Removable Label Adhesive Composition for Residue-Free Recycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label adhesives are difficult to remove from packaging surfaces without leaving residue, which poses a challenge for recycling and reusing materials like glass and polymers.

Innovation Solution

A removable adhesive composition comprising an acrylic dispersion, amide wax, and optionally a plasticizer and/or tackifier, which allows for easy attachment and removal of labels at room temperature without residue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional label adhesives are used to ensure strong attachment, then adhesion strength is improved, but residue remains on packaging surfaces after removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidresidue on packaging surface

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive composition changes its physical and chemical parameters based on temperature: at room temperature it provides strong adhesion through acrylic polymer tackiness, while at elevated temperatures (above 80°C) the amide wax melts and disrupts the adhesive bonds, enabling clean removal without residue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines two distinct materials with complementary properties: acrylic polymer dispersion for adhesion and amide wax for temperature-responsive removal. This composite formulation allows the adhesive to simultaneously achieve strong bonding at application temperature and clean removal at elevated temperatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If removable adhesive properties are prioritized for easy label removal, then ease of removal is improved, but adhesion strength during use is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of label removalVSAvoidadhesion strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive system transitions from a static bonding state at room temperature to a dynamic removal state at elevated temperatures. The temperature-dependent behavior of the amide wax component allows the adhesive to dynamically switch between strong adhesion and easy removal based on environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 adhesive composition provides excellent adhesion and removability, ensuring labels can be removed completely without residue, facilitating recycling and reusing packaging materials.

Implementation Method 1

The amide wax has a melting point above 80°C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

an adhesive composition comprising an acrylic dispersion and an amide wax provides excellent properties for attaching a label to a surface at room temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12570879B2Removable adhesive composition and a label containing it

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 UPM RAFLATAC OY

AI summary

The invention relates to a removable adhesive composition and uses of the adhesive composition in different kinds of labels and label laminate applications. In addition, the present invention relates to a label and a label laminate containing the removable adhesive composition.