Composite film having barrier properties for use as in-mold labels, article with in-mold labels, and methods of making same

A laminated composite film assembly for use as in-mold labels in molded articles, the composite film assembly comprising:

• a base film having an outermost surface formed of a first composition defining a first outermost facing surface of the laminated composite film assembly;
• and
• a chlorine-free barrier film assembly comprising a substrate having a transparent or translucent alumina layer deposited thereon, wherein the barrier film assembly is laminated to the base film via at least one laminating adhesive layer such that the alumina layer is positioned between the substrate and the base film,
• wherein the chlorine-free barrier film assembly further comprises a print layer deposited on the substrate opposite the base film,
• wherein the chlorine-free barrier film assembly has an outermost surface formed of a second composition defining a second outermost facing surface of the laminated composite film assembly, wherein the second composition is different than the first composition,
• wherein the two outermost facing surfaces of the composite film assembly are directly sealable to each other, and wherein the composite film assembly imparts an oxygen barrier property, a water vapor barrier property, or combinations thereof.