Removable Label Primer Composition for Adhesive Residue Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable containers often face issues with adhesive residue left on their surfaces after label removal, which can contaminate subsequent washings or recycling processes, and existing solutions are not effective in completely eliminating this residue.
Innovation Solution
A primer composition comprising aliphatic polyurethane or polyurethane acrylate and an anionic surfactant is applied between the facestock and adhesive layers of labels, allowing the adhesive to remain with the label during caustic washing, preventing residue on the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional adhesives are used to adhere labels to reusable containers, then the label can be applied to the container, but adhesive residue remains on the container surface after label removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a primer layer as an intermediary substance between the adhesive and the container surface. This primer layer serves as a mediator that allows the adhesive to bond to the container while enabling complete removal of the adhesive with the label during caustic washing, preventing residue formation on the container surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the adhesive system by incorporating specific polymers (polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, starch derivatives) and surfactants. These parameter changes in the adhesive formulation enable the adhesive to be completely solubilized and removed during caustic washing, transforming the adhesive from a permanent residue-causing material to a removable substance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the adhesive is made more removable during washing, then less adhesive residue remains on the container, but the label may not adhere properly to the container
Solution Approach 1:
The primer layer acts as a dual-function intermediary: it provides initial adhesion promotion for label application, then serves as a release mechanism during washing. The primer's chemical composition allows it to bond with both the adhesive and container surface, facilitating proper label adhesion while enabling complete adhesive removal during caustic washing through its solubility characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive system exhibits dynamic behavior that changes based on washing conditions. During application, the adhesive provides strong bonding; during caustic washing, the same adhesive becomes solubilized and removable. This dynamic transition from permanent to temporary adhesion is achieved through the specific polymer composition and surfactant content that respond differently to application versus washing environments.
3Reliability
If a primer composition is added to the label structure, then adhesive retention with the label is improved, but the label structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated primer layer formulation. Rather than adding separate complex systems for adhesion and removal, the primer layer merges adhesion promotion, removal facilitation, and adhesive retention functions into one unified composition applied between the adhesive and container surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The primer layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it promotes initial label adhesion to the container, enables complete adhesive removal during washing, and ensures adhesive retention with the label. This multi-functionality is achieved through the specific combination of water-soluble polymers and surfactants that respond to both application and washing conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively retains the adhesive with the label during washing, ensuring the container surface remains clean and ready for reuse or recycling, while maintaining compatibility with common label inks and pigments.
Implementation Method 1
The primer composition comprises at least one component selected from a polyurethane and a polyurethane acrylate, and at least one anionic surfactant as surface tension modifier
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Compositions for use in labels and receiving print thereon are described. The compositions anchor and retain the adhesive and enable labels or facestock using such compositions to be used in container reclamation and reuse programs.