BACKGROUND

[1] Flexible materials have a wide variety of uses, from packaging materials for foodstuffs to display boards and/or stickers. Flexible materials in use today include a combination of plastic polymer films, metal foils as sealant layers and barrier layers, and adhesives that are not compostable. These conventional flexible materials are not biodegradable or compostable.

[2] Not all flexible materials can be heated in a microwave. There are many materials that, when heated in a microwave, can catch fire, cause damage to the microwaving unit, or melt and destroy the contents contained inside flexible packaging.

[3] There remains a need for a flexible material that is nearly 100% compostable. Further, there is a need for a compostable flexible material that can be heated in a microwave.

SUMMARY

[4] The present disclosure provides a compostable flexible material comprising at least two layers of material, wherein all of the layers are compostable and the flexible material as a whole is compostable. The present disclosure also provides a compostable flexible material that can be heated in a microwave. Generally, the present disclosure provides materials to be used in flexible packaging that are alternatives to petrochemicals for packaging applications and can be bio-based materials, such as plant-based materials.

[5] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a compostable flexible material comprises a compostable barrier layer, a compostable sealant layer, a compostable adhesive layer there between. [6] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compostable flexible material comprises a compostable sealant layer, a compostable paper layer, a compostable adhesive layer between each of said layers.

[7] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compostable flexible material comprises a compostable barrier layer, a compostable sealant layer, compostable ink applied to at least a portion of the compostable barrier layer.

[8] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compostable flexible material comprises a compostable barrier layer, a compostable sealant layer, a compostable paper layer, compostable ink applied to at least a portion of the paper layer.

[9] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compostable flexible material comprises a compostable barrier layer, a compostable sealant layer, a compostable paper layer, a compostable ink applied to at least a portion of the sealant layer, barrier layer, or the paper layer.

[10] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compostable flexible material comprises a compostable barrier layer, a compostable sealant layer, a compostable paper layer, a compostable ink applied to at least a portion of the paper layer, and can be heated in a microwave.

[11 ] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compostable flexible material comprises a compostable barrier layer, a compostable sealant layer, a compostable adhesive layer therebetween, a compostable ink applied to at least a portion of the barrier layer or the sealant layer, and can be heated in a microwave.

[12] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compostable flexible material comprises a compostable barrier layer, a compostable sealant layer, a compostable paper layer, a compostable adhesive layer between each of said layers, and a compostable ink applied to at least a portion of the barrier layer or the paper layer. [13] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compostable flexible material comprises a compostable sealant layer, a compostable paper layer, a compostable adhesive layer between each of said layers, a compostable ink applied to at least a portion the paper layer.

[14] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compostable flexible material can comprise a barrier layer and the barrier layer is a biopolymer.

[15] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compostable flexible material can comprise a sealant layer and the sealant layer is a biopolymer.

[16] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the biopolymer can be a cellulose, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene Succinate (PBS), chitin, thermoplastic starch (TPS), or combinations thereof.

[17] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the sealant layer can be PHA and can be heated with a microwave.

[18] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a compostable packaging can be made from the compostable flexible material and comprise a front panel, a back panel, and a compostable reclosable pressure closure. The compostable flexible material can be used to make a compostable flexible packaging for containing foodstuff. The compostable flexible packaging can be heated by a microwave to warm or cook the foodstuff housed in the compostable flexible packaging.

[19] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the compostable reclosable pressure closure can be a tongue and groove closure, wherein the tongue portion of the closure is affixed to the front panel and the groove portion of the closure is affixed to the back panel.

[20] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the compostable reclosable pressure closure can be a tongue and groove closure, wherein the tongue portion of the closure is affixed to the back panel and the groove portion of the closure is affixed to the front panel.

[21 ] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the compostable reclosable closure can be a pressure closure, wherein the pressure closure comprises a hook to hook closure. One hook strip is affixed to the front panel and another hook strip is affixed to the back panel.

[22] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the above-mentioned advantages and superior features of the invention together with other important aspects thereof upon reading the detailed description which follows in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[23] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of a compostable flexible material comprising at least three layers;

[24] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of a compostable flexible material comprising at least 5 layers;

[25] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of a compostable flexible material comprising compostable ink applied to at least one side of a paper layer or a barrier layer, or both;

[26] FIG. 4 illustrates a side plan view of one embodiment of a compostable flexible material comprising at least three layers;

[27] FIG. 5 illustrates a side plan view of one embodiment of a compostable flexible material comprising at least five layers; and

[28] FIG. 6. Illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of a compostable flexible packaging 24 in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [29] The following detailed embodiments presented herein are for illustrative purposes. That is, these detailed embodiments are intended to be exemplary of the present invention for the purposes of providing and aiding a person skilled in the pertinent art to readily understand how to make and use the present invention.

[30] Accordingly, the detailed discussion herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is it to be construed, to limit the boundaries of the descriptions but rather as defined by the claims and equivalents thereof. Therefore, embodiments not specifically addressed herein, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, should be and are considered to be implicitly disclosed by the illustrative embodiments and claims set forth herein and therefore fall within the scope of the present invention.

[31 ] Further, it should be understood that, although steps of various claimed methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such method are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. That is, the claimed method steps are considered capable of being carried out in any sequential combination or permutation order while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

[32] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which a person skilled in the relevant art would understand such term to mean, based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein, as understood by the person skilled in the relevant art based on the contextual use of such term, differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the person skilled in the relevant art should prevail.

[33] Furthermore, a person skilled in the art of reading claimed inventions should understand that "a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Also, the term "or" denotes "at least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

[34] In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures may not necessarily be to scale and certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[35] AEROBIC COMPOSTING means decomposition of organic matter using microorganisms that require oxygen.

[36] ANAEROBIC COMPOSTING means decomposition that occurs using microorganisms that do not require oxygen to survive. In an anaerobic system, at least some of the chemical energy contained within the starting material is released as methane.

[37] BIODEGRADEABLE means that the flexible material, as a whole, is capable of being broken down (decomposed) naturally or rapidly by the action of microorganisms.

[38] COMPOSTABLE means that the flexible material as a whole, is capable of disintegrating in a compost environment, and complies with the compostability standards set forth by, but not limited to, the following organizations: U.S. Composting Council, Environmental Protection Agency, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International), or Tuv Austria. The material can be disintegrated in an anaerobic and/or aerobic composting environment, and the disintegration of the material can be achieved through fungi digestion. A compostable material will degrade in a certain period of time (as set by the organizations above) and pass the toxicity test(s) set out by the organizations above. There are different standards for being able to label a material as Industrial Compostable and/or Home Compostable.

[39] Industrial Compostable

[40] Certified Industrially Compostable Materials Must Meet Four Requirements [41 ] 1. Disintegration

[42] This is the physical fragmentation of the product. The ultimate goal is that the final compost contains no visible fragments of the biopolymer product. Eliminating the concern of so-called “micro-plastics”. For industrial composting, also called aerobic (meaning in the presence of oxygen) composting, ASTM International standards (D6400, D6868) require that less than 10% of the product’s mass may remain on a 2mm sieve after 12 weeks. Pretreatment processes at a composting facility may accelerate this by shredding or grinding the waste, which also decreases surface area and allows for an even distribution of the biopolymer products in the compost pile. The combination of moisture, temperature, mechanical action and microbial activity will continue the disintegration process.

[43] 2. Biodegradability

[44] Not only must the biopolymer product fully disintegrate, the biopolymer molecules must also truly biodegrade.

[45] A material must convert into carbon dioxide, water vapor and microbial biomass via microbial activity (bacteria and/or fungi), often resulting in humus in the soil. The biopolymers must not accumulate in the environment. For industrial composting, greater than 90% of the organic carbon must convert to carbon dioxide within 180 days. Some biopolymers can completely biodegrade in industrial composting conditions in as little as 28 days.

[46] 3. No heavy metals or fluorinated chemicals

[47] The product may not introduce levels of heavy metals or fluorinated chemicals that exceed regulatory limits.

[48] 4. No plant toxicity

[49] The final compost may not contain byproducts that have harmful effects on plants. ASTM International standards require the full 12 weeks of AC in order to ensure stable, mature compost is obtained prior to beginning the plant trials. Shorter timeframes have shown negative impacts on both emergence and growth due to immaturity of the compost, so even if the test sample has fully disintegrated much sooner, the [industrial composting] period is not allowed to be truncated.

[50] Leading global standards for Industrial Compostability:

[51 ] - European home compost standard TUV OK-01 e

[52] - ASTM D6400, D6868

[53] Home Compostable

[54] Certified Home Compostable Materials Must Meet a similar set of Four Requirements

[55] 1. Disintegration: This is the physical fragmentation of the product. The ultimate goal is that the final compost contains no visible fragments of the biopolymer product. Eliminating the concern of so-called “micro-plastics”. For home composting, also called aerobic (meaning in the presence of oxygen) composting, European TUV OK02-e, Australasian AS5910 and French NF T 51 -800 standards (leading global standards) require less than 10% of the product’s mass may remain on a 2mm sieve after 24 weeks. Pretreatment processes in a backyard or home kitchen may accelerate this by shredding or grinding the waste, which also decreases surface area and allows for an even distribution of the biopolymer products in the compost pile. The combination of moisture, temperature, mechanical action and microbial activity will continue the disintegration process.

[56] 2. Biodegradability: Not only must the biopolymer product fully disintegrate, the biopolymer molecules must also truly biodegrade.

[57] A material must convert into carbon dioxide, water vapor and microbial biomass via microbial activity (bacteria and/or fungi), often resulting in humus in the soil. The biopolymers must not accumulate in the environment. For home composting, greater than 90% of the organic carbon must convert to carbon dioxide within 365 days. Some biopolymers can completely biodegrade in home composting conditions in as little as 60 days.

[58] 3. No heavy metals or fluorinated chemicals: The product may not introduce levels of heavy metals or fluorinated chemicals that exceed regulatory limits.

[59] 4. No plant toxicity: The final compost may not contain byproducts that have harmful effects on plants.

[60] Leading global standards for Home Compostable:

[61 ] - European home compost standard TUV OK-02-e

[62] - Australasian home composting standard, AS5810 (based on TUV standard, adds earthworm toxicity test)

[63] - French home compost standard, NF T 51 -800 (identical to TUV standard)

[64] - ASTM does not yet have a home compostable standard

[65] COMPOST ENVIRONMENT means an aerobic and/or anaerobic environment.

[66] MICROWAVABLE or BE HEATED BY A MICROWAVE means the compostable material meets the standards set forth in, but not limited to, the FDA C.F.R. Title 21 guidelines, particularly under Subchapter B.

[67] There are many problems to solve when creating a fully compostable flexible material and one that can be microwaved without toxins or chemicals migrating from the packaging into the food. While some materials may be advertised as compostable, when tested, they do not pass the strict standards required by various agencies to certify the material as compostable. Also, the materials may be advertised as having certain properties, e.g., sealing properties or moisture barrier properties, and when tested, the properties as advertised are not confirmed by the testing. Just a few of the problems are the sealant layer not adhering properly to itself when the material is formed into a package, the sealant layer delaminating from the rest of the material, the sealant layer degrading when the material is heated in a microwave and leeching chemicals and/or toxins onto or into the food, and the material being able to be advertised as compostable because it meets various organization’s requirements for said advertising. The compostable flexible material of the present disclosure solves at least the problems identified above.

[68] Referring to FIG. 1 , there is illustrated one embodiment of a compostable flexible material and generally designated by the numeral 10. The compostable flexible material 10 can disintegrate within 3 months of being placed in an industrial compost environment, disintegrate within 6 months of being placed in a home compost environment, and be fully composted within 2 months-16 months, 2 months - 12 months, 2 months - 10 months, 2 months - 9 months, 2 months - 7 months, 3 months- 14 months, 3 months-10 months, 3 months -9 months, 3 months - 8 months, 3 months - 7 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months,

10 months, 11 months, 12, months, 13 months, 14 months, 15 months, 16 months, or any range of months, weeks, days therebetween, when placed in a home or industrial (commercial) compost environment. The compostable flexible material can comprise renewable resources as materials, can be certified as compostable in both industrial and/or home composting environments, and can be composted in any compost environment. The compostable flexible material 10 comprises moisture, UV/visible light, gas, aroma, oil, and grease barrier properties. The compostable flexible material 10 also comprises anti-static properties and dead-fold characteristics.

[69] The compostable flexible material 10 can be used for any purpose that requires a flexible material, such as, but not limited to, consumer good packaging, stickers, labels, envelopes, shipping envelopes, food or edible product packaging, book covers, journal covers, notebook covers, and more. The compostable flexible material 10 can be used as packaging for dry foods, frozen storage, and wet foods. The compostable flexible material 10 is durable, and can have rigidity while still being flexible. One having ordinary skill in the art would understand how to modify the thickness of the layers or add more substrate to a respective layer to achieve a desired rigidity or flexibility.

[70] The compostable flexible material 10 comprises at least two layers: a sealant layer 12 and a barrier layer 16. An adhesive layer 14 can be added therebetween, and the compostable flexible material 10 can comprise at least three layers. The at least two layers and adhesive layer 14 are each themselves compostable. The adhesive layer 14 can be a separate or stand-alone layer, as illustrated, or can be integrated into either the sealant layer 12 or the barrier layer 16 (not a stand-alone layer). Also, sealant layer 12 and barrier layer 16 can be separate or stand-alone layers, adhered to each other with adhesive layer 14, or can be integrated into each other and produced as “one layer” (not stand-alone layers). For ease of understanding this disclosure and the drawings, the sealant layer 12, adhesive layer 14, and barrier layer 16 are shown as stand-alone layers. The adhesive layer 14 can be situated between the sealant layer

12 and the barrier layer 16, and adheres the sealant layer 12 to the barrier layer 16. Once the at least three layers are adhered together, the compostable flexible material 10 is assembled, though additional layers may be added as desired. BASF’s Epotal Eco™ adhesive can be used as adhesive 10, though this disclosure is not intended to be limited to said adhesive.

[71 ] The compostable flexible material 10 can be between 30-130 microns thick, or any range or single thickness therebetween, e.g., 35-125 microns, 40-110 microns, 45- 105 microns, 50-100 microns, 35-100 microns, 60-100 microns, etc.

[72] If the compostable flexible material 10 is used to make a compostable flexible packaging for shelf-stable, nonfrozen, or nonrefrigerated foodstuff, the compostable flexible material 10 can have a water vapor transmission of less than 3.0 g/100 sq. in/24 hr., (e.g. (all in g/100sqin./24hr) when the residual humidity (e.g., relative humidity or RH) is 90% at 37.8 C degrees C, e.g., 3.0, 2.9, 2.8, 2.7, 2.6, 2.5, 2.4, 2.3, 2.2, 2.1 , 2.0, 1 .9, 1 .8, 1 .7, 1 .6, 1 .5, 1 .4, 1 .3, 1 .2, 1 .1 , 1 .0, 0.99, 0.98, 0.97, 0.96, 0.95, 0.04, 0.93, 0.92, 0.91 , 0.90, 0.89, 0.88, 0.87, 0.86, 0.85, 0.84, 0.83, 0.82, 0.81 , 0.80, 0.79, 0.78, 0.77,

0.76, 0.75, 0.74, 0.73, 0.72, 0.71 , 0.70, 0.69, 0.68, 0.67, 0.66, 0.65, 0.64, 0.63, 0.62,

0.61 , 0.60, 0.59, 0.58, 0.57, 0.56, 0.55, 0.54, 0.53, 0.52, 0.51 , 0.50, 0.49, 0.48, 0.47,

0.46, 0.45, 0.44, 0.43, 0.42, 0.41 , 0.40, 0.39, 0.38, 0.37, 0.36, 0.35, 0.34, 0.33, 0.032,

0.31 , 0.30, 0.29, 0.28, 0.27, 0.26, 0.25, 0.24, 0.23, 0.22, 0.21 , 0.20, 0.19, 0.18, 0.17,

0.16, 0.15, 0.14, 0.13„ 0.12, 0.11 , 0.10, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01 , 0.009, 0.008, 0.007, 0.006, 0.005, 0.004, 0.003, 0.002, 0.001 , 0009, 0.0008, 0.0007, 0.0006, 0.0005, 0.0004, 0.0003, 0.0002, 0.0001 etc.).

[73] If the compostable flexible material 10 is used to make a compostable flexible packaging for shelf-stable, nonfrozen, or nonrefrigerated foodstuff, the compostable flexible material 10 can have an oxygen transmission of less than 2.0 cc/ 100 sq. in./24 hr. (e.g. (all in cc/100 sq. in/24 hr.) the residual humidity (e.g., relative humidity or RH) is 0% at 23 degrees C, e.g., 2.0, 1 .9, 1 .8, 1 .75, 1 .7, 1 .6, 1 .5, 1 .4, 1 .3, 1 .2, 1 .1 , 1 .0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1 , 0.09, 0.08. 0.075, 0.07, 0.065, 0.06, 0.055, 0.05, 0.045, 0.04, 0.035, 0.034, 0.033, 0.032, 0.031 , 0.030, 0.029, 0.028, 0.027, 0.026, 0.025, 0.024, 0.023, 0.022, 0.021 , 0.020, 0.015, 0.010, 0.009, 0.008, 0.007, 0.006, 0.005, 0.004, 0.003, 0.002, 0.001 , 0.0009, 0.0008, 0.0007, 0.0006, 0.0005, 0.0004, 0.0003, 0.0002, 0.0001 , etc.).

[74] If the compostable flexible material 10 is used to make a compostable flexible packaging for nonshelf-stable, frozen, or refrigerated foodstuff, the compostable flexible material 10 can have a water vapor transmission of less than 25.0 g/100 sq. in/24 hr., and greater than 1 .0 g/100 sq. in/24 hr (e.g. (all in g/100sqin./24hr) when the residual humidity (e.g., relative humidity or RH) is 90% at 37.8 C degrees C, e.g., 25.0, 24.5, 24.0 23.5, 23.0, 22.5, 22.0, 21.5, 21.0, 20.5, 20.0. 19.5, 19.0, 18.5, 18.0, 17.5, 17.0, 16.5, 16.0, 15.5., 15.0, 14.5, 14.0, 13.5, 13.0, 12.5, 12.0, 11.5, 11.0, 10.5, 10.0, 9.5, 9.0, 8.5 8.0, 7.5, 7.0, 6.5, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.5, 4.0, 3.5, 3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 1 .5, , 0.001 , 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.010, 0.011 , 0.012, 0.013, 0.014, 0.015, 0.016, 0.017, 0.018, 0.019, 0.020, 0.021 , 0.022, 0.023, 0.024, 0.025, 0.026, 0.027, 0.028, 0.029, 0.030, 0.031 , 0.032, 0.033, 0.034, 0.035, 0.036, 0.037, 0.038, 0.039,

0.040, 0.041 , 0.042, 0.043, 0.044, 0.045, 0.046, 0.047, 0.048, 0.049, 0.050, 0.051 ,

0.052, 0.053, 0.054, 0.055, 0.056, 0.057, 0.058, 0.059, 0.060, 0.061 , 0.062, 0.063,

0.064, 0.065, 0.066, 0.067, 0.068, 0.069, 0.070, 0.071 , 0.072, 0.073, 0.074, 0.075,

0.076. 0.077. 0.078. 0.079. 0.08. 0.081. 0.082. 0.083. 0.084. 0.085. 0.086. 0.087

0.088, 0.089, 0.090, 0.091 , 0.092, 0.093, 0.094, 0.095, 0.096, 0.097, 0.098, 0.099, 0.100, 0.101 , 0.102, 0.103, 0.104, 0.105, 0.106, 0.107, 0.108, 0.109, 0.11 , 0.11 1 , 0.1 12, 0.113, 0.114, 0.115, 0.1 16, 0.1 17, 0.118, 0.119, 0.120, 0.121 , 0.122, 0.123, 0.124, 0.125, 0.126, 0.127, 0.128, 0.129, 0.13, 0.131 , 0.132, 0.133, 0.134, 0.135, 0.136, 0.137, 0.138, 0.139, 0.140, 0.141 , 0.142, 0.143, 0.144, 0.145, 0.146, 0.147, 0.148, 0.149, 0.150, 0.151 , 0.152, 0.153, 0.154, 0.155, 0.156, 0.157, 0.158, 0.159, 0.160, 0.161 , 0.162, 0.163, 0.164, 0.165, 0.166, 0.167, 0.168, 0.169, 0.170, 0.171 , 0.172, 0.173, 0.174, 0.175, 0.176, 0.177, 0.178, 0.179, 0.180, 0.181 , 0.182, 0.183, 0.184, 0.185, 0.186, 0.187, 0.188, 0.189, 0.190, 0.191 , 0.192, 0.193, 0.194, 0.195, 0.196, 0.197, 0.198, 0.199, 0.200, 0.201 , 0.202, 0.203, 0.204, 0.205, 0.206, 0.207, 0.208, 0.209, 0.210, 0.21 1 , 0.212, 0.213, 0.214, 0.215, 0.216, 0.217, 0.218, 0.219, 0.220, 0.221 , 0.222, 0.223, 0.224, 0.225, 0.226, 0.227, 0.228, 0.229, 0.230, 0.231 ,

0.232, 0.233, 0.234, 0.235, 0.236, 0.237, 0.238, 0.239, 0.240, 0.241 , 0.242, 0.243, 0.244, 0.245, 0.246, 0.247, 0.248, 0.249, 0.250, 0.251 , 0.252, 0.253, 0.254, 0.255, 0.256, 0.257, 0.258, 0.259, 0.260, 0.261 , 0.262, 0.263, 0.264, 0.265, 0.266, 0.267, 0.268, 0.269, 0.270, 0.271 , 0.272, 0.273, 0.274, 0.275, 0.276, 0.277, 0.278, 0.279,

0.280, 0.281 , 0.282, 0.283, 0.284, 0.285, 0.286, 0.287, 0.288, 0.289, 0.290, 0.291 ,

0.292, 0.293, 0.294, 0.295, 0.296, 0.297, 0.298, 0.299, 0.300, 0.301 , 0.302, 0.303,

0.304, 0.305, 0.306, 0.307, 0.308, 0.309, 0.310, 0.311 , 0.312, 0.313, 0.314, 0.315,

0.316, 0.317, 0.318, 0.319, 0.320, 0.321 , 0.322, 0.323, 0.324, 0.325, 0.326, 0.327,

0.328, 0.329, 0.330, 0.331 , 0.332, 0.333, 0.334, 0.335, 0.336, 0.337, 0.338, 0.339,

0.340, 0.341 , 0.342, 0.343, 0.344, 0.345, 0.346, 0.347, 0.348, 0.349, 0.350, 0.351 ,

0.352, 0.353, 0.354, 0.355, 0.356, 0.357, 0.358, 0.359, 0.360, 0.361 , 0.362, 0.363,

0.364, 0.365, 0.366, 0.367, 0.368, 0.369, 0.370, 0.371 , 0.372, 0.373, 0.374, 0.375,

0.376, 0.377, 0.378, 0.379, 0.380, 0.381 , 0.382, 0.383, 0.384, 0.385, 0.386, 0.387,

0.388, 0.389, 0.390, 0.391 , 0.392, 0.393, 0.394, 0.395, 0.396, 0.397, 0.398, 0.399

,0.400, 0.401 , 0.402, 0.403 , 0.404, 0.405 , 0.406, 0.407, 0.408, 0.409, 0.410, 0.411 ,

0.412, 0.413, 0.414, 0.415, 0.416, 0.417, 0.418, 0.419, 0.420, 0.421 , 0.422, 0.423,

0.424, 0.425, 0.426, 0.427, 0.428, 0.429, 0.430, 0.431 , 0.432, 0.433, 0.434, 0.435,

0.436, 0.437, 0.438, 0.439, 0.440, 0.441 , 0.442, 0.443, 0.444, 0.445, 0.446, 0.447,

0.448, 0.449, 0.450, 0.451 , 0.452, 0.453, 0.454, 0.455, 0.456, 0.457, 0.458, 0.459,

0.460, 0.461 , 0.462, 0.463, 0.464, 0.465, 0.466, 0.467, 0.468, 0.469, 0.470, 0.471 ,

0.472, 0.473, 0.474, 0.475, 0.476, 0.477, 0.478, 0.479, 0.480, 0.481 , 0.482, 0.483,

0.484, 0.485, 0.486, 0.487, 0.488, 0.489, 0.490, 0.491 , 0.492, 0.493, 0.494, 0.495,

0.496, 0.497, 0.498, 0.499, 0.500, 0.501 , 0.502, 0.503, 0.504, 0.505, 0.506, 0.507,

0.508, 0.509, 0.510, 0.51 1 , 0.512, 0.513, 0.514, 0.515, 0.516, 0.517, 0.518, 0.519,

0.520, 0.521 , 0.522, 0.523, 0.524, 0.525, 0.526, 0.527, 0.528, 0.529, 0.530, 0.531 ,

0.532, 0.533, 0.534, 0.535, 0.536, 0.537, 0.538, 0.539, 0.540, 0.541 , 0.542, 0.543,

0.544, 0.545, 0.546, 0.547, 0.548, 0.549, 0.550, 0.551 , 0.552, 0.553, 0.554, 0.555,

0.556, 0.557, 0.558, 0.559, 0.560, 0.561 , 0.562, 0.563, 0.564, 0.565, 0.566, 0.567,

0.568, 0.569, 0.570, 0.571 , 0.572, 0.573, 0.574, 0.575, 0.576, 0.577, 0.578, 0.579, 0.892, 0.893, 0.894, 0.895, 0.896, 0.897, 0.898, 0.899, 0.900, 0.901 , 0.902, 0.903,

0.904, 0.905, 0.906, 0.907, 0.908, 0.909, 0.910, 0.91 1 , 0.912, 0.913, 0.914, 0.915,

0.916, 0.917, 0.918, 0.919, 0.920, 0.921 , 0.922, 0.923, 0.924, 0.925, 0.926, 0.927,

0.928, 0.929, 0.930, 0.931 , 0.932, 0.933, 0.934, 0.935, 0.936, 0.937, 0.938, 0.939,

0.940, 0.941 , 0.942, 0.943, 0.944, 0.945, 0.946, 0.947, 0.948, 0.949, 0.950, 0.951 ,

0.952, 0.953, 0.954, 0.955, 0.956, 0.957, 0.958, 0.959, 0.960, 0.961 , 0.962, 0.963,

0.964, 0.965, 0.966, 0.967, 0.968, 0.969, 0.970, 0.971 , 0.972, 0.973, 0.974, 0.975,

0.976, 0.977, 0.978, 0.979, 0.980, 0.981 , 0.982, 0.983, 0.984, 0.985, 0.986, 0.987,

0.988, 0.989, 0.990, 0.991 , 0.992, 0.993, 0.994, 0.995, 0.996, 0.997, 0.998, 0.999,1.000..

[75] If the compostable flexible material 10 is used to make a compostable flexible packaging for nonshelf-stable, frozen, or refrigerated foodstuff, the compostable flexible material 10 can have an oxygen transmission of less than 40.0 cc/ 100 sq. in./24 hr.

(e.g. (all in cc/100 sq. in/24 hr.) the residual humidity (e.g., relative humidity or RH) is 0% at 23 degrees C, e.g., 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31 , 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21 , 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 1 1 , 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, , 0.01 , 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11 , 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21 , 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31 , 0.32,

0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.40, 0.41 , 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47,

0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51 , 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.60, 0.61 , 0.62,

0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.70, 0.71 , 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.76, 0.77,

0.78, 0.79, 0.80, 0.81 , 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, 0.90, 0.91 , 0.92,

0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96,0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 1

[76] The sealant layer 12 can be made from a renewable resource, such as a biopolymer material that is safe for contact with food. The sealant layer 12 may comprise or may not comprise a metalized portion. The sealant layer 12 can be made from a biopolymer such as cellulose, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene Succinate (PBS), chitin, thermoplastic starch (TPS), or combinations thereof. PLA is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources.

[77] Generally, biopolymers can be produced using different methods: either directly from natural substances that include polysaccharides and proteins, or by polymerization of monomers derived from biomass such as PLA from lactic acid. Other biopolymers can be produced by microorganisms such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).

[78] The sealant layer 12 can be a transparent biopolymer film and cold-pressed or extruded through a machine. The sealant layer 12 can be colored with compostable dye, if so desired. The sealant layer 12 can be transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or opaque. The sealant layer 12 contacts food when the compostable flexible material 10 is used to make food packaging. The side of the sealant layer 12 that comes into contact with food will not comprise a metalized portion. The side of the sealant layer 12 that is opposite of the food can comprise a metalized portion.

[79] The adhesive layer 14 can be transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or opaque material made from renewable resources. The adhesive layer 14 can be waterbased long-chain adhesive polymer, which is a fully reacted system. A water-based long-chain adhesive polymer is free of migratable toxic elements and organic solvents. In addition, they meet the global food law requirements of the European Union and are approved for food contact.

[80] The adhesive layer 14 can adhere to porous or non-porous substrates, and can adhere porous substrates to non-porous substrates. The adhesive layer 14 comprises a first side and a second side, and each side may be sticky. The adhesive layer 14 comprises a first side and a second side, and either the first side or the second side may be sticky. The adhesive layer 14 may be formulated as a solution, or a powder, and sprayed onto a compostable substrate, or mixed with the compostable substrate and extruded through a machine as a thin film. The adhesive property of the adhesive layer 14 is activated as the water evaporates or is absorbed by the substrate. The adhesive layer 14 can be a permanent adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive. A pressure sensitive adhesive is a semi-permanent adhesive that retains viscosity when it is applied to a substrate. The viscosity of the adhesive can be between 13-75 mPas, 13-70 mPas, 13-65 mPas, 15-70 mPas, 20-70 mPas, 25-70 mPas, 30-75 mPas, 35-65 mPas, or any specific viscosity therebetween. The adhesive layer 14 can be kept slightly viscous by adding more water, say 2%-15% or any % therebetween, to the standard protocol for making a fully reacted water based long-chain adhesive polymer. The adhesive layer 14 can also be turned into a pressure sensitive adhesive by adding a thin cloth to the substrate.

[81 ] The adhesive layer 14 may be a water-based adhesive and comprise polyolefins or a metal oxide substrate as a form for holding or applying the adhesive layer 14, and have a pH between 6 -10, 7-10, 8-10, 9-10, 10, 6-7, 6-8, 6-9, 7-9, 7-8, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or pH values therebetween.

[82] The adhesive layer 14 can be a compostable hot-melt adhesive.

[83] The barrier layer 16 can be made from renewable resources, and can be a transparent cellulose film and cold-pressed or extruded through a machine. The barrier layer 16 can be a metallized material that comprises a high luster shine or sparkle. If the compostable flexible material 10 comprises a stand-alone barrier layer 16, the barrier layer 16 is disposed above the sealant layer 12. Neither side of the barrier layer 16 will contact food if the compostable flexible material 10 is used to make food packaging.

[84] In some embodiments, the metalized portion of the sealant layer 12 or the barrier layer 16 comprises at least one metal oxide selected from the group of titania, alumina, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, the metalized portion of the sealant layer 12 and the barrier layer 16 can be deposited said layer by various deposition techniques, such as vacuum metallization. The degree of deposition/metallization on sealant layer 12 and metal layer 16 can be determined by measuring the optical density of the susceptor (i.e. , the substrate after coating deposition). In various embodiments, the susceptor can have an optical density of from about 1 Tobias to about 5 Tobias, from about 1 Tobias to about 4 Tobias, from about 1 Tobias to about 3 Tobias, from about 1 Tobias to about 2 Tobias, from about 1 .5 Tobias to about 4 Tobias, from about 1 .5 Tobias to about 3.5 Tobias, from about 1 .5 Tobias to about 3 Tobias, from about 2 Tobias to about 5 Tobias, from about 2 Tobias to about 4 Tobias, from about 2 Tobias to about 3 Tobias, from about 3 Tobias to about 5 Tobias, from about 3 Tobias to about 4 Tobias, or from about 4 Tobias to about 5 Tobias.

[85] The metal oxide can be randomly distributed or can be patterned on the sealant layer 12 or the barrier layer 16. Exposed portions of the sealant layer 12 or the barrier layer 16 can be coated and unexposed portions cannot be coated when the metal oxide is distributed on said layer. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the patterned distribution can be a non-random pattern. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the patterned distribution can be a geometric pattern.

[86] Turning to FIG. 2, another embodiment of a compostable flexible material 10 is shown. The compostable flexible material 10 can comprise renewable resources as materials, can be certified as compostable in both industrial and home composting environments, and can be suitable for anaerobic digestion. The compostable flexible material 10 comprises moisture, UV/visible light, gas, aroma, oil, and grease barrier properties. The compostable flexible material 10 also comprises anti-static properties and dead-fold characteristics. [87] The compostable flexible material 10 can comprise at least five layers: a sealant layer 12, at least two adhesive layers 14 and 18, a barrier layer 16, and a paper layer 20. The at least five layers are each themselves compostable. The at least two adhesive layers 14 and 18 can be separate layers, as illustrated, or can be integrated into one or both sides of either the sealant layer 12, or the barrier layer 16, or the paper layer 20. For ease of understanding this disclosure and the drawings, the at least two adhesive layers 14 and 18 are shown as stand-alone layers. One of the at least two adhesive layers 14 and 18 can be situated between the sealant layer 12 and the barrier layer 16 and adheres the sealant layer 12 to the barrier layer 16. The other of the at least two adhesive layers 14 and 18 can be situated between the barrier layer 16 and the paper layer 20, and adheres the barrier layer 16 to the paper layer 20. The adhesive layers 14 and 18 can each be a separate or stand-alone layer, as illustrated, or can be integrated into either the sealant layer 12 or the barrier layer 16 (not a standalone layer). Also, sealant layer 12 and barrier layer 16 can be separate or stand-alone layers, adhered to each other with adhesive layer 14, or can be integrated into each other and produced as “one layer” (not stand-alone layers). For ease of understanding this disclosure and the drawings, the sealant layer 12, adhesive layers 14 and 18, and barrier layer 16 are shown as stand-alone layers.

[88] Once the at least five layers are adhered together, the compostable flexible material 10 is assembled, though additional layers may be added as desired.

[89] The paper layer 20 can comprise at least one layer of paper. The paper layer 20 can comprise recycled paper or new paper, and the paper can be made from animal waste, hair, plants, fungus, fruits, vegetables, wood, or combinations thereof.

[90] Turning to FIG. 3, another embodiment of a compostable flexible material is shown. The compostable flexible material 10 can comprise renewable resources as materials, can be certified as compostable in both industrial and home composting environments, and can be suitable for anaerobic digestion. The compostable flexible material 10 comprises moisture, UV/visible light, gas, aroma, oil, and grease barrier properties. The compostable flexible material 10 also comprises anti-static properties and dead-fold characteristics.

[91 ] The compostable flexible material 10 can comprise at least three layers or at least five layers (five layers are shown in FIG. 3, though three layers can be sufficient): a sealant layer 12, an adhesive layer 14, a barrier layer 16, and optionally, an adhesive layer 18, a paper layer 20, and/or a compostable ink 22 applied to at least a portion of the barrier layer 16 or the paper layer 20. The adhesive layer 14 and adhesive layer 18 can be separate layers, as illustrated, or can be integrated into one or both sides of either the sealant layer 12, or the barrier layer 16, or the paper layer 20. For ease of understanding this disclosure and the drawings, the adhesive layer 14 and adhesive layer 18 are shown as stand-alone layers. The adhesive layer 14 can be situated between the sealant layer 12 and the barrier layer 16 and adheres the sealant layer 12 to the barrier layer 16. The adhesive layers 18 can be situated between the barrier layer 16 and the paper layer 20, and adheres the barrier layer 16 to the paper layer 20.

[92] The adhesive layer 14 can be a separate or stand-alone layer, as illustrated, or can be integrated into either the sealant layer 12 or the barrier layer 16 (not a standalone layer). Also, sealant layer 12 and barrier layer 16 can be separate or stand-alone layers, adhered to each other with adhesive layer 14, or can be integrated into each other and produced as “one layer” (not stand-alone layers). For ease of understanding this disclosure and the drawings, the sealant layer 12, adhesive layer 14, and barrier layer 16 are shown as stand-alone layers.

[93] Once the at least three layers, or optionally, the at least five layers are adhered together, the compostable flexible material 10 is assembled, though additional layers may be added as desired. [94] The compostable ink 22 can be made of dye made from vegetable, plants, fungus, fruit, algae, insects, treated waste, soy, water-based ink, or combinations thereof, and be substantially free of zinc, copper, nickel, cadmium, lead, mercury, chromium, molybdenum, selenium, arsenic and/or flour. The compostable ink 22 may be applied to at least a portion of the barrier layer 16. The compostable ink 22 may be applied to at least a portion of the paper layer 20. The compostable ink 22 may be applied to at least a portion of the barrier layer 16, or the paper layer 20. The compostable ink 22 may be applied to both the barrier layer 16 and the paper layer 20.

[95] The sealant layer 12, the adhesive layer 14, and/or the barrier layer 16 may be translucent or transparent to allow the compostable ink 22 to be seen. The compostable ink 22 may be applied to either side of the barrier layer 16, or to either side of the paper layer 20, or to both sides of the barrier layer 16, the paper layer 20, or both the barrier layer 16 and the paper layer 20. The compostable ink can be laser printed, flexographic printed, off-set printing, digital printed, dot matrix printed, screen printed, hand written, or hand drawn on the barrier layer 16, the paper layer 20, or both the barrier layer 16 and the paper layer 20. The compostable ink 22 may be applied in the form of text, graphics, pictures, solid colors, murals, or combinations thereof. FIG. 3 is not meant to be limited to just text printed in compostable ink 22 on at least a portion of the compostable flexible material 10, the barrier layer 16, and/or the paper layer 20.

[96] Turning to FIG. 4, a side plan view of one embodiment of the compostable flexible material 10 can be seen.

[97] Turning to FIG. 5, a side plan view of one embodiment of the compostable flexible material 10 can be seen.

[98] Turning to FIG. 6, a top perspective view of one embodiment of a compostable flexible packaging 24 is illustrated in accordance with the present disclosure. The compostable flexible packaging 24 can comprise a front panel 26, a back panel 28, a cavity 30, a reclosable pressure closure having a first portion of the reclosable compostable pressure closure 32 and a second portion of the pressure closure 34. The compostable flexible packaging 24 is illustrated for exemplary purposes and this disclosure is not intended to be limited by the illustration. The compostable flexible packaging 24 is any type of packaging that comprises the compostable flexible material 10, such as a stand-up pouch as shown, a pillow pouch (not shown), or a gusseted bag (not shown). The compostable flexible packaging 24 can comprise a central cavity 30 for receiving items, such as foodstuff, to be contained in the compostable flexible packaging 24.

[99] The compostable flexible packaging 24 can comprise a reclosable pressure closure, such as can be a tongue and groove closure, wherein the tongue portion of the closure is affixed to the front panel 26 and the groove portion of the closure is affixed to the back panel 28.

[100] The compostable reclosable pressure closure can be a tongue and groove closure, wherein the tongue portion of the closure is affixed to the back panel 28 and the groove portion of the closure is affixed to the front panel 26.

[101] The compostable reclosable closure can be a pressure closure, wherein the pressure closure can comprise a hook to hook closure. One hook strip can be a first portion of the compostable pressure closure 32 affixed to the front panel 26. Another hook strip can be a second portion of the compostable pressure closure 24 and can be affixed to the back panel 28.

[102] The compostable flexible packaging 24 may or may not comprise a bottom and may or may not be gusseted. The compostable flexible packaging 24, front panel 26, and back panel 28 can be formed from one continuous sheet of the compostable flexible material 10 or formed from a single source of the compostable flexible material 10. The compostable flexible packaging 24 may also be heated using a microwave to cook or warm foodstuff contained in the central cavity 30.

[103] It is important to recognize that this disclosure has been written as a thorough teaching rather than as a narrow dictate or disclaimer. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", or "a specific embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", or "in a specific embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the present subject matter.

[104] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein is generally intended to mean "and/or" unless otherwise indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.

[105] EXAMPLE [106] Applicant’s composable flexible material was tested by a lab, and below are some of the results of the testing.

[107] Heat Seal Profile- (140F - 475F, 1 ” wide specimen, 40psi pressure, 0.5 sec dwell, 30 second cooling delay, 127min pull speed).

[108] OTR - (23C, 0% RH). OTR values indicate a reasonably higher “barrier” comparable to other metallized structures.

[109] WVTR - (37.8C, 90% RH). Moisture barrier is also good.

>

[110]

[11 1] The sealant layer bonded to itself properly when forming the material into packaging. The sealant layer could not be pulled apart and a good seal was created. The sealant layer also did not delaminate from the rest of the material

[112] The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract and the Summary, and all disclosure and the implicated industrial applicability, are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the subject matter to the precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the subject matter are described herein for teaching-by-illustration purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present subject matter, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments and are to be included, again, within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[113] Thus, although the foregoing disclosure has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the disclosure, as limited only by the scope of the claims.