Application of linerless labels

A wash off apparatus to at least partially remove a water-soluble protective coating from a web of die-cut label material thereby exposing an adhesive, the apparatus comprising a series of assemblies in the following sequence:

• (a) A die-cutting unit for cutting the web of label material into a defined shape with the water-soluble protective coating in place such that the water-soluble coating provides a cushion between an anvil and a cutting device during cutting of the web, followed by;
• (b) A water soluble protective coating removal unit in which water is applied to the protective coating by washing and/or wiping means, thereby at least partially removing the exposed protective coating from the web of die-cut label material, wherein the cut web travels a required distance during a pre-determined time interval with such water flow, water temperature, and level of agitation as may be necessary to at least partially remove the water-soluble coating and sufficiently expose the adhesive on the web of joined labels, followed by;
• (c) A collection unit to collect the wash water containing removed water-soluble coating, replacing a part of the wash water with fresh water when required, followed by;
• (d) A drying unit creating an air flow, to initially remove any excess water remaining upon the face material and the adhesive, followed by;
• (e) The drying unit to subsequently dry the web at temperatures which compromise neither the printed side nor the adhesive side of the label web, followed by;
• (f) A rewinding apparatus capable of reeling the converted webs of joined labels under variable tension control.