A label assembly includes a label print layer with enhanced tensile, tear, and/or stiffness properties. The enhanced property or properties may be achieved by including a reinforcement layer, including a reinforcement material in the adhesive layer, and/or modifying the facestock layer.

Disclosed are hot-melt, curl-free methods, structures, and compositions, which in flexible packaging applications, reduce mineral-oil, hydrocarbon migration into packaged food. One embodiment provides an optionally oriented base film having a first side and a second side that is a transparent or opaque film. Further, the composition comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a water-based primer applied to the first side. Further still, the composition includes a barrier layer to mineral-oil migration, wherein the barrier layer is located between the adhesive-receptive layer and the polymeric substrate, and wherein the barrier layer consists essentially of: (i) polymers of polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyester, polyamide, or combinations thereof; and (ii) optionally additives. The barrier layer provides a barrier to mineral-oil migration of 0.1 μg/day*dm.sup.2 or less at 40° C. for 40 days, and the curl-resistant composition does not curl when heated for at least one hour at 60° C.

A water activated tape and method of producing is provided, the tape comprising a repulpable material, a water-soluble material affixed to the repulpable material, and a water activated adhesive layer affixed to the water-soluble material.

Disclosed are hot-melt, curl-free methods, structures, and compositions, which in flexible packaging applications, reduce mineral-oil, hydrocarbon migration into packaged food. One embodiment provides an optionally oriented base film having a first side and a second side that is a transparent or opaque film. Further, the composition comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a water-based primer applied to the first side. Further still, the composition includes a barrier layer to mineral-oil migration, wherein the barrier layer is located between the adhesive-receptive layer and the polymeric substrate, and wherein the barrier layer consists essentially of: (i) polymers of polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyester, polyamide, or combinations thereof; and (ii) optionally additives. The barrier layer provides a barrier to mineral-oil migration of 0.1 g/day*dm.sup.2 or less at 40 C. for 40 days, and the curl-resistant composition does not curl when heated for at least one hour at 60 C.

A water activated tape and method of producing is provided, the tape comprising a repulpable material, a water-soluble material affixed to the repulpable material, and a water activated adhesive layer affixed to the water-soluble material.

A process for enhancing the gas barrier properties of a composite laminate material whilst maintaining adequate bond strength, in which a gas barrier coating comprising a clay dispersion and a polymer solution or dispersion is positioned between two flexible plastics films using an adhesive, wherein a coating is applied to a first flexible polymer film at a coating weight (D), an adhesive is applied to either or both of the coated side of the first film or to a second polymer film and adhering the first and second films together to provide a material in which: (A/B). (C/D)>200, and in which: A/B>75; C>1.0; and D<1.5; wherein: A=Oxygen Transmission Rate for the laminate at 23 0C and 50% RH without the coating; B=Oxygen Transmission Rate for the laminate at 23 0C and 50% RH with the coating; C=Bond Strength in N/15 mm after the adhesive has fully cured; D=Coating Weight in g/m.sup.2 (dry).

A process for enhancing the gas barrier properties of a composite laminate material whilst maintaining adequate bond strength, in which a gas barrier coating comprising a clay dispersion and a polymer solution or dispersion is positioned between two flexible plastics films using an adhesive, wherein a coating is applied to a first flexible polymer film at a coating weight (D), an adhesive is applied to either or both of the coated side of the first film or to a second polymer film and adhering the first and second films together to provide a material in which: (A/B). (C/D)>200, and in which: A/B>75; C>1.0; and D<1.5; wherein: A=Oxygen Transmission Rate for the laminate at 23 0C and 50% RH without the coating; B=Oxygen Transmission Rate for the laminate at 23 0C and 50% RH with the coating; C=Bond Strength in N/15 mm after the adhesive has fully cured; D=Coating Weight in g/m.sup.2 (dry).

A water activated tape and method of producing is provided, the tape comprising a repulpable material, a water-soluble material affixed to the repulpable material, and a water activated adhesive layer affixed to the water-soluble material.