2A-5B. In some forms, the digital indicia layer 126 and the flexographic layer (e.g., the white flexographic layer) 125 collectively form the indicia layer. The digital indicia layer 126 and the flexographic layer (e.g., the white flexographic layer) 125 can be present as two separate layers or can be merged to form one layer. The ink / dye / pigment formulation includes carrier solvents and materials dissolved in the solvents. The ink / dye / pigment formulation can be applied and dried onto the overprint layer 130 or interlayer 170 or diffuse into the overprint layer 130 or interlayer 170. The ink / dye / pigment formulation can be added after the overprint layer 130 or interlayer 170 is dried / cured or while the overprint layer 130 or interlayer 170 is drying / curing. The indicia layer can be formed with a number of techniques common to the art of offset sheet and web-based printing. This includes, but is not limited to, flexographic printing, offset printing, digital printing, laser printing, inkjet printing, heat-set printing, gravure printing, and screen printing. Each technique provides a plurality of different ink / dye / pigment options that are compatible with this system and typical for the art of label printing. The indicia layer can be in two separate layers based on the technique used to form it. For example, referring to FIG.2A, the indicia layer can be separated into two layers: one layer, a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125 formed from flexographic printing (e.g., a flexographic white printing) and the other layer, a digital indicia layer, 126 formed from digital printing. Preferably, the combination of the flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 126 and the digital ink layer 126 provides the complete indicia. The indicia layer that includes a digital indicia layer 126 or both In the digital indicia layer 126 and the flexographic layer (e.g., the white flexographic layer) 125 provides decoration to the substrate, information about the contents of the labeled container, or both. In some embodiments, the indicia layer in a single label provides the complete indicia, i.e., the desired decoration to the substrate, information about the contents of the labeled container, or both. In this instance, the overprint layer 130, the adhesive layer 110, or both, each form a continuous layer upon or under which the indicia layer is located. Preferably, both the overprint layer 130 and the adhesive layer 110 form continuous layers. See, FIGs.7A and 7B. 15 45761626.1 In other embodiments, the information and / or design on a group of labels when assembled together provides the complete indicia. See, e.g. FIGs.7C and 7D. In these embodiments, each indicia layer in each of the labels in the group provides a portion of the indicia in the complete indicia. The complete indicia is located on and / or under discontinuous regions that contain an adhesive layer upon which a portion of the complete indicia is located. When assembled together on a substrate, the group of labels define regions on the substrate where a label is located, and each label is separated from another label by a region of the substrate that does not contain a label (or an adhesive layer, or overprint layer, or both). The addition of surfactants to the ink / dye / pigment formulation used to produce the indicia layer can provide an extended decap time without compromising the drying time on a substrate. Surfactants can also alter the viscosity of the formulations and can further prevent the viscosity of the formulations from altering. Viscosity ranges of the inks are very wide and depend on printing method. Offset printing inks typically range in viscosity from 40,000 to 100,000 cps at 25°C. Gravure printing inks typically range in viscosity from 50 to 500 cps at 25°C. i. Digital Indicia Layer 1. Materials The digital indicia layer 126 can be formed from one or more digital inks. Digital inks typically contain a carrier solvent and a colorant, such as a dye or pigment. Digital inks can be solvent based inks, water-based inks, UV inks, print inks, or a combination thereof. Solvent-based inks typically contain between 60-70% non-polar solvents and chemicals and 30-40% pigments. Water-based inks typically contain 30-40% polar solvents and chemicals and 23-35% pigments, and 30-35% water. UV inks typically contain photoinitiators, colorants, water, surfactants, preservatives, and / or functional additives. Printing inks typically contain a pigment, a binder, a solvent, and / or various additives. Suitable materials that can be dissolved in one or more carrier solvents to generate the ink formulation for forming digital indicia layer 126 include, but are not limited to, a resin, a surfactant and a colorant. Additional examples digital printing ink compositions are described in WO2005 / 052071, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 2. Properties The use of digital inks allows for the facile inclusion of the full range of color spectrum and shades to the labels. Preferably, the digital inks have excellent color strength; have small particle size; are resistant to light and / or weather; have low conductivity; can print quickly; and / or rapidly cure. 16 45761626.1 ii. Flexographic layer 1. Materials The flexographic layer can be formed from one or more flexographic inks. Flexographic inks can be solvent-based inks that dry by solvent evaporation; water-based inks that also dry by evaporation and the delivery medium is water or solvent in addition to water; or UV-cured inks that do not require a medium, make use of liquid components in inks, and are chemically cured during the printing process. Suitable materials that can be dissolved in the carrier solvents to generate the ink formulation for forming the flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125 include, but are not limited to, a resin, a surfactant, extender pigment, plasticizer / wax / additives, and a colorant. The type of substrate can help guide a resin that should be included in formulating flexographic printing inks. Some examples of resin include, but are not limited to, nitrocellulose, soluble acrylic polymers, polyurethanes, alcohol–soluble grades of ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate propionate, polyamides, poly(vinyl butyral), ketone resins, and PVC – PVA copolymers. Additional examples of flexographic ink compositions are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 20060086285A1 by Global Printing Solutions, Inc., the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. The flexographic inks can be formulated to have a white color, such as be selection of a suitable resin and / or pigment. 2. Properties Flexographic printing inks typically range in viscosity from 50 to 500 cps at 25°C. The flexographic ink can be selected such that the flexographic layer has a desired level of opacity. For example, flexo white is quite opaque. iii. Further details of materials for the indicial layer Additional details on materials that can be used as a carrier solvent, a resin, a surfactant, and a colorant are described below. 1. Carrier Solvent Generally, the solvent can be any material that can dissolve and / or disperse the resin and other materials in the ink / dye / pigment formulation. Depending on the choice of a substrate for which an ink / dye / pigment formulation is targeted, a solvent (such as an organic solvent) can be selected based on the evaporation rate of a solvent. Certain non-aqueous inks have been disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2005 / 0039634 to Hermansky, US 2009 / 0246377 to Robertson, et al., and US 2010 / 0098860 to Robertson, et al. and in published PCT applications WO 2010 / 042104 to Barreto, et al. and WO 2010 / 042105 to Barreto, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 17 45761626.1 The evaporation rate of a solvent can typically be determined by the ASTM method D3359, and can be reported as a relative evaporation rate (RER), usually relative to n-butyl acetate. Based on this RER, the solvents can be grouped in a manner depending on the application envisioned. The solvents are categorized as a fast, intermediate and a slow solvent according to their RERs: solvents having a RER greater than 1.0 can be grouped as fast solvents; solvents having a RER from about 1.0 to about 0.01 can be grouped as intermediate solvents; and solvents having a RER less than about 0.01 can be grouped as slow solvents. The RERs can typically be correlated with the volatility of a solvent. A fast solvent typically evaporates faster and can lead to rapidly increasing viscosity of an ink. Although a solvent may be mentioned as a single chemical entity, derivatives of such solvents can include its structural isomers and other oligomers. The organic solvents described herein, may be used either in an anhydrous or wet form. Examples of fast solvents can include methanol, ethanol, propanol, iso-propanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, pentane, hexane, heptane, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, tert-butyl acetate, tert-butanol, tetrahydrofuran, and their mixtures. Examples of intermediate solvents can include C4-8 alcohols (e.g., butanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol, octanol, and the like), propylene glycol ethers (e.g., propylene glycol mono methyl ether, propylene glycol mono ethyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, and the like), dihydric alcohols (e.g., ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and the like), 1-methoxy-2-acetoxy propane, cyclohexanone, and their mixtures. Examples of slow solvents can include, but are not limited to, glycol ethers having at least about 10 carbon atoms (e.g., at least about 11 carbon atoms, at least about 12 carbon atoms, at least about 13 carbon atoms, at least about 14 carbon atoms, or at least about 15 carbon atoms), dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol n- butyl ether, tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether, tripropylene glycol-n-butyl ether, propylene glycol phenyl ether, and their mixtures. The RERs of certain glycol ethers have been reviewed by Smith, R. L., in Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol.57, pp.1-4 (1984), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of commercial solvents include “Dowanol TPM tripropylene glycol methyl ether,” and “Dowanol PM propylene glycol methyl ether” available from Dow Chemical (Midland. MI). The approach described above, using different types of solvent, is well suited to develop conventional printing inks. Also contemplated are materials and approaches employed to develop other types of printing inks, such as toner inks for a laser printer. For example, U.S. Patent No. 8,206,884 to Yang, et al., describes a method for preparing toner using micro-suspension particles, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 18 45761626.1 2. Resin The resin typically provides the ink / dye / pigment formulation with a desired viscosity, thermal stability, flexibility, and adhesion properties. Examples of resins include, but are not limited to, rosin modified phenolic resins, phenolic resins, styrene-acrylic resins, polyketone resins, derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof. The inks optionally include other types of resins, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), acrylic, polyurethane, polyamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), or vinyl resins, acacia (gum arabic); gum ghatti; guar gum; locust (carob) bean gum; karaya gum (sterculia gum); gum tragacanth; chicle; highly stabilized rosin ester; tall oil; manila copais; corn gluten; coumarone-indene resins; crown gum; damar gum; p, alpha-dimethylstyrene; gum elemi; a rosin glycerol ester; an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); a polyamide resin; ethylene oxide polymer and its adducts; ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymer and its adducts; galbanum resin; gellan gum; ghatti gum; gluten gum; gualac gum; guarana gum; heptyl paraben; cellulose resins, including methyl and hydroxypropyl; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose resins; isobutylene-isoprene copolymer; mastic gum; oat gum; opopanax gum; polyacrylamide; modified polyacrylamide resin; polylimonene; polyisobutylene (min. MW 37,000); polymaleic acid; polyoxyethylene derivatives; polypropylene glycol (MW 1200-3000); polyvinyl acetate; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl polypyrrolidone; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; rosin, adduct with fumaric acid, pentaerythritol ester; rosin, gum, glycerol ester; rosin, gum or wood, pentaerythritol ester; rosin, gum or wood, partially hydrogenated, glycerol ester; rosin, gum or wood, partially hydrogenated, pentaerythritol ester; rosin, methyl ester, partially hydrogenated; rosin, partially dimerized, glycerol ester; rosin, partially hydrogenated; rosin and rosin derivatives; rosin, polymerized, glycerol ester; rosin, tall oil, glycerol ester; rosin, wood; rosin, wood, glycerol ester; purified shellac; styrene; styrene terpolymers; styrene copolymers; sucrose acetate isobutyrate; terpene resins, natural and synthetic; turpentine gum; vinylacetate; vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride copolymer; zanthan gum; and zein. Examples of commercial resins include the Joncryl family of resins (available from BASF), Reactol K3107 (a phenolic resin from Hexion), Resin SK (a polyketone resin from Evonik), Alnovol PN320 (a novolak phenolic resin from Cytec), Laropal A81 (an aliphatic aldehyde resin from BASF), and Foral 85 hydrogenated rosin ester resin, available from Hercules Chemical Company, Inc.; 111 South Street, Passaic, N.J.07055. Preferred molecular weights for these polymers range from 150,000 daltons to 1,000,000 daltons, more preferably from 200,000 daltons to 500,000 daltons. 3. Surfactant Optionally, the ink / dye / pigment formulation includes one or more surfactants. The surfactant(s) can serve to alter the surface tension of the ink / dye / pigment formulation. Suitable 19 45761626.1 types of surfactants include, but are not limited to, anionic (such as sulfate esters, carboxylates, sulfonates, or phosphonates), cationic, nonionic (such as polyol based, polyglycerols based, fluorocarbon based, siloxane-based, alkyl phenol based, or polyoxyethylene based) or amphoteric (such as phosphatides, imidazoline derivatives, or betaines) surfactant compounds, such as those described in “Surfactants and Interfacial Phenomena,” Second Edition, M. J. Rosen, 1989, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, pages 1-32, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The inclusion of a surfactant within an ink / dye / pigment formulation can lead to a barrier in the form of a layer of surfactant at the interface of air and bulk ink, thereby reducing, and preferably substantially eliminating, the ability of the solvent to evaporate from the bulk ink / dye / pigment formulation. By reducing the solvent evaporation rate, and preferably entirely preventing solvent evaporation of the ink / dye / pigment formulations, the decap time can be increased. At the same time, once an ink / dye / pigment formulation is placed onto a substrate, fast evaporation (i.e., fast drying time) can occur because the surfactant molecules can spread out over a larger surface area instead of being confined to a surface that is under tension. Fluorosurfactants are surfactants that can either be ionic (with the fluorine-containing moiety being part of either the cationic or the anionic part) or nonionic (such as fluorocarbon chain- containing alcohols). The fluorosurfactants can be ethoxylated surfactants (i.e., polyethyleneoxide modified) or polytetrafluoroalkylene surfactants. Ethoxylated surfactants include one or more of ethylene oxide monomeric units. Polytetrafluoroalkylene surfactants include one or more of tetrafluoroalkylene units. Examples of fluorosurfactants include polyethylene oxide-b- poly(tetrafluoroethylene) polymers, 2-(perfluoroalkyl)ethyl stearate, anionic lithium carboxylate fluorosurfactant, anionic phosphate fluorosurfactant, anionic phosphate surfactant, amphoteric quaternary ammonium-acetate fluorosurfactant, fluoroaliphatic polymeric esters, their derivatives, and their mixtures. Examples of commercial fluorosurfactants include Zonyl family of fluorosurfactants (e.g., Zonyl FSO 100, Zonyl FSN, Zonyl FTS) and Capstone family of fluorosurfactants (available from DuPont Chemicals, Wilmington, Del.), or Fluorad FC 170-C, FC171, FC430 and FC431 available from 3M of St. Paul, Minn. Hermansky (see above) discloses the complete drying of the inks in the presence of Zonyl FSX surfactant. Siloxane-based surfactants are surfactants which can be copolymers of silyl ethers and epoxy (ethylene oxide, propylene oxide) oligomers or polymers. Examples of siloxane-based surfactants include polysiloxane-b-ethylene oxide, polysiloxane-b-propylene oxide, polysiloxane-b- propylene oxide / ethylene oxide, their derivatives, and their mixtures. Examples of commercial 20 45761626.1 siloxane-based surfactants include copolymers such as SILWET® copolymers including Silwet L- 7604, available from GE Silicones; Troysol Q-148 and 5366 available from Troy Chemical. Acetylenic diol-based surfactants are surfactants which can be acetylenic diols comprising hydrophobic groups at the end of the acetylenic spacer and hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic ethers hanging off of the hydroxyl groups. Examples of acetylenic diol-based surfactants include, 2,4,7,9- tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol (TMDD), 2,5,8,11-tetramethyl-6-dodecyne-5,8-diol, their derivatives, and their mixtures. Examples of commercial acetylenic diol-based surfactants include Dynol series (Dynol 604) and Surfynol series (Surfynol 104, 420, 465, 485, TG-E, SE, etc.) available from Air Products. Hydrocarbon-based surfactants are surfactants which can be polyoxyethylenated alkyl phenols (APE type), polyoxyethylenated short chain alcohols (AE type), or long chain organic acid esters. Examples of hydrocarbon-based surfactants include polyoxyethylene (10) isooctylcyclohexyl ether, (1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl-polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol tert-octylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monopalmitate, their derivatives, and their mixtures. Examples of commercial hydrocarbon-based surfactants include Triton X Series and Tergitol Series, both from Dow Chemical; the TWEEN Series from ICI Americas; and the Igepal Series from Hallstar. 4. Colorants The ink / dye / pigment formulation may include a colorant, which provides color to the ink / dye / pigment formulation. The ink / dye / pigment formulation can contain a sufficient amount of a colorant that the ink / dye / pigment formulation has color, but not so much as to interfere with other desirable qualities, such as surface tension or viscosity. An ink / dye / pigment formulation can include one or more colorants (e.g., one or more pigments, one or more dyes, or their mixtures). Colorants can provide an ink / dye / pigment formulation with, for example, a desired color and / or opacity. Exemplary colors can include black, cyan, magenta, yellow, red, blue, green, brown, or their combinations. Examples of suitable pigments include Color Index Pigment Black 7; Pigment Blue 15; Pigment Red 112, 146, 170 and 208; Pigment Yellow 17 and 83; Pigment Green 7; carbon black, graphite; and pigment white titanium dioxide. Additional examples are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. 5,389,133 to Xerox Corporation, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The pigment may also have a modifying group on its surface, such as an oxygen-containing functionality (e.g., a carboxyl or phenol group). An example of a commercially available pigmented colorant can be “Special Black 4A” available from Evonik Degussa (Germany). 21 45761626.1 Examples of dyes include Orasol Pink 5BLG, Black RLI, Blue 2GLN, Red G, Yellow 2GLN, Blue GN, Blue BLN, Black CN, and Brown CR (all available from Ciba-Geigy, Inc., Mississauga, Ontario); Morfast Blue 100, Red 101, Red 104, Yellow 102, Black 101, and Black 108 (all available from Morton Chemical Company, Ajax, Ontario); and a mixture thereof. 5. Other Modifying Agents in the Ink / dye / pigment Formulations The ink / dye / pigment formulations can contain smaller amounts of other ingredients without hindering the desired properties of the inks. Such ingredients include, but are not limited to, dispersants, anti-foaming agents, wetting agents, viscosity modifiers, and light stabilizers. C. Adhesive layer Referring to FIGs.5A and 5B, the adhesive layer 110 abuts the flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125 that in turn abuts the digital indicia layer 126. The interlayer 170 is between the digital indicia layer 126 and the overprint layer 130 that preferably forms the outermost layer of the label system when the label is in contact with a substrate, such as a container 300. The adhesive layer 110 provides sufficient adhesive force to attach the label to the desired container substrate. This includes enough force to delaminate or transfer the overprint layer and indicia layer from the release carrier to the container and maintain enough force to secure the label to the container. The type and strength of the adhesive layer determines the type of release coating or treatment on the carrier film. Optionally, a layer can exist between the indicia layer and the adhesive layer to provide barrier properties to the indicia from the adhesive or to provide a priming effect for the adhesive. The adhesive composition used to form the adhesive layer can be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), such as a clear water-based pressure sensitive coating, UV curable pressure sensitive coating, heat activated / thermosetting adhesive, contact activated adhesive, two-part thermoset adhesive and / or fluid activated adhesive. Approaches to apply the adhesive layer to the indicia layer include, but are not limited to, utilizing a printing press or coating station on a printing press. i. Materials The adhesive compositions can contain a single polymer (e.g., homopolymers, copolymer, terpolymer, etc.) or a mixture of polymers, such as homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, etc., and combinations thereof. 1. Pressure sensitive adhesives In some embodiments, the adhesive layer contains a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) and one or more tackifiers. These adhesives may be used to reduce the contact pressure required to bond 22 45761626.1 the layers together, and / or increase the adhesion between the layers. PSAs include polymers such as polyethylenes, polysiloxanes, polyisobutylenes, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyurethanes, plasticized ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and tacky rubbers such as polyisobutene, polybutadiene, polystyrene-isoprene copolymers, polystyrene-butadiene, neoprene (polychloroprene), copolymers, and mixtures of polymers. Exemplary UV-curable precursor materials for forming a pressure sensitive adhesive include Rad Bond 12PSFLV, Rad Bond 12PS12LVFB, and Rad Bond 12PS2HTLV. 2. Fluid activatable Adhesive Compositions In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is a non-tacky fluid activatable adhesive. Exemplary fluid activatable adhesives and their corresponding activation agents are described in pending application, U.S. Patent No.9,254,936, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. ii. Properties The adhesive layer can be applied to glass and plastics commonly used in commercial applications including, but not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PETE, PET, PETG), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), low- density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinyl chloride films, and TYVEK®, as well as other low energy and thermoplastic substrates. The adhesive layer can also be applied to paper, cardboard, or metal surfaces. The adhesive layer provides good adhesion to the desired substrate. It is also optically clear. The adhesive layer is preferably formulated for caustic removability, such that the container and label can be separated in a recycling plant or bottle washer. For example, the adhesion of the adhesive layer to the substrate is sufficiently strong to require a peel force value to separate the adhesive layer from the substrate that is at least about 10 times, at least about 20 times, at least about 30 times, or at least about 35 times greater than the delamination force required to separate the carrier film from the overprint layer. Optionally, the adhesion between the adhesive layer to the substrate is even stronger, for example the peel force value required to separate the adhesive layer from the substrate can be at least about 100 times greater, or at least about 200 times greater than the delamination force required to separate the carrier film from the overprint layer. D. Interlayer The interlayer 170 is formed from a formulation that is applied to the layer that precedes the interlayer. The interlayer can be in any suitable position wherein proper cohesion occurs. The interlayer formulation is formed from a composition that includes monofunctional monomers, 23 45761626.1 bifunctional monomers. Optionally, the composition that forms the interlayer formulation includes resins (preferably inert resins). In some forms, the interlayer formulation is formed from a composition that includes a low functional monomer (e.g., monofunctional monomer or a bifunctional monomer) and resins (preferably inert resins). In some forms, the interlayer formulation is formed from a composition that includes a low functional monomer (e.g., monofunctional monomer or a bifunctional monomer) and a high functional monomer. In some forms, the interlayer formulation is formed from a composition that includes a high functional monomer and resins (preferably inert resins). In some forms, the interlayer formulation is formed from a composition that includes monofunctional monomers, bifunctional monomers, and resins (preferably inert resins). In some forms, the interlayer formulation is formed from a composition that includes monofunctional monomers and resins (preferably inert resins). In some forms, the interlayer formulation is formed from a composition that includes bifunctional monomers and resins (preferably inert resins). As described above, “monomer” refers to a molecule that can react together with other monomer molecules to form larger polymer chains such as pre-polymers and oligomers. Preferably, the interlayer can include particles with average sizes ranging between about 20 nm and about 20 µm. In some forms, these particles can be the inert resins. Additional materials that can be included in a composition for forming the interlayer formulation include, but are not limited to, a photoinitiator, a high functional monomer, a defoamer, a dispersant (e.g., a surfactant), an optical brightener, or a combination thereof. The interlayer formulation can be applied and dried onto the preceding layer or diffuse into the preceding layer. The interlayer formulation can be added after the preceding layer is dried / cured or while the preceding layer is drying / curing. As used herein, a high functional monomer is a monomer that contains three or more, preferably four or more groups capable of cross-linking via covalent bond formation, such as an acrylate containing an olefinic group. A high functional monomer can have a functionality from 3 to 10, 3 to 8, 3 to 5, 4 to 10, 4 to 8, or 4 to 5, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. i. Materials In general, the material for forming the interlayer contains a monomer, an inert resin, and optionally a photoinitiator. In some forms, the material for forming the interlayer contains a monomer, an inert resin, and a photoinitiator. In some forms, the material for forming the interlayer contains a low functional monomer (e.g., monofunctional monomer or a bifunctional monomer) and resins (preferably inert resins). In some forms, the material for forming the interlayer contains a low functional monomer (e.g., monofunctional monomer or a bifunctional monomer) and a high functional monomer. In some forms, the material for forming the interlayer contains a high 24 45761626.1 functional monomer and resins (preferably inert resins). Other optional additives include a stabilizer, a defoamer, a dispersant (polymeric or non-polymeric, such as a surfactant), and optical brighteners. In some forms, the interlayer contains particles with average sizes ranging between about 20 nm and about 20 µm, such as silica. In some forms, the interlayer composition contains an inert resin of at least 8wt% and / or a monomer with a functionality of 3 or greater. Materials suitable for forming the interlayer include, but are not limited to, a solventless UV-cured system, a solvent or solventless system for electronic beam curing, water-based or solvent-based systems such as solution polymers or copolymers, one-part polyurethane system, two-part polyurethane system (applied at multiple print or coating stations), hot-melt polymers or copolymers and epoxy systems that can be cured applied at one or multiple print or coating stations. Hybrid systems combining the aforementioned are also suitable. In some embodiments, the material for forming the interlayer is a UV-curable system (e.g., a solventless UV-curable system). The UV- curable system can also be referred to as a UV-curable precursor formulation or a UV-curable precursor composition. Preferably, the UV-curable system contains one or more UV-curable precursor materials (e.g., monomers, oligomers, and / or pre-polymers that contain a functional group involved in a curing process of the UV-curable system). The precursor material(s) can constitute between about 75% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, between about 80% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, or between about 85% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, of the UV-curable system. In some forms, the UV-curable system contains UV-curable precursor materials that are the same as UV-curable precursor materials used to form the overprint layer. In some forms, the UV- curable system contains UV-curable precursor materials that are different from UV-curable precursor materials used to form the overprint layer. In some forms, the UV-curable system contains photoinitiators that are the same as UV-curable precursor materials used to form the overprint layer. In some forms, the UV-curable system contains photoinitiators that are different from photoinitiators used to form the overprint layer. 1. Monomers The monomers, oligomers, and / or pre-polymers contain a single functional group that is involved in the curing process, i.e., a monofunctional precursor material. Exemplary monofunctional monomers include compounds that have a single acrylate or alkacrylate functionality, such as isodecyl acrylate, 1-vinylhexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) ethyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate, trimethylcyclohexyl acrylate, or polyethylene glycol acrylate. Optionally, the coating material for forming the interlayer 25 45761626.1 contains more than one monomer, where each monomer is a monofunctional or bifunctional precursor material, optionally the functional group on each precursor is the same or different. In some forms, the monomer contains two functional groups that are involved in the curing process, i.e., a multifunctional precursor material. In some forms, the monomer is bifunctional. In some forms, when a polydispersed monomer, is used, the number of functional groups, on average, can be between 2 integer values, such as between monofunctional and bifunctional. Exemplary multifunctional UV-curable precursor materials include, but are not limited to, compounds that have two acrylate functionalities. Suitable bifunctional monomers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (e.g. polyethylene glycol (1000) dimethyacrylate), neopentyl glycol propoxylate (2) diacrylate, dipropylene glycol diacrylate, triglycerol diacrylate, hexanediol diacrylate, ethoxylated (3) bisphenol A diacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol-EO-diacrylate, Polyethylene glycol (600) diacrylate, or combinations thereof. Suitable monomers can be pre-polymers that include, but are not limited to, quasi prepolymers based on polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), quasi prepolymers based on poly esters, ester base prepolymers, PTMEG based prepolymers, polypropylene glycol based prepolymers, and / or polyethylene glycol (PEG) based prepolymers. Exemplary pre-polymers include PEG 600-diacrylate. Additional examples of monomers that can be included in formulations for the interlayer include those described in Rahn’s product guide internet site rahn-group.com / en / rahn / download- document / dc9b4777-aac5-4365-9095-bf5515b30df4 / pd_product_brochure_rahn_product- guide_2024_a4.pdf, accessed September 11, 2024). The monomer constitutes between about 10% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, between about 15% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, between about 20% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, between about 25% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, between about 30% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, between about 35% wt / wt and about 95% wt / wt, or between about 35% wt / wt and about 90% wt / wt. In some forms, the monomer constitutes about 68% wt / wt of the interlayer. 2. Resin The resin broadly refers to polymeric materials, natural or synthetic, that form part of the interlayer and typically provides the interlayer with a desired viscosity, thermal stability, flexibility, and adhesion properties, when present. As used herein, the term “inert resins” refers to resins that are substantially chemically non-reactive under one or more conditions involved in the processing / formation of the interlayer or one or more end-use conditions of the disclosed label. In this instance, “substantially chemically non-reactive” means that the inert resins, under one or more 26 45761626.1 of the conditions used for processing and / or forming the interlayer, as well as during one or more end-use of the disclosed label, do not undergo one or more chemical reactions. The inert resins maintain their chemical structure and / or stability, without reacting with other materials or degrading, to an extent that would affect a function or physical property of the interlayer or label. Examples of resins include, but are not limited to, rosin modified phenolic resins, phenolic resins, styrene-acrylic resins, polyketone resins, derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof. The interlayer optionally include other types of resins, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), acrylic, polyurethane, polyamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), or vinyl resins, acacia (gum arabic); gum ghatti; guar gum; locust (carob) bean gum; karaya gum (sterculia gum); gum tragacanth; chicle; highly stabilized rosin ester; tall oil; manila copais; corn gluten; coumarone-indene resins; crown gum; damar gum; p, alpha-dimethylstyrene; gum elemi; a rosin glycerol ester; an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); a polyamide resin; ethylene oxide polymer and its adducts; ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymer and its adducts; galbanum resin; gellan gum; ghatti gum; gluten gum; gualac gum; guarana gum; heptyl paraben; cellulose resins, including methyl and hydroxypropyl; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose resins; isobutylene-isoprene copolymer; mastic gum; oat gum; opopanax gum; polyacrylamide; modified polyacrylamide resin; polylimonene; polyisobutylene (min. MW 37,000); polymaleic acid; polyoxyethylene derivatives; polypropylene glycol (MW 1200-3000); polyvinyl acetate; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl polypyrrolidone; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; rosin, adduct with fumaric acid, pentaerythritol ester; rosin, gum, glycerol ester; rosin, gum or wood, pentaerythritol ester; rosin, gum or wood, partially hydrogenated, glycerol ester; rosin, gum or wood, partially hydrogenated, pentaerythritol ester; rosin, methyl ester, partially hydrogenated; rosin, partially dimerized, glycerol ester; rosin, partially hydrogenated; rosin and rosin derivatives; rosin, polymerized, glycerol ester; rosin, tall oil, glycerol ester; rosin, wood; rosin, wood, glycerol ester; purified shellac; styrene; styrene terpolymers; styrene copolymers; sucrose acetate isobutyrate; terpene resins, natural and synthetic; turpentine gum; vinylacetate; vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride copolymer; zanthan gum; and zein. Examples of commercial resins include NeoCryl B-813, the Viascreen family of resin, such as Viascreen 515, Viascreen 520, Viascreen 521, and Viascreen 501, Joncryl family of resins (available from BASF), Reactol K3107 (a phenolic resin from Hexion), Resin SK (a polyketone resin from Evonik), Alnovol PN320 (a novolak phenolic resin from Cytec), Laropal A81 (an aliphatic aldehyde resin from BASF), and Foral 85 hydrogenated rosin ester resin, available from Hercules Chemical Company, Inc.; 111 South Street, Passaic, N.J.07055. Preferred molecular weights for these polymers range from 150,000 daltons to 1,000,000 daltons, more preferably from 200,000 daltons to 500,000 daltons. 27 45761626.1 The resin constitutes between about 1% wt / wt and about 40% wt / wt, between about 1% wt / wt and about 35% wt / wt, between about 1% wt / wt and about 30% wt / wt, between about 2% wt / wt and about 25% wt / wt, or between about 1% wt / wt and about 25% wt / wt when present in the interlayer and / or a formulation used to form the interlayer. In some forms, the resin constitutes about 14% wt / wt when present in the interlayer and / or a formulation used to form the interlayer. 3. Optional Additives a. Stabilizer In some forms, the coating material for forming the interlayer contains stabilizers to maintain reactivity during the curing process and viscosity. In some embodiments, the stabilizers are phenolic based stabilizers, phenothiazine stabilizers, nitrosophenylhydroxylamine (NPHA) based stabilizer, aromatic amine based stabilizer, metal deactivator stabilizers, Alkoxylamine (NOR) HALS stabilizers, and nitroxyl stabilizers. Exemplary stabilizers include, but are not limited to, the Genorad family, such as Genorad 16, Genorad 18, Genorad 20, Genorad 21, Genorad 22, Genorad 23, Genorad 24, Genorad 26, Genorad 40, and Genorad 41. The stabilizer constitutes between about 0.1% wt / wt and about 10% wt / wt, between about 0.1% wt / wt and about 8% wt / wt, between about 0.1% wt / wt and about 6% wt / wt, between about 0.1% wt / wt and about 5% wt / wt, or between about 1% wt / wt and about 5% wt / wt. In some forms, the stabilizer constitutes about 2.5% wt / wt of the interlayer. b. Defoamer In some forms, the coating material for forming the interlayer contains defoamers to prevent foam formation. Exemplary defoamers include, but are not limited to, the BYK A family of products such as BYK A501, BYK A500, BYK A 501 SG, BYK A525, BYK A300, Resiflow LG- 99 available from Estron Chemical, etc. The defoamer constitutes between about 0.1% wt / wt and about 10% wt / wt, between about 0.1% wt / wt and about 8% wt / wt, between about 0.1% wt / wt and about 6% wt / wt, between about 0.1% wt / wt and about 5% wt / wt, or between about 1% wt / wt and about 5% wt / wt. In some forms, the defoamer constitutes about 1% wt / wt of the interlayer. c. High Functional Monomers In some forms, the coating material for forming the interlayer contains high functional monomers, pre-polymers, and / or oligomers, wherein the high functional monomers, pre-polymers, or oligomers, contain three or more functional groups that are involved in the curing process, i.e., a multifunctional precursor material. In some forms, the high functional monomer, pre-polymers, and / or oligomers, is trifunctional, tetrafunctional, pentafunctional, or hexafunctional. In some forms, when a polydispersed UV-curable precursor material, such as an oligomer, is used, the 28 45761626.1 number of functional groups, on average, can be between three integer values, such as between trifunctional and tetrafunctional, etc. Exemplary multifunctional UV-curable precursor materials include, but are not limited to, compounds that have three or more acrylate functionalities, three or more alkacrylate functionalities, and combinations thereof. Suitable high functional monomers include, but are not limited to, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, Miramer PS9600F, trimethoxylolpropane ethoxy triacrylate, ethoxylated (20) trimethylolpropane triacrylate, ethoxylated (15) trimethylolpropane triacrylate, or combinations thereof. The high functional monomers, pre-polymers, and / or oligomers, constitutes between about 1% wt / wt and about 80% wt / wt, between about 1% wt / wt and about 70% wt / wt, between about 1% wt / wt and about 60% wt / wt, between about 1% wt / wt and about 50% wt / wt, between about 1% wt / wt and about 40% wt / wt, between about 1% wt / wt and about 35% wt / wt, or between about 2% wt / wt and about 35% wt / wt. In some forms, the high functional monomer constitutes about 31% wt / wt of the interlayer. d. Silica In some forms, silica is added to the coating material for forming the interlayer to provide additional impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and promote crosslinking of the monomers. Exemplary silica include, but are not limited to, untreated thermal silica sold under the trade name ACEMATT® TS-100, fine particle sized wax-treated precipitated silica sold under the trade name ACEMATT ® OK-607. The particle size of the silica is between about 0.5 µm and about 20 µm, between about 0.5 µm and about 15 µm, between about 0.5 µm and about 10 µm, between about 1 µm and about 10 µm, or between about 3 µm and about 10 µm. In some forms, the particles size of the silica is 9.5 µm. The silica constitutes between about 1% wt / wt and about 50% wt / wt, between about 1% wt / wt and about 45% wt / wt, between about 1% wt / wt and about 40% wt / wt, between about 1% wt / wt and about 35% wt / wt, or between about 2% wt / wt and about 35% wt / wt. In some forms, the silica constitutes about 3.5% wt / wt of the interlayer. e. Optical Brightener Optionally, the interlayer includes one or more optical brighteners to label and identify interlayers with alternative compositions by enhancing the appearance of a color. Exemplary optical brighteners include, but are not limited to 2,2'-(2,5-thiophenediyl)-bis(5-tert-butylbenzoxazole), 29 45761626.1 4,4'-bis(benzoxazolyl)-cis-stilbene, 2,5-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)thiophene, 4,4′-diamino-2,2′- stilbenedisulfonic acid, disodium distyrylbiphenyl disulfonate, etc. The optical brightener absorbs light with wavelengths between about 350 nm and about 400 nm, between about 355 nm and about 400 nm, between about 360 nm and about 400 nm, between about 365 nm and about 400 nm, or between 365 nm and about 395 nm. The optical brightener constitutes between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 5% wt / wt, between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt, between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 2.5% wt / wt, between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 2% wt / wt, between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 1.5% wt / wt or between about 0.05% wt / wt and about 1.5% wt / wt. In some forms, the optical brightener constitutes about 0.1% wt / wt of the interlayer. f. Dispersant Optionally, the interlayer includes one or more dispersants. The dispersant serves to improve dispersion of the components and stability in the interlayer. Suitable types of dispersants include, but are not limited to, surfactants, colloidal dispersants, polymer dispersants, filler and particle dispersants, and bio-dispersants. In some embodiments, the dispersant is a surfactant or a polymer dispersant. (i). Surfactant Optionally, the interlayer includes one or more surfactants. The surfactant(s) can serve to alter the surface tension of the interlayer. Suitable types of surfactants include, but are not limited to, anionic (such as sulfate esters, carboxylates, sulfonates, or phosphonates), cationic, nonionic (such as polyol based, polyglycerols based, fluorocarbon based, siloxane-based, alkyl phenol based, or polyoxyethylene based) or amphoteric (such as phosphatides, imidazoline derivatives, or betaines) surfactant compounds, such as those described in “Surfactants and Interfacial Phenomena,” Second Edition, M. J. Rosen, 1989, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, pages 1- 32, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. With regard to surfactant in the labeling industry, siloxane can also be referred to as silicone, such that “siloxane-based surfactant” can also refer to a “silicone-based surfactant,” and such that the terms are used interchangeably. Fluorosurfactants are surfactants that can either be ionic (with the fluorine-containing moiety being part of either the cationic or the anionic part) or nonionic (such as fluorocarbon chain- containing alcohols). The fluorosurfactants can be ethoxylated surfactants (i.e., polyethyleneoxide modified) or polytetrafluoroalkylene surfactants. Ethoxylated surfactants include one or more of ethylene oxide monomeric units. Polytetrafluoroalkylene surfactants include one or more of tetrafluoroalkylene units. Examples of fluorosurfactants include polyethylene oxide-b- poly(tetrafluoroethylene) polymers, 2-(perfluoroalkyl)ethyl stearate, anionic lithium carboxylate 30 45761626.1 fluorosurfactant, anionic phosphate fluorosurfactant, anionic phosphate surfactant, amphoteric quaternary ammonium-acetate fluorosurfactant, fluoroaliphatic polymeric esters, their derivatives, and their mixtures. Examples of commercial fluorosurfactants include Zonyl family of fluorosurfactants (e.g., Zonyl FSO 100, Zonyl FSN, Zonyl FTS) and Capstone family of fluorosurfactants (available from DuPont Chemicals, Wilmington, Del.), or Fluorad FC 170-C, FC171, FC430 and FC431 available from 3M of St. Paul, Minn. Hermansky (see above) discloses the complete drying of the inks in the presence of Zonyl FSX surfactant. Siloxane-based surfactants are surfactants which can be copolymers of silyl ethers and epoxy (ethylene oxide, propylene oxide) oligomers or polymers. Examples of siloxane-based surfactants include polysiloxane-b-ethylene oxide, polysiloxane-b-propylene oxide, polysiloxane-b- propylene oxide / ethylene oxide, their derivatives, and their mixtures. Examples of commercial siloxane-based surfactants include copolymers such as BYK 019 available from BYK, DC-57 copolymers available from DOWSIL™, SILWET® copolymers including Silwet L-7604, available from GE Silicones; Troysol Q-148 and 5366 available from Troy Chemical. Acetylenic diol-based surfactants are surfactants which can be acetylenic diols comprising hydrophobic groups at the end of the acetylenic spacer and hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic ethers hanging off of the hydroxyl groups. Examples of acetylenic diol-based surfactants include, 2,4,7,9- tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol (TMDD), 2,5,8,11-tetramethyl-6-dodecyne-5,8-diol, their derivatives, and their mixtures. Examples of commercial acetylenic diol-based surfactants include Dynol series (Dynol 604) and Surfynol series (Surfynol 104, 420, 465, 485, TG-E, SE, etc.) available from Air Products. Hydrocarbon-based surfactants are surfactants which can be acrylic polymers, polyoxyethylenated alkyl phenols (APE type), polyoxyethylenated short chain alcohols (AE type), or long chain organic acid esters. Examples of hydrocarbon-based surfactants include polyoxyethylene (10) isooctylcyclohexyl ether, (1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl-polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol tert-octylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monopalmitate, their derivatives, and their mixtures. Examples of commercial hydrocarbon-based surfactants include Triton X Series and Tergitol Series, both from Dow Chemical; the TWEEN Series from ICI Americas; and the Igepal Series from Hallstar. The surfactant constitutes between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 5% wt / wt, between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt, between about 0.05% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt, between about 0.1% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt, between about 0.15% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt or between about 1% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt of the interlayer and / or a formulation used to form the interlayer. In 31 45761626.1 some forms, the surfactant constitutes about 1.5% wt / wt of the interlayer and / or a formulation used to form the interlayer. In some forms, the surfactant contains a siloxane-based surfactant. In some forms, the siloxane-based surfactant constitutes between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 5% wt / wt, between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt, between about 0.05% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt, between about 0.1% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt, between about 0.15% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt or between about 1% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt of the interlayer and / or a formulation used to form the interlayer. In some forms, the surfactant constitutes about 1.5% wt / wt of the of the interlayer and / or a formulation used to form the interlayer. (ii). Polymer Dispersant Optionally, the interlayer includes one or more polymer dispersants. The polymer dispersant(s) provide good dispersion and stability to the interlayer. Suitable polymer dispersants can be aqueous or non-aqueous polymer dispersants. Exemplary polymer dispersants include the SolsperseTMHyperdispersants family, available from Lubrizol, such as Solsperse 32000, Solsperse 27000C, Solsperse W120, Solsperse 29000, etc., the Disperbyk family, available from BYK, such as Disperbyk 2009, Disperbyk 145, Disperbyk 110 SG, Disperbyk 262, etc. The polymer dispersant constitutes between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 5% wt / wt, between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt, between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt, between about 0.05% wt / wt and about 3% wt / wt, or between about 0.05% wt / wt and about 2.5% wt / wt. In some forms, the polymer dispersant constitutes about 0.1% wt / wt of the interlayer. g. Photoinitiator Optionally, at least one photoinitiators can be added to the coating material for forming the interlayer to initiate addition reactions, between the monomers, pre-polymers, and / or oligomers of the precursor materials. An exemplary addition reaction is the free radical initiated polymerization of vinyl groups. In some forms, the photoinitiators can be added as blends of other photoinitiators. Exemplary photoinitiators include, but are not limited to, Chivacure300 Alpha-hydroxyketone, 1- hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenylketone, Phenyl-bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phosphinoxide, dimethylhydroxyacetophenone (DMHA), 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphone oxide (TPO), hydroxylcyclohexylphenylketone (CPK), 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA), benzophenone, 2,2-diethyloxyactetophenone, 2,4-diethylthiozanthone, isopropylthioxanthone, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide dimethylhydroxyacetophenone, ethyl(2,4,6- trimethylbenzoyl) phenylphosphinate, 2-phenylbenzophenone, methyl-o-benzoyl-benzoate, and methylbenzoylformate, or a combination thereof. 32 45761626.1 In some forms, the photoinitiator can be a triple blend of DMHA, TPO, and CPK. In some forms, the triple blend contains between about 35% wt / wt and about 45% wt / wt DMHA, between about 25% wt / wt and about 35% wt / wt TPO, and between about 25% wt / wt and about 35% wt / wt CPK. In some forms, the photoinitiator blend contains 40% wt / wt DMHA, 30% wt / wt TPO, and 30% wt / wt CPK. The photoinitiators constitute between about 0.01% wt / wt and about 20% wt / wt, between about 1% wt / wt and about 20% wt / wt, between about 5% wt / wt and about 15% wt / wt, or between about 5% wt / wt and about 12% wt / wt. In some forms, the photoinitiator constitutes about 10% wt / wt of the interlayer. ii. Properties The interlayer is a clear / transparent coating in order to not interfere with the visibility of the indicia layer(s) and adds additional strength and support to the overall thin film label. The interlayer has proper cohesion when cured, verified by tape pull and cross hatch test, as measured by ASTM D3359 standard method. In some forms, the interlayer is located between the adhesive layer and the indicia layer, optionally wherein the indicia layer contains a first indicia layer and / or a second indicia layer. In some forms, the indicia layer contains a first indicia layer and a second indicia layer, wherein the interlayer is located between the first indicia layer and the second indicia layer. In some forms, the interlayer is printed or coated between the overprint layer and the indicia layer, optionally wherein the interlayer is in direct contact with the overprint layer, preferably wherein the interlayer is located between the second indicia layer and the overprint layer, and the first indicia layer is located between the adhesive layer and the second indicia layer. In some forms, the adhesive layer is the farthest layer from the overprint layer. The interlayer 170 can be formed in any suitable location wherein the interlayer can undergo proper cohesion with the other components of the label system. For example, referring to FIGs. 2A and 2B, the interlayer 170 can be located between the adhesive layer 110 and the flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125, referring to FIGs.3A and 3B, the interlayer 170 can be located between the flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) 125 and the digital indicia layer 126, or, referring to FIGs.4A and 4B, the interlayer 170 can be located between the digital indicia layer 126 and the overprint layer 130. Preferably, the first indicia layer contains the flexographic layer (e.g., flexographic white layer) 125. Preferably, the second indicia layer contains the digital indicia layer 126. 33 45761626.1 Referring to FIG.5a and 5b, when the label is attached to a container 300, the interlayer is generally located inside of the attached label, between the outermost overprint layer 130 and the container 300 attached to the label via the adhesive layer 110. The interlayer has a thickness between 1 μm and 10 μm, between about 2 μm and 9 μm, between about 2 μm and 8 μm, or between about 3 μm and 7 μm. The viscosity range of the coating for forming the interlayer is between 0 to 5,000 cps at 25°C, between 100 to 3,000 cps at 25°C, or between 300 to 1200 cps at 25oC as measured using an Anton Paar Rheometer model MCR 302. 1. UV-Curable Properties In some embodiments, the coating material for forming the interlayer is a UV-curable precursor composition. The UV-curable precursor composition typically contains at least one UV- curable monomer and at least one photoinitiator. Suitable UV-curable monomers are able to cure when exposed to UV radiation, preferably one time, for a total exposure energy of 10 mJ / cm2to 1,000 mJ / cm2, 100 mJ / cm2to 800 mJ / cm2, most preferably 200 mJ / cm2to 450 mJ / cm2. Upon exposure to UV radiation, UV-curable precursor composition undergoes a curing process to form the interlayer via a chemical reaction involving at least one of the UV-curable monomers. Preferably, the curing process fully cures or substantially cures the UV-curable monomer. Substantially cures refers to a percentage of monomer or oligomer conversion to polymer of at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%. Preferably, the curing process involves a chemical reaction between functional groups of the UV-curable monomers. An exemplary functional group is the vinyl group. In some forms, specifically, the functional group is an acrylate (e.g. acrylate), alkacrylate (e.g. methacrylate), or a combination thereof. The UV-curable precursor composition may contain one or more types of monomers, one or more types of pre-polymers, one or more types of oligomers, or a combination thereof. E. Carrier Film The carrier film provides a base that can support the overprint layer during the printing and application processes. The starting material for the carrier film optionally has one or more release coatings already applied to its surfaces. Optionally, the carrier film is coated on its upper and / or lower surfaces with release coatings, where the release coating on the lower surface (first side) allows for easier release of the adhesive layer compared to the release of the overprint layer from the release coating on the upper side (second side) of the carrier film. i. Materials Suitable materials that can be used to produce the carrier film include, but are not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), 34 45761626.1 polyesters, polyamides, polyvinyl chloride, co-polymers such as styrene / acrylonitrile copolymers, ethylene / propylene copolymers, styrene / acrylonitrile copolymers, ethylene / butene-1, copolymers, ethylene / ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene / methyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers. ii. Properties The carrier film is preferably flexible, low cost and strong. Carrier films are available with a variety of coatings / treatment to allow for the proper release of the adhesive layer when the label construction is wound or rolled such that the adhesive layer is in contact with the carrier film. iii. Release coatings on one or both sides of the carrier film Referring to FIG.1A, a first release layer 160 and a second release layer 140 are applied to opposite sides of the carrier film 150. The overprint layer 130 is in contact with a second release layer 140.When two or more label systems are arranged in a rolled or stacked form, the adhesive layer 110 is in contact with the first release layer 160 of the system and / or the first release layer of an adjacent system in the set. Thus the first release layer 160 prevents the adhesive coating layer 110 from strongly adhering to the carrier film 150 of the same label system or the carrier film of an adjacent label system. Referring to FIG.1B, a second release layer 140 is not applied to the carrier film 150 (i.e. only one release layer is present). In this embodiment, the surface of the carrier film has inherent release properties, which allows the overprint layer to delaminate from carrier film using a suitable peel force. Optionally the material that forms the carrier film 150 is PET, PP, or PS. Referring to FIG.5A, after the label system is applied to a container 300 via the adhesive coating layer 110, the second release layer 140 facilitates the detachment of the carrier film 150 from the label 200. The overprint layer 130 becomes the outermost layer of the label 700. In FIG.5B, the second release layer 140 is not present. Thus, after the label system is applied to a container 300 via the adhesive coating layer 110, the carrier film 150 is peeled off of the overprint layer 130. The first release layer and second release layer may not, and often do not, have the same levels of release. In some embodiments, the first release layer and second release layer are formed from the same materials, but with different percent compositions or viscosities. In other embodiments, the first release layer and second release layer are formed from different materials. F. Release Layer i. Materials Suitable materials that can be used to produce the release layers include, but are not limited to, silicone, high density polyethylene (PE), medium density PE, low density PE, polypropylene 35 45761626.1 (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), acrylated silicone, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthylene, polyamides, co-polymers and mixtures thereof. ii. Properties of Release coatings 1. First Release Layer Referring to FIG.5A, the first release layer 160 can be formulated to resist blocking with the adhesive layer 110 when the label system is wound, rolled or stacked, resist moisture, or both, i.e., resist blocking and moisture. 2. Second Release Layer Referring to FIG.5A, the second release layer 140 can be formulated such that there is no hazing on the overprint layer 130 after the label 700 is transferred to a substrate, such as a container 300. In some embodiments, in which the surface of the carrier film has inherent release properties, the second release layer 140 is absent (see, e.g. FIG.5B). 2. Overall properties A. Tensile strength The thin film labels of the present application exhibit excellent tensile strength. Excellent tensile strength can be a max load of about 1.0 Kg or greater, about 1.2 Kg or greater, about 1.4 Kg or greater, about 1.6 Kg or greater, about 1.8 Kg or greater, about 2.0 Kg or greater, about 2.1 Kg or greater, as measured with Mark-10 Model # ESM 303 and Thwing-Albert Model FP-2260. Preferably, the thin film labels have a max load tensile strength of 1.8 Kg or greater. B. Elongation to break The thin film labels of the present application exhibit acceptable elongation to break. Acceptable elongation to break can be about 5% or greater, about 6% or greater, about 7% or greater, about 8% or greater, about 9% or greater, about 10% or greater, or about 11% or greater as measured by ASTM D882 standard method. Preferably the thin film labels have an elongation to break of 8% or greater. C. Durability The thin film labels of the present application exhibit acceptable durability. Acceptable durability is reflected in the results for the impact test and the container rub test. Results from the impact test were measured using modified ASTM D968-22 test method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by Falling Abrasive. The Specimen holder of the Abrasive Test Apparatus was modified to accommodate rigid containers with a diameter of 50 to 150 micrometers. The containers can be glass, aluminum, HDPE, LDPE, PET, or any type of rigid material. The Falling Abrasive Test method was modified using 4 mm glass beads. During testing, a total of 10.8 kg of 4mm glass beads were loaded into the funnel in increments of 5.4 kg each and 36 45761626.1 the 4mm glass beads were introduced to the label sample area of the secured container. The resulting impact area of the glass beads to the label sample area was 15 mm to 25 mm in diameter. Impact tests are typically performed 10 minutes after labels are applied to containers in order to simulate the interactions of freshly labeled containers with other freshly labeled containers, interactions with conveyor and rails of container handling systems, and other transportation and packaging effects. The results of the impact test are reflected in a 1 to 5 container rating scale of the glass bead impact area visible to an unaided eye, wherein 1 is no damage, 2 is minor scuffing, deglossing, and pinholes, 3 is scuffing and large holes, 4 is ink displacement and major scuffing, and 5 is full ink damage and ink removal. Preferably, the thin film labels score a 1 on the impact test rating scale. Results from the container rub test were measured by modified ASTM D5264-98 Abrasion Resistance of Printed Material by the Sutherland Rub Tester. The rub test fixture was modified to hold a prelabeled container firmly in an orientation to allow a moving arm, affixed with 2000-grit paper (25 mm x 38.1 mm) to rub across the prelabeled container test area. The rub test area on the container measured 5 mm x 15 mm and the total weight of the arm was 381 g. The container can be any suitable material, for example glass, aluminum, HDPE, LDPE, PET, or any type of rigid container. ASTM D5264-98 was modified to accelerate the interaction of two containers held side- by-side and in direct contact, modeling real-world situations such as during transportation and packaging. The results of the container rub test are reflected by the container rub count to ink damage 24 hours after the label has been applied to the container. Poor container abrasion results are 200 rubs or less for ink damage. Excellent container rub count to ink damage can be about 300 rubs or greater, 400 rubs or greater, or 500 rubs or greater. Preferably, the thin film labels reflect a container rub count to ink damage of about 500 rubs or greater. III. Methods of making thin film labels with interlayer The starting materials for forming the thin film labels described herein are a carrier film with or without release characteristics already applied to it. The label is built from a coating that becomes the overprint layer using standard coating and / or printing presses and techniques. This allows for a very small amount of material (relative to an extruded film) to be utilized. As this material is coated or printed directly onto the carrier film, its low caliper does not create the handling challenges typically associated with thin film extrusion and lamination. The method for forming the thin film labels uses standard printers to build a label using coatings and inks typical to the industry, bypassing expensive lamination processes. An exemplary manufacturing process for forming the thin film labels with indicia is depicted in FIG.6. 37 45761626.1 A schematic view of an example manufacturing process 5000 of the various steps associated with forming the thin film labels described herein is illustrated utilizing a generally continuous web 5004. A carrier film 150 can be provided as a generally continuous web that can be processed through a “reel-to-reel” style manufacturing process. For example, the carrier film can be provided as a generally continuous web 5004 from a source station 5002, which can be a source roll or the like. Some or all of the various processing steps, such as, for example, the steps of coating a material onto the carrier film to form the overprint layer, can then be performed by passing the generally continuous web 5004 through a printing station 5008. Though only a single printing station 5008 is illustrated. However, it is to be understood that multiple printing stations can be utilized. In addition or alternatively, though not illustrated, the process 5000 can be adapted to pass the web 5004 through the printing station 5008 in multiple passes. For example, the indicia can be print on top of the overprint layer by passing the web through the printing station one or more times. Finally, the completed plurality of label systems on the generally continuous web 5004 can be collected at a take-up station 5010, which can include a collection roll to form a rolled label system, as well as finishing equipment, including die- cutting and matrix stripping equipment. The manufacturing process 5000 can include various other stages, steps, etc. For example, pre-processing and / or post-processing stations, steps, etc. can also be included. It is to be understood that the additional equipment may be provided (e.g., idler rollers, tension rollers, turn- bars, slit or perforators, etc.) to facilitate the “reel-to-reel” process. 1. Coat or Print Coating material onto Carrier film Any suitable printing technique and system can be used to coat or print the carrier film with the material for forming the overprint layer. Examples of suitable techniques include web coating and printing techniques, including, but not limited to gravure, reverse gravure, slot die, rod, knife-over- roll, flexographic, rotary screen, offset coating, or offset lithography. For example, a typical flexographic or gravure printing press may be used to coat a carrier film with one or more layers of press printable / coatable coatings. The carrier film is coated, flood printed, or spot printed with a sufficient amount of a polymeric material to form an overprint layer. This is preferably accomplished at a single print or coating station, but can take place across one or more stations. Alternatively, the overprint layer may be prepared prior to the printing process in a wide-web or larger format construction. Coating or printing the layer directly on the carrier allows for the label to be built on the carrier web on the coating or printing equipment. This allows for flexibility in choosing the thin label material and a reduction in complexity of the supply chain of label material. It also provides for a reduction in the 38 45761626.1 amount of material required. Typical thin film labels that are made using prior art methods may be as thin as 1.2 to 3.5 mils (0.0305 - 0.0889 mm). In contrast, the films described herein are thinner, with typical label thicknesses ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 mils (0.00254 - 0.0381 mm). A. Printing The thin film labels can also be produced using consumer or commercial laser printing techniques. Laser print engines are able to deposit indicia and coating in registration onto carrier film webs or sheets using an electrostatic digital printing process. Laser printing produces high resolution text, graphics, and coatings by repeatedly passing a laser beam back and forth over a negatively charged cylinder or drum to define a differentially- charged indicia or transfer region on the drum. The drum then selectively collects electrically charged powdered resin and pigment formulations (toner), and transfers the toner to the web or sheet. The toner and sheet then typically pass over a fuser that heats the toner allowing it to melt and form a continuous or semi-continuous polymeric film, typically containing pigments or dyes. Toner can generally be described as mono-component magnetic, mono-component non- magnetic, or dual component. Despite these different categories, which are based upon the type of development process used in the laser print engine, all powder toners contain a polymeric resin. Most also contain a colorant and a series of additives having a variety of functions. The polymeric resin is the ingredient of the toner that represents the major proportion of any toner composition. Depending on the type of toner composition, the composition of the polymer ranges between 40 and 95% by weight of the toner composition. Typically, the function of the polymer is to act as a binder to carry and hold the colorant on the final printed sheet or web. In this example, the toner from a specific print station or drum can act as a traditional binder or can also act as the overprint layer. When acting as an overprint layer, the polymers are deposited onto the web or sheet, and fused, followed by the deposition of additional layers on top of the overprint layer to form the thin film label. The label is initially adhered to the web or sheet, but will eventually be delaminated when the label is transferred from the carrier web or film onto a desired container or substrate. Toner formulations that can be used to produce the thin film labels contain amorphous polymers that have a glass transition temperature (Tg) from about 20 °C to about 80 °C, or from about 40 °C to about 70 °C, preferably from about 50 °C to about 70 °C. Exemplary polymers that act as both a binder and an overprint layer include: resins formed from copolymers of styrene acrylic, poly(styrene-co-butadiene), polyester resins, HDPE, LDPE, and PP. 39 45761626.1 In addition to polymers, a toner formulation for a thin film label also contains a charge control agent that enables the charge characteristics of the toner to be fine-tuned, a flow control additive (for example fumed silica) to prevent the toner from caking, and a wax to prevent the toner from sticking to the heated fuser rollers. Polyesters have the advantages of giving the toner a lower minimum fix temperature, while maintaining a higher Tg. Styrene / acrylic copolymers, such as those described above, have the advantage of possessing a lower humidity sensitivity, which translates into a more robust performance in a variety of environmental conditions. As this layer, is the outermost layer once the label is transferred or applied to a container, humidity resistance for wet environments can be important in order to protect print fidelity. Printing coating material onto carrier film also facilitates the design of thin film label systems that have any desired shape including, but not limited to, oval, square, rectangular, etc. Further, the thin film labels are also designed such that the overprint and adhesive layers are present only in area where indicia is located. “Adhesive coating layer” and “adhesive layer” are used interchangeably to refer to the layer of the thin film labels, which contains the adhesive materials. i. Label formed from a plurality of labels Designing the overprint layer 130 and adhesive layer 110 to closely mimic or outline the indicia layer 120 also provides an aesthetic that is typically not able to be accomplished through the use of currently available pressure sensitive labels. This aesthetic provides a no-label-look more typical of direct screen printing on containers without the material waste associated with die-cutting and matrix stripping pressure sensitive label material. In these embodiments, the outline of the adhesive layer 110, the overprint layer 130, or both, may be discontinuous around portions of a complete indicia. In these embodiments the layouts, also called outlines, of the adhesive layer 110 and overprint layer 130 mimic each other, although this is not always required. A large overprint layer layout is also used to demonstrate the tactile properties achievable through this label construction. In some embodiments, a carrier film contains a group of two or more labels that when assembled together define a complete indicia. In these embodiments, each label in the group is separated from the other labels in the group. Thus, the outline of one label (and its adhesive layer, optionally its overprint layer, if one is present) in the group is discontinuous with the outline of each of the other labels (and their corresponding adhesive layers, optional overprint layers, if present), creating a plurality of thin film labels that are supported on the carrier film to maintain spacing and registration. During application to a substrate, such as the surface of a container, this spacing and registration is typically maintained. The ability to fabricate and apply a plurality of labels in 40 45761626.1 registration also provides a unique aesthetic not achievable with conventional pressure sensitive laminate labels. These embodiments are further described by referring to FIGs.7A-7D. In general, FIG.7A, contains the indicia layer in a single label that has a single continuous outline of the overprint layer 130 and adhesive layer 110, which provides a complete indicia, i.e., the desired decoration to the substrate, information about the contents of the labeled container, or both are contained in a single continuous outline of overprint and adhesive layers. As shown in FIG.7A, the thin film label system 400a contains print indicia 120a, 120b, and 120c, and an overprint layer 130. The shape 105 of the thin film label is rectangular. FIG. 7B shows another thin film label system, 400b that contains print indicia 120a’, 120b’, and 120c’. The overprint layer 130 and adhesive layer are present only where indicia are located. In FIG.7B, the same complete indicia as shown in FIG.7A is present, and is contained in a single label that has a single continuous outline. However, the regions containing the overprint and adhesive layers are more closely associated with regions containing the indicia compared to FIG. 7A, such that less surface area contains the overprint and adhesive layers compared to the surface area of the overprint and adhesive layers in the label of FIG.7A. In FIGs.7C and 7D, the indicia on the label shown in FIG.7A are partitioned into three and seven separate labels, respectively, each containing a portion of the indicia shown in the label of FIG.7A. For example, when the three labels shown in FIGs.7C are combined, they form group of labels that has discontinuous outlines of the individual labels in the group (and discontinuous outlines of their corresponding adhesive and overprint layers), but includes the complete indicia, as shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C shows a thin film label system 400c formed from a group of labels containing three thin film labels, 401a’’, 401b’’, and 401c’’, each containing a portion of indicia 120a’’, 120b’’, and 120c’’, respectively, of the complete indicia. The portions of indicia collectively form the complete indicia (as shown in FIGs.7A and 7B). FIG. 7D shows a thin film label system 400d formed from a plurality of seven thin film labels 401a’’’, 401b’’’, 401c’’’, 401d’’’, 401e’’’, 401f’’’, and 401g’’’, each containing a portion of indicia. Portions of indicia 120a’’’, 120b’’’, and 120c’’’ are identified for thin film labels 401a’’’, 401b’’’, and 401c’’’. The portions of indicia for all seven thin film labels collectively form the complete indicia. The labels in FIGs.7A-7D can also include an interlayer, digital indicia layer, and / or flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) as discussed above in any of FIGs.2A-5B. 41 45761626.1 “Indicia” in the labels in FIGs.7A-7D can include a digital indicia layer and / or a flexographic layer (e.g., a flexographic white layer) as separate layers or as one layer. These designs of thin label systems are obtained using flexographic printing and coating. As is typical with flexographic printing and coating, the flexographic inking system contains an ink / coating fountain or pan, in which the ink or coating is stored. A fountain roller rotated in the pan, picking up a film of ink / coating on its rubber-covered surface. The fountain roller acts to effectively deliver ink / coating to the surface of the adjacent anilox roller. The anilox rollers are chrome-plated or ceramic-covered rollers containing pyramid-shaped cells embedded in its surface. Other shapes that can be used include, but are not limited to hexagonal-patterns or diamond-shapes. The function of the anilox roller is to deliver a predetermined amount of ink / coating to the adjacent flexographic printing plate. The inks utilized are typical inks utilized for water-based flexographic printing. Examples include, but are not limited to, SolarAqua, SolarClear, SolarFlex, SolarScreen, and / or SunBeam (all manufactured by SunChemical). 2. Dry or Cure Coating material to form overprint layer After the polymeric material is coated or printed onto the carrier film, it is dried or allowed to dry or cure. In some embodiments, the coating may be air-dried, IR oven dried, forced air oven dried, or cured using UV, electron beam, or other energy source to form the overprint layer. Typical periods for drying the polymeric material to form the overprint layer include open air drying, convection air drying, IR oven drying, and UV oven drying and curing. Generally, the press or coater speed and the oven length will dictate the amount of time the coating is allowed in the oven. In aqueous and solvent-based systems, preferably the coating is able to dry to below 5% (by weight) moisture while in the oven. For a typical flexographic printing press, speeds of greater than 1,200 feet per minute are obtainable with the use of forced air ovens typical to the industry. 3. Apply inks to exposed surface of overprint layer to form indicia layer The ink / dye / pigment formulation(s) are typically applied using reverse transfer printing processes. In this process, the printer releases one or more ink / dye / pigment formulations onto the exposed surface of the overprint layer or the interlayer. The image that is printed on the surface is oriented as the mirror-image of the indicia that will be viewable when the label is placed on the container. Different ink / dye / pigment formulations can be applied simultaneously or sequentially to obtain indicia with the desired appearance. 42 45761626.1 4. Apply adhesive layer to exposed surface of indicia layer and exposed surface of overprint layer, if any After the indicia are printed on the overprint layer, a suitable adhesive composition is coated or spot printed on top of the indicia, and any exposed portion of the overprint layer. 5. Interlayer After the indicia are printed on the overprint layer, a suitable interlayer composition can be coated or spot printed on top of the indicia, and any exposed portion of the overprint layer. Alternatively, a suitable interlayer composition can be coated or spot printed on top of the overprint layer, before the indicia layer is applied. In some forms, after printing a first ink formulation optionally to form a first printed ink layer, a second ink formulation can be coated on the first ink formulation and / or the first printed ink layer. 6. Form Roll of labels Once the formation of the label is complete, the label system is cut to the desired size, scored, if necessary, optionally separation portions are located between the individual labels in a set of printed labels. Finally, the set of labels is rolled to form a roll of labels. IV. Methods of using thin film labels with interlayer In use, a roll of a plurality of labels may be provided. High speed labeling systems can be used to remove one label at a time and adhere the adhesive layer to the desired surface of a container. Alternatively, the thin label can be transferred directly from the carrier film to the container by running the carrier film and thin label into direct contact with the surface of the container. The carrier film can also be used to drive the label through a series of rollers to ensure uniform tension as the thin label system is contacted with the container. As the adhesive layer adheres the label to the container, the overprint layer separates from the release layer (if present) that is attached to the carrier film or from the carrier film if a release layer is not in contact with the overprint layer, allowing the label to attach to the container. Each successive label is removed, as described above, leaving a long roll of carrier film, which can be rewound and reused to form another roll of labels or optionally, recycled or otherwise disposed of. When the label is placed on a container, the indicia layer is trapped between the surface of the container and the overprint layer, which protects the printed material. In some cases the carrier film can be cut using the label application equipment or supplied in a precut form and also applied to the container. 43 45761626.1 The carrier film can optionally also carry indicia. This provides a system where the container is permanently labeled with a thin-film clear label and semi-permanently labeled with a removable carrier film. The disclosed labels and methods can be further understood through the following numbered paragraphs. 1. A label system containing a carrier layer and a thin film label, wherein the thin film label contains an overprint layer, an indicia layer, an interlayer, and an adhesive layer, wherein the interlayer is located between the overprint layer and the adhesive layer. 2. The label system of paragraph 1, wherein the interlayer is formed from a composition containing a low functional monomer (e.g., monofunctional monomer a bifunctional monomer), high functional monomer, or a combination thereof, and optionally an inert resin, or a combination thereof. 3. The label system of paragraph 1 or 2, wherein the interlayer is formed from a composition containing: (i) a low functional monomer (e.g., monofunctional monomer or a bifunctional monomer) and an inert resin, (ii) a low functional monomer (e.g., monofunctional monomer or a bifunctional monomer) and a high functional monomer, or (iii) a high functional monomer and an inert resin. 4. The label system of any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the interlayer is formed from a composition containing a monofunctional monomer, a bifunctional monomer, and an inert resin. 5. The label system of any one of paragraphs 2 to 4, wherein the high functional monomer has a functionality from 3 to 10, 3 to 8, 3 to 5, 4 to 10, 4 to 8, or 4 to 5, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, preferably from 3 to 6. 6. The label system of any one of paragraphs 2 to 5, wherein the composition further contains a photoinitiator. 7. The label system of any one of paragraphs 2 to 6, wherein the composition further contains a defoamer, a dispersant (e.g., a surfactant), an optical brightener, a stabilizer, or a combination thereof. 8. The label system of paragraph 7, wherein the dispersant contains silicone-based surfactant, non-silicone based surfactants, polymeric surfactants. 9. The label system of any of paragraphs 2 to 8, wherein the composition is UV-curable. 10. The label system of any one of paragraphs 1-9, wherein the interlayer contains particles with average sizes ranging between about 20 nm and about 20 µm. 44 45761626.1 11. The label system of any one of paragraphs 1-10, wherein (i) the interlayer is not in direct contact with the overprint layer, and / or (ii) the indicia layer or one or more layers forming the indicia layer is located between the overprint layer and the interlayer. 12. The label system of any one of paragraphs 1-11, wherein the interlayer is located between the adhesive layer and the indicia layer, optionally wherein the indicia layer contains a first indicia layer and / or a second indicia layer. 13. The label system of any one of paragraphs 1-11, wherein the indicia layer contains a first indicia layer and a second indicia layer, wherein the interlayer is located between the first indicia layer and the second indicia layer. 14. The label system of any one of paragraphs 1-11, wherein the indicia layer contains a first indicia layer and / or a second indicia layer, wherein the interlayer is located between the indicia layer and the overprint layer, optionally wherein the interlayer is in direct contact with the overprint layer, preferably wherein the interlayer is located between the second indicia layer and the overprint layer, and the first indicia layer is located between the adhesive layer and the second indicia layer. 15. The label system of any one of paragraphs 12 to 14, wherein the first indicia layer contains a digital indicia layer, and the second indicia layer contains a flexographic layer. 16. The label system of any one of paragraphs 1-15, wherein when a label from the label system is attached to a substrate via the adhesive layer, the label provides acceptable durability visible to an unaided eye, as determined by an impact test measured using the Falling Abrasive Test modified using 4 mm glass beads, and / or a container rub test measured by modified ASTM D5264 Sutherland ink rub tester with 2000-grit paper. 17. The label system of paragraph 16, wherein when attached to the substrate via the adhesive layer, the label scores a 1 or 2 on the impact test. 18. The label system of paragraph 16, wherein when attached to the substrate via the adhesive layer, the label has a container rub count to ink damage of about 200 rubs or greater, about 300 rubs or greater, 400 rubs or greater, or 500 rubs or greater, such as between about 200 rubs and about 500 rubs, at least about 24 hours after the label is attached. 19. A method of making a group of thin film labels containing a plurality of thin film labels on a carrier film, wherein each thin film label contains an overprint layer, an indicia layer, an interlayer, and an adhesive layer, wherein the interlayer is located between the overprint layer and the adhesive layer, the method involving: (a) coating or printing one or more precursor formulations for forming the overprint layer directly on to the carrier film to form a first coating containing the overprint layer, wherein the one 45 45761626.1 or more UV-curable precursor formulations for forming the overprint layer contain a first photoinitiator and a first UV-curable precursor material, optionally wherein the first UV-curable precursor material is present in the one or more UV-curable precursor formulations in a concentration range of about 65% wt / wt to about 97% wt / wt; (b) exposing the first coating to ultra-violet (UV) radiation to cure the first coating and form the overprint layer, wherein the overprint layer is capable of delaminating cleanly from the carrier film; (c) coating or printing on the overprint layer one or more UV-curable precursor formulations for forming the interlayer to form a second coating containing the interlayer, wherein the one or more UV-curable precursor formulations for forming the interlayer contain a second initiator and a second UV-curable precursor material, optionally wherein (i) the first initiator and the second initiator are the same or different, (ii) the first UV-curable precursor material and the second UV-curable precursor material are the same or different, and / or optionally (iii) the second UV-curable precursor material is present in the one or more UV-curable precursor formulations in a concentration range of about 75% wt / wt to about 95% wt / wt; (d) exposing the second coating to ultra-violet (UV) radiation to cure the second coating and form the interlayer; (e) printing an ink formulation one or more times on the overprint layer to form the indicia layer; and (f) coating or printing one or more precursor formulations for forming the adhesive layer on the overprint layer to form the adhesive layer; optionally wherein steps (c) to (e) can be interchanged. 20. The method of paragraph 19, wherein the indicia layer contains a first indicia layer and / or a second indicia layer optionally wherein the first indicia layer, second indicia layer, or both, is printed between the overprint layer and the interlayer. 21. The method of paragraph 19 or 20, wherein the interlayer is printed or coated between the adhesive layer and the indicia layer. 22. The method of paragraph 20, wherein the interlayer is printed or coated between the first indicia layer and the second indicia layer, and preferably the second indicia layer is located between the interlayer and the overprint layer. 23. The method of paragraph 20, wherein the interlayer is printed or coated between the overprint layer and the indicia layer, optionally wherein the interlayer is in direct contact with the overprint layer, preferably wherein the interlayer is located between the second indicia layer and the 46 45761626.1 overprint layer, and the first indicia layer is located between the adhesive layer and the second indicia layer. The present invention will be further understood by reference to the following non-limiting examples. EXAMPLES Example 1. Examples of with Interlayer Formulations Table 1. Exemplary Interlayer Formulation 1 Example Interlayer Formulation #1 wt% Description 1-vin lhexah dro-2H-aze in-2-one 195 monomer functionalit of 1 Table 2. Exemplary Interlayer Formulation 2 Example Interlayer Formulation #2 wt% Description 47 45761626.1 Table 2s. Exemplary Interlayer Formulation 2s Example Interlayer Formulation #2s wt% Description 1,6-hexanediol-EO-diacrylate 37.3 monomer functionality of 2 . p y y Example Interlayer Formulation #3 wt% Description 1 2 o 48 45761626.1 Table 4. Comparative Interlayer Formulation 1 Comparative Interlayer Formulation #1 wt% Description monomer with K d ik Example . ura y ess on pp e n m a es The results for the impact test and the container rub test are shown in Table 5. Thin film labels (102 mm x 93 mm) were applied to glass jars (Libbey Cylinder jars #852) 10 minutes prior to impact testing and at least 24 hours prior to container rub testing. Table 5: Results of Impact Test and Container Rub Test Interlayer Formulation Container Rub 49 45761626.1 Formulation #2s – FIG.2A 1 >500 As de pced n G.8, conaner es ng sowed mproved durab y wen e interlayer is positioned directly before the adhesive layer, the location depicted in FIG.2A and 2B. Container testing showed poor durability performance in the absence of the interlayer. Example 3. Tensile Strength and Elongation to Break Tests on Applied Thin Film Labels The results of the tensile strength test and the elongation to break test are shown in Table 6. Table 6: Results of Tensile Strength Test and Elongation to Break Test ak 45761626.1 Comparative Formulation #1 – FIG. 51 45761626.1

Claims

We claim:

1. A label system comprising a carrier layer and a thin film label, wherein the thin film label comprises an overprint layer, an indicia layer, an interlayer, and an adhesive layer, wherein the interlayer is located between the overprint layer and the adhesive layer.

2. The label system of claim 1, wherein the interlayer is formed from a composition comprising a low functional monomer (e.g., monofunctional monomer a bifunctional monomer), high functional monomer, or a combination thereof, and optionally an inert resin, or a combination thereof.

3. The label system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the interlayer is formed from a composition comprising: (i) a low functional monomer (e.g., monofunctional monomer or a bifunctional monomer) and an inert resin, (ii) a low functional monomer (e.g., monofunctional monomer or a bifunctional monomer) and a high functional monomer, or (iii) a high functional monomer and an inert resin.

4. The label system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interlayer is formed from a composition comprising a monofunctional monomer, a bifunctional monomer, and an inert resin.

5. The label system of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the high functional monomer has a functionality from 3 to 10, 3 to 8, 3 to 5, 4 to 10, 4 to 8, or 4 to 5, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, preferably from 3 to 6.

6. The label system of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the composition further comprises a photoinitiator.

7. The label system of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the composition further comprises a defoamer, a dispersant (e.g., a surfactant), an optical brightener, a stabilizer, or a combination thereof.

8. The label system of claim 7, wherein the dispersant comprises silicone-based surfactant, non-silicone based surfactants, polymeric surfactants.

9. The label system of any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the composition is UV-curable.

10. The label system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the interlayer comprises particles with average sizes ranging between about 20 nm and about 20 µm.

11. The label system of any one of claims 1-10, wherein (i) the interlayer is not in direct contact with the overprint layer, and / or (ii) the indicia layer or one or more layers forming the indicia layer is located between the overprint layer and the interlayer. 52 45761626.

112. The label system of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the interlayer is located between the adhesive layer and the indicia layer, optionally wherein the indicia layer comprises a first indicia layer and / or a second indicia layer.

13. The label system of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the indicia layer comprises a first indicia layer and a second indicia layer, wherein the interlayer is located between the first indicia layer and the second indicia layer.

14. The label system of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the indicia layer comprises a first indicia layer and / or a second indicia layer, wherein the interlayer is located between the indicia layer and the overprint layer, optionally wherein the interlayer is in direct contact with the overprint layer, optionally wherein the interlayer is located between the second indicia layer and the overprint layer, and the first indicia layer is located between the adhesive layer and the second indicia layer.

15. The label system of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first indicia layer comprises a digital indicia layer, and the second indicia layer comprises a flexographic layer.

16. The label system of any one of claims 1-15, wherein when a label from the label system is attached to a substrate via the adhesive layer, the label provides acceptable durability visible to an unaided eye, as determined by an impact test measured using the Falling Abrasive Test modified using 4 mm glass beads, and / or a container rub test measured by modified ASTM D5264 Sutherland ink rub tester with 2000-grit paper.

17. The label system of claim 16, wherein when attached to the substrate via the adhesive layer, the label scores a 1 or 2 on the impact test.

18. The label system of claim 16, wherein when attached to the substrate via the adhesive layer, the label has a container rub count to ink damage of about 200 rubs or greater, about 300 rubs or greater, 400 rubs or greater, or 500 rubs or greater, such as between about 200 rubs and about 500 rubs, at least about 24 hours after the label is attached.

19. A method of making a group of thin film labels comprising a plurality of thin film labels on a carrier film, wherein each thin film label comprises an overprint layer, an indicia layer, an interlayer, and an adhesive layer, wherein the interlayer is located between the overprint layer and the adhesive layer, the method comprising: (a) coating or printing one or more precursor formulations for forming the overprint layer directly on to the carrier film to form a first coating comprising the overprint layer, wherein the one or more UV-curable precursor formulations for forming the overprint layer comprise a first photoinitiator and a first UV-curable precursor material, optionally wherein the first UV-curable 53 45761626.1precursor material is present in the one or more UV-curable precursor formulations in a concentration range of about 65% wt / wt to about 97% wt / wt; (b) exposing the first coating to ultra-violet (UV) radiation to cure the first coating and form the overprint layer, wherein the overprint layer is capable of delaminating cleanly from the carrier film; (c) coating or printing on the overprint layer one or more UV-curable precursor formulations for forming the interlayer to form a second coating comprising the interlayer, wherein the one or more UV-curable precursor formulations for forming the interlayer comprise a second initiator and a second UV-curable precursor material, optionally wherein (i) the first initiator and the second initiator are the same or different, (ii) the first UV-curable precursor material and the second UV-curable precursor material are the same or different, and / or optionally (iii) the second UV-curable precursor material is present in the one or more UV-curable precursor formulations in a concentration range of about 75% wt / wt to about 95% wt / wt; (d) exposing the second coating to ultra-violet (UV) radiation to cure the second coating and form the interlayer; (e) printing an ink formulation one or more times on the overprint layer to form the indicia layer; and (f) coating or printing one or more precursor formulations for forming the adhesive layer on the overprint layer to form the adhesive layer; optionally wherein steps (c) to (e) can be interchanged.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the indicia layer comprises a first indicia layer and / or a second indicia layer optionally wherein the first indicia layer, second indicia layer, or both, is printed between the overprint layer and the interlayer.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the interlayer is printed or coated between the adhesive layer and the indicia layer.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the interlayer is printed or coated between the first indicia layer and the second indicia layer, and preferably the second indicia layer is located between the interlayer and the overprint layer.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the interlayer is printed or coated between the overprint layer and the indicia layer, optionally wherein the interlayer is in direct contact with the overprint layer, preferably wherein the interlayer is located between the second indicia layer and the overprint layer, and the first indicia layer is located between the adhesive layer and the second indicia layer. 54 45761626.1

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