A recyclable shrink label includes a heat shrink film having a first surface and a second surface opposite of the first surface; and a light blocking layer disposed adjacent the first surface and comprising a light blocking component, the light blocking layer being constructed for the recyclable shrink label to block at least 80% of incident light having wavelengths in a range of 200 nm to 900 nm. The recyclable shrink label may further include an indicia layer. The recyclable shrink label may further include a high opacity layer. The recyclable shrink label may be applied to a container, e.g., a recyclable container. Articles including the recyclable shrink label may be recycled in a process where both the container and the label are recognized as a resin and may be directed into a corresponding recycling stream. In some cases, both the container and the label include PET.

A container for the preparation of a beverage and a machine for the filling of containers for the preparation of the beverage. The container includes an outer cup, an inner cup nesting inside the outer cup, and a filter disposed between a sidewall of the outer cup and a sidewall of the inner cup and covering a bottom opening of the inner cup. The machine includes a first zone configured to dispense a container from a stack of containers, a second zone configured to fill the container with a beverage substrate, a third zone configured to seal the container and dispense a filled container, and a carriage configured to transport the container between the first and second zones, and between the second and third zones.

System, assemblies, and methods for heat shrink sealing open-topped containers wherein the system includes a two-part housing or enclosure wherein a majority of a bulk roll of film material is accessible when the cover is open. The system preferably includes a movable feed roll to improve the efficiency associated with reloading operations. In a preferred aspect, the system includes a movable sealing unit that accommodates use of the lidding system with open ended containers having various sizes and shapes. In a more preferred aspect, the system includes an indicia generating device operable to label sealed containers and a knife that generates a perforation in the film during sealing operations.

A container for the preparation of a beverage and a machine for the filling of containers for the preparation of the beverage. The container includes an outer cup, an inner cup nesting inside the outer cup, and a filter disposed between a sidewall of the outer cup and a sidewall of the inner cup and covering a bottom opening of the inner cup. The machine includes a first zone configured to dispense a container from a stack of containers, a second zone configured to fill the container with a beverage substrate, a third zone configured to seal the container and dispense a filled container, and a carriage configured to transport the container between the first and second zones, and between the second and third zones.

System for heat shrink sealing open-topped containers wherein the system includes a housing or enclosure wherein a majority of a bulk roll of film material is accessible when the cover is open. The system preferably includes two opposing rollers that are configured to engage the film and cause it to move to a dispensing position. In a preferred aspect, the system includes a movable sealing unit that accommodates use of the lidding system with open ended containers having various sizes and shapes. In a more preferred aspect, the system includes an indicia generating device operable to label sealed containers and a knife that generates a perforation in the film during sealing operations.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods to seal a container are provided. An apparatus for securing a film to a container includes a body portion to house film and a sealing portion. The sealing portion includes a loading zone to receive a portion of film from the body portion and an aperture to receive a top portion of the container and the portion of the film therethrough to enable positioning within a sealing volume. A plurality of near-infrared light emitting diodes (NIR LEDs) face toward and at least partially surround the top portion of the container when positioned within the sealing volume. A controller is configured to receive sensor input from a sensor indicating that the top portion of the container is within the sealing volume and cause, in response thereto, activation of the plurality of NIR LEDs to secure the portion of the film to the top portion of the container.

System, assemblies, and methods for heat shrink sealing open-topped containers wherein the system includes a two-part housing or enclosure wherein a majority of a bulk roll of film material is accessible when the cover is open. The system preferably includes a movable feed roll to improve the efficiency associated with reloading operations. In a preferred aspect, the system includes a movable sealing unit that accommodates use of the lidding system with open ended containers having various sizes and shapes. In a more preferred aspect, the system includes an indicia generating device operable to label sealed containers and a knife that generates a perforation in the film during sealing operations.

A container for the preparation of a beverage and a machine for the filling of containers for the preparation of the beverage. The container includes an outer cup, an inner cup nesting inside the outer cup, and a filter disposed between a sidewall of the outer cup and a sidewall of the inner cup and covering a bottom opening of the inner cup. The machine includes a first zone configured to dispense a container from a stack of containers, a second zone configured to fill the container with a beverage substrate, a third zone configured to seal the container and dispense a filled container, and a carriage configured to transport the container between the first and second zones, and between the second and third zones.

System for heat shrink sealing open-topped containers wherein the system includes a housing or enclosure wherein a majority of a bulk roll of film material is accessible when the cover is open. The system preferably includes two opposing rollers that are configured to engage the film and cause it to move to a dispensing position. In a preferred aspect, the system includes a movable sealing unit that accommodates use of the lidding system with open ended containers having various sizes and shapes. In a more preferred aspect, the system includes an indicia generating device operable to label sealed containers and a knife that generates a perforation in the film during sealing operations.

A container for the preparation of a beverage and a machine for the filling of containers for the preparation of the beverage. The container includes an outer cup, an inner cup nesting inside the outer cup, and a filter disposed between a sidewall of the outer cup and a sidewall of the inner cup and covering a bottom opening of the inner cup. The machine includes a first zone configured to dispense a container from a stack of containers, a second zone configured to fill the container with a beverage substrate, a third zone configured to seal the container and dispense a filled container, and a carriage configured to transport the container between the first and second zones, and between the second and third zones.