Abstract: The present subject matter provides a shrink film free of silicon-containing material, fluorine-containing material, and solvent-formed seams. The shrink film utilizes a water soluble layer covering an adhesive layer. The water soluble layer is in dry form and non-tacky, allowing processing of the shrink film subsequent to adhesive application to the shrink film. When the water soluble layer is dissolved, the adhesive layer is exposed and is capable of forming a permanent bond. The adhesive can be used to form a seam in the film and/or can be used to form a bond between the film and a substrate. The water soluble layer facilitates removal of an optional release liner from the adhesive. A substrate with the shrink film attached thereto and a related method of attaching a heat shrinkable film to a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a shrink film free of silicon-containing material, fluorine-containing material, and solvent-formed seams. The shrink film utilizes a water soluble layer covering an adhesive layer. The water soluble layer is in dry form and non-tacky, allowing processing of the shrink film subsequent to adhesive application to the shrink film. When the water soluble layer is dissolved, the adhesive layer is exposed and is capable of forming a permanent bond. The adhesive can be used to form a seam in the film and/or can be used to form a bond between the film and a substrate. The water soluble layer facilitates removal of an optional release liner from the adhesive. A substrate with the shrink film attached thereto and a related method of attaching a heat shrinkable film to a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A label assembly having a first configuration comprising a facestock layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, an adhesive layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the adhesive disposed adjacent to the lower surface of the facestock layer, a tack varnish layer overlying the upper surface of the facestock, a liner assembly comprising a release liner overlying the adhesive layer, the release liner comprising a liner layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface comprising a release coating layer, the release coating layer being disposed adjacent to the adhesive layer, and a tack coating layer overlying the lower surface of the liner layer.

Abstract: An inherently printable polymeric material is provided. The polymeric material includes a homogenous mixture of a thermoplastic polymer with a Tg of about 30-80° C., a cyclic olefin copolymer, an ionomer of ethylene and methacrylic acid, and a thermoplastic rubber. The polymeric material can be printed without requiring printing receptive layers or treatments. The polymeric material can be thermoformed, yet retains its printability even after thermoforming.

Abstract: A halogen-free multi-layer construction configured to reduce the amount of air in an interior of a sealed container. The multi-layer construction includes an adhesive layer in intimate contact with a barrier layer, and in relation to the barrier layer, the adhesive layer is positioned closer towards the interior of the container. The barrier layer includes a highly amorphous vinyl alcohol polymer. The intimate contact between the adhesive layer and the highly amorphous vinyl alcohol polymer in the barrier layer allows the multi-layer construction to reduce the amount of air in the interior of the container. The multi-layer construction includes water-impermeable interior and exterior layers for preventing liquid water and water vapor from negatively affecting the functioning of the barrier layer.

Abstract: Methods of forming a barrier layer on a substrate to form a halogen-free multi-layer construction configured to increase the barrier properties of the substrate are described. The barrier layer can reduce the oxygen transmission rate through the construction and can reduce the amount of air on one side of the construction. The methods include dissolving a highly amorphous vinyl alcohol polymer in a solvent to form a solution and applying the solution to the substrate. The solution is dried to form a barrier layer on the substrate. The barrier layer is continuous, relatively thin, and has a consistent thickness throughout the barrier layer, yet provides improved barrier properties. The methods can include using water-impermeable interior and exterior layers for preventing liquid water and water vapor from negatively affecting the functioning of the barrier layer, and an adhesive layer for reducing flex cracking failure of the barrier layer.

Abstract: Water-activatable, linerless adhesive articles and related methods are described. The adhesive articles utilize a dry, non-tacky protective layer for protecting the adhesive layer from contamination and therefore do not require a release liner. The protective layer includes at least one of amorphous polyvinyl alcohol and poly(ethylene oxide). The adhesive articles are bonded to a substrate by applying a polar solvent, such as water, to the protective layer, which mix to form a tacky material. The tacky material forms a weak, temporary bond with the substrate and allows the adhesive articles to be repositioned on the substrate. The tacky material gradually pools together at the substrate/adhesive article interface to expose the underlying adhesive layer. The exposed adhesive layer then forms a permanent bond with the substrate.

Abstract: An adhesive label includes a polymeric first film layer that has a high tensile modulus. The label is useful in various labeling applications and especially in adhesive labeling of reusable and recyclable containers which require removal of the label during a washing process in a warm or hot washing fluid.

Abstract: Various barrier films are described that include barrier layers that contain ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers and elastomers. Polyolefin elastomers can be used such as ethylene octene copolymers. The barrier films can also include secondary barrier layers that contain one or more norbornene copolymers.

Abstract: A multilayer barrier assembly having excellent barrier properties, low modulus, and which is halogen free, is described. The barrier assembly can be used in numerous medical applications and particularly in films for ostomy products. In one version of the barrier assembly, a layer is used that includes a variant form of ethylene vinyl alcohol. In another version of the barrier assembly, a layer is utilized that includes one or more elastomeric norbornenes. The barrier assemblies may also utilize combinations of these layers.

Abstract: An adhesive label includes a polymeric first film layer that is nonoriented and has a significant inherent shrinkage when heated above ambient temperature. The label is useful in various labeling applications and especially adhesive labeling of reusable and recyclable containers which require removal of the label during a washing process in a warm or hot washing fluid.

Abstract: An adhesive label includes a polymeric first film layer that has an affinity for water. The label is useful in various labeling applications and especially adhesive labeling of reusable and recyclable containers which require removal of the label during a washing process in a warm or hot washing fluid.

Abstract: A resealable and disposable package assembly is described. The assembly includes a tray and a multilayer lid that are bonded to one another to initially seal the contents of the package. The package can then be easily opened by at least partially separating the lid and tray. The package can be reliably and effectively sealed by recontacting the previously separated portions to one another. Neither the lid nor the tray require die cutting.

Abstract: A label assembly having a first configuration comprising a facestock layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, an adhesive layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the adhesive disposed adjacent to the lower surface of the facestock layer, a tack varnish layer overlying the upper surface of the facestock, a liner assembly comprising a release liner overlying the adhesive layer, the release liner comprising a liner layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface comprising a release coating layer, the release coating layer being disposed adjacent to the adhesive layer, and a tack coating layer overlying the lower surface of the liner layer.

Abstract: Compositions comprising from about 30% to about 95% of one or more RF-active functionalized ethylene copolymers and one or more propylene based plastomers are described. When formed into films or thin layers, the films exhibit a combination of low noise properties and good RF weldability characteristics. Also described are multilayer assemblies using such films and various articles incorporating such. Also described are methods of determining minimum thicknesses of an RF weldable layer in a multilayer film using the compositions.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus comprises a separation member configured to promote detachment of an adhesive label from liner web. Adhesive labels are fed to the separation member such that a surface of the facestock contacts the separation member. The separation member has a surface exhibiting a tack such that the tack force between the facestock and the separation member is greater than the release force between the release liner and the adhesive layer of the labels. The labels become associated with the separation member, and the label is applied to a surface of a substrate by contacting the exposed adhesive layer with a surface of a substrate, which causes the adhesive label to detach from the separation member.

Abstract: Various polymeric barrier compositions are described which when formed into films, are useful in reducing transmission of odors. The films can be incorporated into a wide range of products such as multilayer barrier films used in medical applications and particularly in ostomy appliances. In certain versions, the films include semi-crystalline cyclic olefin copolymers.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides an adhesive article having a release agent or liner that is free of silicon-containing and fluorine-containing material, and related methods of adhering a backing material of the adhesive article to a substrate. The adhesive article utilizes an amorphous polyvinyl alcohol layer that facilitates removal of an optional release liner from an adhesive layer. Upon removal of the release liner, the amorphous polyvinyl alcohol layer remains disposed on the adhesive layer. A method of adhering the backing material to a substrate includes dissolving the amorphous polyvinyl alcohol layer and disposing the backing material to a substrate. During dissolution of the amorphous polyvinyl alcohol layer, a weak, temporary bond is formed between the substrate and the backing material. When the amorphous polyvinyl alcohol layer substantially dissolves and dries, the adhesive layer is exposed and forms a permanent bond with the substrate.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a shrink film free of silicon-containing material, fluorine-containing material, and solvent-formed seams. The shrink film utilizes a water soluble layer covering an adhesive layer. The water soluble layer is in dry form and non-tacky, allowing processing of the shrink film subsequent to adhesive application to the shrink film. When the water soluble layer is dissolved, the adhesive layer is exposed and is capable of forming a permanent bond. The adhesive can be used to form a seam in the film and/or can be used to form a bond between the film and a substrate. The water soluble layer facilitates removal of an optional release liner from the adhesive. A substrate with the shrink film attached thereto and a related method of attaching a heat shrinkable film to a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for forming a thermoformed labeled article are described. Labels are attached to a sheet to be thermoformed or to a section thereof. Label attachment can optionally use an adhesive. If the label material is completely or partially compatible with the sheet then the use of adhesive may not be necessary. The labels may also receive various graphics or other designs, such as by printing. After appropriate placement of the label relative to the sheet, the assembly of both sheet and label is thermoformed. After thermoforming, a finished and labeled article is produced. Also described are various labels and label assemblies which are uniquely suited for use in the processes described herein.