An apparatus for removing labels from reusable containers, which includes supporting elements for at least one reusable container, on the outer lateral surface of which at least one label to be removed is applied; the apparatus includes at least one cutting device, which is provided with at least one blade which is configured to be arranged, with its cutting portion in a position that faces at least one portion of the label, and movement elements for moving the aforesaid portion of the label which are adapted to actively impart, on command, to the portion of the label, a movement away from the outer lateral surface of the container, in order to bring the portion of the label against the cutting portion of the blade.

A machine for removing labels from reusable containers includes a support for at least one reusable container, to which at least one label to be removed is applied on its lateral surface, and is provided with at least one cutting device adapted to perform at least one at least partial cut of the label, and elements for removing the label from the container which include nozzles for emitting at least one high-pressure jet of fluid toward the label.

An automated pharmaceutical bottle label information removal system is disclosed that removes protected health information (PHI) printed on labels of prescription pharmaceutical bottles. The system uses heat to automatically remove the PHI from the labels. The heat applied by the system is relatively low, making it safe in hospitals, pharmacies, and other medical locations. When heat is applied, the system removes the PHI from the labels by heat-induced blackout redaction. To entirely blacken out the label and redact the PHI, the system automatically aligns and rotates the bottle on roller wheels while heat from a heat bar is applied to the surface of the bottle along the thermal adhesive label. As the bottle rotates, the heat from the heat bar would be evenly applied to the thermal adhesive label, resulting in blackout redaction of the entire label, including the PHI printed on the label.