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Abstract

A flexible and durable paper-based web particularly useful as label stock for flexible, squeezable containers. The paper web includes a substrate containing cellulose papermaking fibers. The substrate contains a fine crepe pattern that has been subjected to pressure to smooth the substrate surface. The substrate also contains as a saturant between about 15 and 75 parts by weight per 100 parts of fiber of a soft polymer saturant characterized by a glass transition in temperature from about -45.degree. C. to 0.degree. C. The resulting saturated substrate has a flexibility in the range of from about 10 mg. to 50 mg. generally and an elongation in the range of from about 15% to 35% generally with a Sheffield smoothness in the range of from about 20 to 250 generally. These properties are unique in a paper web and provide highly beneficial results in use as labels which may be repeatedly flexed on a squeezable container without wrinking. In use as a label the web preferably contains a print receptive coating on one side and adhesive coating on the opposite side. The method of the invention includes the steps applying the fine crepe patter to the paper-based substrate, saturating the substrate, and calendering it to improve the surface smoothness. Additional steps, particularly for label applications will include coating with a print receptive coating and the adhesive coating on opposite sides.

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First Claim