TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to packaging films, and in particular to packaging films which include an open and reclose feature, packages including such packaging films, and methods of using such packages.

BACKGROUND

A variety of edible and non-edible products are packaged using flexible packaging materials formed primarily of laminations of one or more of polymer films, metalized polymer films, paper, metal foil, and the like. In many instances, packages include products that may be used or consumed progressively over a long period of time. The products may then be susceptible to being adversely affected (e.g., becoming soggy, drying out, etc.) upon exposure to the surrounding environment. Resealable packages, that is, those having the ability to be reclosed after initial opening, keep the products in the package fresh for the long period of time or further protected from the environment outside of the package. In some cases, packages that allow resealing of the package experience tampering. For example, resealable packages may be opened, the contents tampered with (e.g., contents removed, additional item inserted into package, etc.) and reclosed without the end user (e.g., consumer) knowing that the package has been previously opened or tampered with.

SUMMARY

A packaging film has been developed including an open and reclose feature. The open and reclose feature is such that the packaging film, when used for packaging any product(s), may protect the product(s) from the surrounding environment after initial opening for a long period of time. Further, the packaging film may allow a user to easily determine if the packaging film has been opened or tampered with.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a packaging film including an open and reclose feature. The packaging film includes a first layer including a first line of weakness delineating a first portion. The packaging film further includes a second layer including a second line of weakness delineating a second portion. The first layer and the second layer include a lamination. The second portion includes a shape including a closed periphery. The first line of weakness is offset from the second line of weakness such that the second line of weakness is within the first line of weakness. The first layer includes a first portion margin delineated by an area between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness. The second layer includes a second portion margin delineated by the area between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness. The first portion and the second portion are releasable from each other. One of the first portion margin or the second portion margin includes a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In some embodiments, the second portion margin includes the pressure sensitive adhesive.

In some embodiments, the packaging film includes ink.

In some embodiments, the first portion includes a shape including a closed periphery. Therefore, the first portion may be completely removable from the first layer once detached by the user. In such cases, there may be no intent of resealing the packaging film, for example, when the product packaged by the packaging film is to be consumed or used on a single occasion. In some other cases, the first portion margin of the first portion may be placed over the second portion margin of the second layer and sealed via the pressure sensitive adhesive.

In some embodiments, the first portion includes a shape including an open periphery. In such cases, the first portion may function as a flap and may not be completely removable from the first layer. This may enable the user to move the first portion to a plane different from a plane of the packaging film. In such cases, there may be an intent of resealing the packaging film, for example, when the product packaged by the packaging film is not to be consumed or used on a single occasion and needs to be protected from the surrounding environment. The flap may be sealed back to the first layer such that the first portion margin of the first portion may be placed over the second portion margin of the second layer and sealed via the pressure sensitive adhesive.

In some embodiments, the lamination includes a laminating adhesive. In some embodiments, the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness are formed by mechanical means, laser, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the first line of weakness includes a continuous cut or score.

In some embodiments, the first portion further includes a peel tab. The peel tab may provide the user with a convenient gripping surface for removing the first portion completely or move the first portion to a plane different from the in-plane axes of packaging film. In other words, the peel tab may facilitate the removal of the first portion from the second layer.

In some embodiments, the second line of weakness includes a non-continuous portion including a series of cuts or scores and a continuous portion including a continuous cut or score.

In some embodiments, the second line of weakness is a series of cuts or scores.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a package including a packaging film. The packaging film includes an open and reclose feature. The package includes a first layer including a first line of weakness delineating a first portion. The package further includes a second layer including a second line of weakness delineating a second portion. The package further includes a product holding area. The first layer and the second layer include a lamination. The second portion includes a shape including a closed periphery. The second layer includes a product contact surface. The first line of weakness is offset from the second line of weakness such that the second line of weakness is within the first line of weakness. The first layer includes a first portion margin delineated by an area between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness. The second layer includes a second portion margin delineated by the area between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness. The first portion and the second portion are releasable from each other. One of the first portion margin or the second portion margin includes a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In some embodiments, the package includes a tray.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of using the package as described above. The method includes peeling the first portion from a plane including the second portion of the second layer along the first line of weakness that exposes the second portion. The method further includes rupturing the second line of weakness, detaching the second portion from the second layer along the second line of weakness thereby creating an opening in the second layer, accessing the product holding area, removing a product from the product holding area, and moving the first portion to the plane including the second layer thereby closing the package along the second portion margin and the first portion margin.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a packaging film including an open and reclose feature. The packaging film includes a first layer including a first line of weakness delineating a first portion. The packaging film further includes a second layer including a second line of weakness delineating a second portion. The first layer and the second layer include a lamination. The second portion includes a shape including a closed periphery. The first line of weakness is offset from the second line of weakness such that the second line of weakness is within the first line of weakness. The first layer includes a first portion margin delineated by an area between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness. The second layer includes a second portion margin delineated by the area between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness. The first portion is an open shape. The first portion includes a peel tab. The first margin portion includes a pressure sensitive adhesive. The first portion and the second portion are releasable from each other. The second line of weakness includes a non-continuous portion including a series of cuts or scores and a continuous portion including a continuous cut or score.

Placement of the first and second lines of weakness is such that the first line of weakness is offset from the second line of weakness that provides the first and second portion margins and the pressure sensitive adhesive on one of the first portion margin or the second portion margin provides a perimeter of tackiness when the first portion is peeled open (e.g., separated from, released from, etc.) from the second layer. This may enable the user to open and reclose the packaging film multiple times during use. Therefore, the first portion may be resealed to the second portion margin of the second layer. The second portion margin of the second layer further circumvents an opening, which is formed upon removal of the second portion from the second layer. Resealing of the first portion to the second portion margin of the second layer further provides a closure to the opening. Thus, packaging film may allow reclosing of a package including the packaging film after its initial opening (removal of the second portion) to keep the products in the package fresh for a long period of time.

Further, the opening may allow the user to determine if the package has been already opened or tampered with. In other words, tampering with the package may be apparent to the user when the first portion of the first layer is peeled from the second layer and the second portion of the second layer is partially or completely removed. Therefore, the packaging film may provide tamper evidence while ensuring the opening and reclosing of the packaging film.

There are several aspects of the present subject matter which may be embodied separately or together. These aspects may be employed alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and the description of these aspects together is not intended to preclude the use of these aspects separately or the claiming of such aspects separately or in different combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a packaging film in a closed state and an open state, respectively, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the packaging film in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates a first portion of the packaging film of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of the packaging film in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of the packaging film in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C illustrates a first portion of the packaging films of FIGS. 3A and 3B; FIGS. 4A-4C, 5A-5C, 6A-6C, 7A-7C, and 8A-8C illustrate respective cross- sectional views of different packaging films depicting exemplary arrangements of a laminating adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive, an ink, and a release agent;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a package in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the package in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate different exemplary embodiments of the package in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is an exemplary flowchart of a method of using a package in accordance with the present disclosure.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. It will be understood, however, that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As an overview of various embodiments of the present disclosure, a packaging film including an open and reclose feature is disclosed. The packaging film may be used for packaging a variety of edible and non-edible products that are intended to be used or consumed progressively over a long period of time. In an aspect of the present disclosure, a package may include the packaging film.

The packaging film includes a first layer including a first line of weakness delineating a first portion. The packaging film further includes a second layer including a second line of weakness delineating a second portion. The first layer and the second layer include a lamination. The second portion includes a shape including a closed periphery. The second portion is intended to be detached from the second layer along the second line of weakness by a user to create an opening in the second layer in order to access the product(s) packaged by the packaging film. The second portion may be discarded after being detached from the second layer. The first line of weakness is offset from the second line of weakness such that the second line of weakness is within the first line of weakness. The first layer includes a first portion margin delineated by an area between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness. The second layer includes a second portion margin delineated by the area between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness. The first portion and the second portion are releasable from each other. One of the first portion margin or the second portion margin includes a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). In some embodiments, one of the first portion margin or the second portion margin may include any resealable adhesive.

The placement of the first and second lines of weakness is such that the first line of weakness is offset from the second line of weakness and provides the first and second portion margins. Further, the PSA on one of the first portion margin or the second portion margin may provide a perimeter of tackiness when the first portion is peeled open from the second portion. This may enable the user to open and reclose the packaging film multiple times during use. Therefore, the first portion may be resealed to the second portion margin of the second layer. The second portion margin of the second layer circumvents the opening. Resealing of the first portion and the second portion margin may further provide a closure to the opening. Thus, the packaging film may allow reclosing of the package after its initial opening (removal of the second portion) to keep the products in the package fresh for a long period of time.

Further, the opening may allow the user to determine if the package has been already opened or tampered with. In other words, tampering with the package including the packaging film may be apparent to the user when the second portion of the second layer is partially or completely removed, that is, when the second line of weakness is unexpectedly broken. For example, if an end user (e.g., consumer) believes that they are the first user of the package, the end user would expect to see the second line of weakness intact upon separation of the first portion from the second portion. Evidence that the package may have been tampered with includes the end user finding the second line of weakness to be broken or not intact, or the second portion to be missing; that is, the second portion being separated from the second layer to some degree upon their initial opening of the package. Therefore, the packaging film may provide tamper evidence while ensuring the opening and reclosing of the packaging film by the first portion of the first layer during use over the long period of time. As used in the present disclosure, the term “film” is a material with a high ratio of length or width to thickness. A film has two major surfaces defined by a length and width. Films typically have good flexibility and can be used for a wide variety of applications, including flexible packaging. Films may also be of thickness and/or material composition such that they are semi-rigid or rigid. Films described in the present disclosure are composed of various polymeric materials but may also contain other materials, such as metals or papers. Films may be described as monolayer or multilayer.

As used in the present disclosure, the term “layer” refers to a discrete film or a sheet component that may have a substantially uniform composition. In referring to a monolayer film, “film,” “sheet” and “layer” are synonymous. Layers may be of any type of material including polymeric, cellulosic, and metallic, or a blend thereof. A given polymeric layer may consist of a single polymer-type or a blend of polymers and may be accompanied by additives. A given layer may be combined or connected to other layers to form films. A layer may be either partially or fully continuous as compared to adjacent layers or the film. A given layer may be partially or fully coextensive with adjacent layers. A layer may contain sub-layers.

As used in the present disclosure, the term “line of weakness” refers to a continuous or non-continuous series of holes, vents, slits, slots, perforations, notches, punctures, orifices, openings, inlets, channels, etc., in the surface of or through film layer. Line of weakness may also be referred to as “score line”. A line of weakness may have varying depths. Its depth may extend from the first surface of a layer to the second surface of the layer (i.e., throughout the entire thickness of the layer). Alternatively, its depth may extend from about 50% to about 95% of the thickness of a layer. A line of weakness may be formed by mechanical means (e.g., using a cutting blade), by chemical means (e.g., using solvents), by thermal means (e.g., by optical ablation), or by other means known in the art.

As used in the present disclosure, the terms “lamination” and “laminate” refer to the process, and resulting product, made by bonding together two or more continuous film surfaces to form a multi-film structure. Lamination can be accomplished by joining films with an adhesive using adhesive lamination or with a tie layer using extrusion coating. As used in the present disclosure, the phrase “pressure-sensitive adhesive” or “PSA” refers to adhesives which may be used to affix the surface of one film layer to the surface of another film layer with the application of manual pressure. Preferably, the pressure-sensitive adhesive may also allow one surface to be removed from and/or repositioned on the other surface. Pressure-sensitive adhesives may include a combination of a tackifier first component and an elastomer second component of rubber, acrylic, silicone, or blends thereof. These pressure-sensitive adhesives are known in the art and are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,673,601 and 5,089,320, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Preferably, the pressure-sensitive adhesive may include both a tackifier and an elastomer of styrene/rubber copolymer.

As used in the present disclosure, the term “package” refers to any article or combination of articles used to wholly or partially surround a product. A package may take various forms. For example, the term “package” may include bags that wholly surround a product (or products) to be packaged; the term “package” may also include films that partially surround a product (or products) to be packaged and, when used in conjunction with another material (such as a tray), wholly surround a product (or products).

As used in the present disclosure, the terms “coextruded” or “coextrusion” refer to the process of extruding two or more polymer materials through a single die with two or more orifices arranged so that the extrudates merge and weld together into a laminar structure before chilling, i.e., quenching. The films according to the present invention may be fabricated by any coextrusion method known to a person of ordinary skill in the art which may include, but is not limited to, blown film coextrusion, slot cast coextrusion, and extrusion coating, preferably, slot cast and single-bubble blown film, and more preferably, single-bubble blown film.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a packaging film 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Packaging film 100 includes an open and reclose feature. FIG. 1A shows a closed state of packaging film 100. FIG. 1 B shows an open state of packaging film 100.

Packaging film 100 includes a first layer 102 and a second layer 104. In some embodiments, packaging film 100 includes an ink (not shown in FIGS.1A and 1B). In some embodiments, packaging film 100 may include the ink between first layer 102 and second layer 104. The packaging film 100 includes a lamination of first layer 102 and second layer 104. Specifically, first layer 102 and second layer 104 may include the lamination, or be laminated, in at least a portion of first layer 102 and second layer 104.

In some embodiments, the lamination includes a laminating adhesive (not shown in FIGS.1 A and 1 B). In some embodiments, the laminating adhesive includes one or more (co)polymers selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, acrylic, alkylene vinyl alkanate, and alkylene allyl alkanate. In some embodiments, the laminating adhesive covers at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95% of the entire surface of at least one of first and second layers 102, 104.

Packaging film 100 may be produced by any suitable film converting method, including, for example, cast film, blown film (typical blown, double bubble, triple bubble, water quenching), machine direction orientation, biaxial orientation, and extrusion coating. Packaging film 100 may be a flexible sheet of material rolled or formed as a blank and made of a laminate or co-extruded film structures, with cast or blown film layers, and the like.

Packaging film 100 defines three mutually orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z. X and Y- axes are in-plane axes of packaging film 100, while Z-axis is a transverse axis disposed along a thickness of packaging film 100. In other words, X and Y-axes are disposed along a plane of packaging film 100, while Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane of packaging film 100. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, first layer 102 and second layer 104 are disposed adjacent to each other along Z-axis.

First layer 102 includes a first line of weakness 106 delineating a first portion 108. Similarly, second layer 104 includes a second line of weakness 110 delineating a second portion 112. Second layer 104 includes a product contact surface. At least a portion of the product contact surface of second layer 104 may be exposed to a product when packaging film 100 is used to package the product. First line of weakness 106 is offset from the second line of weakness 110 such that the second line of weakness 110 is within the first line of weakness 106. In other words, first portion 108 may be larger than second portion 112 such that first portion 108 at least partially surrounds second portion 112. Further, first portion 108 overlaps (e.g., overlies) second portion 112. First portion 108 and second portion 112 are releasable (e.g., separable, peelable, etc.) from each other.

In some embodiments, first line of weakness 106 and second line of weakness 110 are formed by mechanical means, laser, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, first line of weakness 106 and second line of weakness 110 are formed by kiss cutting or die cutting without compromising the integrity of packaging film 100.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, first line of weakness 106 includes a continuous cut or score and second line of weakness 110 is a series of cuts or scores. However, in some other embodiments, first line of weakness 106 may also include a series of cuts or scores.

Second portion 112 includes a shape having a closed periphery. In other words, second portion 112 is a closed shape with no open regions. Second portion 112 is therefore completely removable from second layer 104 once detached by a user. Second portion 112 may not be attachable to packaging film 100 once removed and may be discarded by the user. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1 B, second portion 112 includes a substantially rectangular shape. In some other embodiments, second portion 112 may include, but is not limited to, a substantially square shape, a substantially circular shape, a substantially oval shape, a substantially triangular shape, and the like. The shape of second portion 112 may depend on the functional and aesthetic requirements.

In some embodiments, first portion 108 includes a shape having an open periphery. In other words, first portion 108 is an open shape. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first portion 108 is open at one end. In such embodiments, first portion 108 may function as a flap and may not be completely removable from first layer 102. First portion 108 may be movable to a plane different from the X-Y-plane or in-plane axes of packaging film 100. In other words, first portion 108 is peelable along first line of weakness 106. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A and1B, first portion 108 includes a substantially U-shape. In some other embodiments, first portion 108 may include, but is not limited to, a substantially V-shape, a substantially C- shape, and the like. In some cases, there is no intent of resealing packaging film 100, for example, when the product packaged by packaging film 100 is to be consumed on a single occasion. In such cases, first portion 108 includes a shape having a closed periphery. In other words, first portion 108 is a closed shape. In such embodiments, first portion 108 may be completely removable from first layer 102 by the user. In some embodiments, first portion 108 may include, but is not limited to, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially square shape, a substantially circular shape, a substantially oval shape, a substantially triangular shape, and the like. In some embodiments, the shape of first portion 108 may be substantially similar to the shape of second portion 112. The shape of first portion 108 may depend on the functional and aesthetic requirements.

First layer 102 includes a first portion margin 116 delineated by an area 115 (shown by a dotted area in FIG. 1A) between first line of weakness 106 and second line of weakness 110. In other words, first portion margin 116 is a portion of first layer 102, such that an area of first portion margin 116 is a difference between an area of first portion 108 and an area of second portion 112.

Second layer 104 includes a second portion margin 118 delineated by area 115 between first line of weakness 106 and second line of weakness 110. In other words, second portion margin 118 is a portion of second layer 104, such that an area of second portion margin 118 is a difference between the area of first portion 108 and the area of second portion 112. Therefore, the area of first portion margin 116 and the area of second portion margin 118 are substantially equal.

In some embodiments, first portion margin 116 and second portion margin 118 may have varying widths across the in-plane axes of packaging film 100. For example, widths of first portion margin 116 and second portion margin 118 along a longitudinal direction (along Y-axis) of packaging film 100 may be less than widths of first portion margin 116 and second portion margin 118 along a transverse direction (along X-axis) of packaging film 100. By non-limiting example, the widths of first portion margin 116 and second portion margin 118 may be between about 5 millimeters (mm) and about 40 mm wide, and specifically between about 10 mm and about 15 mm, and more specifically between about 12 and about 13 mm to provide satisfactory resealing during use. In some other embodiments, other measurements and sizes may also be utilized for particular applications as needed or desired.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, first portion 108 further includes a peel tab 114. Peel tab 114 may provide the user with a convenient gripping surface for removing first portion 108 completely or move first portion 108 to a plane different from the in-plane axes or the plane (i.e., the X-Y plane) of packaging film 100. In other words, peel tab 114 may be grasped by the user to remove first portion 108 completely or move first portion 108 to the plane different from the in-plane axes of packaging film 100. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, peel tab 114 enables the user to treat first portion 108 as the flap. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, peel tab 114 has a U-shape. In some other embodiments, peel tab 114 may have, but is not limited to, a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape, a triangular shape, and the like. In some other embodiments, first portion 108 may not include peel tab 114.

One of first portion margin 116 or second portion margin 118 includes a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) (not shown in FIGS.1A and 1B). In some embodiments, second portion margin 118 includes the PSA. In some other embodiments, first portion margin 116 includes the PSA. The PSA is a weaker adhesive than the laminating adhesive. In other words, the PSA forms a relatively weaker bond between first layer 102 and second layer 104 than the laminating adhesive. In some embodiments, the PSA includes one or more (co)polymers selected from the group consisting of acrylic, alkylene vinyl alkanate, and alkylene allyl alkanate acrylic. Other materials, such as a copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene plastomers and elastomers, or blends thereof, may also be included. In some embodiments, the PSA may be blends of polybutene resins and olefinic elastomers. In some embodiments, peel tab 114 may include the PSA.

In some embodiments, a release agent (not shown in FIGS.1A and 1B) may be additionally applied to one of first portion 108 or second portion 112. In some embodiments, the release agent may be applied to peel tab 114 to facilitate easy removal of peel tab 114 from second layer 104. The release agent may further help in easy removal or peeling of first portion 108 from second portion 112. In some embodiments, the release agent may be polyamide-based resins. In some embodiments, the release agent may be solvent-based or water based and may include silicone, release varnish, release lacquer, or any other release agent as known in the packaging arts.

FIG. 2A illustrates a packaging film 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Packaging film 200 is substantially similar to packaging film 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1 B. However, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, first layer 102 includes a first line of weakness 202 delineating a first portion 204. First portion 204 includes a shape having a closed periphery. First portion 204 has a substantially rectangular shape. FIG. 2A illustrates a partially opened state of packaging film 200. Specifically, first portion 204 is partially peeled from first layer 102. First portion 204 may be completely removable from first layer 102 by the user. FIG. 2B illustrates first portion 204 after being completely removed from first layer 102 by the user. Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, first portion 204 does not include a peel tab.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of packaging film 300. Packaging film 300 is substantially similar to packaging film 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A. However, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3A, first layer 102 of packaging film 300 includes a first line of weakness 302 delineating a first portion 304 and second layer 104 includes a second line of weakness 306 delineating second portion 112.

FIG. 3A illustrates a partially opened state of packaging film 300. Specifically, first portion 304 is partially peeled from first layer 102. First portion 304 may be completely removable from first layer 102 by the user. First portion 304 may further include a peel tab 310. Peel tab 310 of first portion 304 has a substantially rectangular shape.

Second line of weakness 306 includes a non-continuous portion 306a including a series of cuts or scores and a continuous portion 306b including a continuous cut or score. In such embodiments, continuous portion 306b may function as a peel initiation feature. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3A, continuous portion 306b is a continuous cut. The continuous cut or continuous portion 306b may allow the user to grab a portion of second portion 112 to detach second portion 112 along non-continuous portion 306a of second line of weakness 306.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of packaging film 350. Packaging film 350 is substantially similar to packaging film 300 illustrated in FIG. 3A. However, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3A, second layer 104 includes a second line of weakness 308 delineating a second portion 312.

Second line of weakness 308 includes a non-continuous portion 308a including a series of cuts or scores and a continuous portion 308b including a continuous cut or score. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3B, continuous portion 308b defines at least a portion of an opening 309. In such embodiments, continuous portion 308b along with opening 309 may function as the peel initiation feature. Opening 309 may allow the user to grab a portion of second portion 112 to detach second portion 112 along non- continuous portion 308a of second line of weakness 308.

In some embodiments, opening 309 may be positioned at any one corner of second portion 312. In some embodiments, opening 309 may be positioned anywhere in second portion 312 along continuous portion 308b of second line of weakness 308. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3B, a shape of opening 309 is a substantially semi- circular shape. In some other embodiments, the shape of opening 309 may be, but not limited to, a rectangular shape, a square shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, and the like.

FIG. 3C illustrates first portion 304 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B after being removed from first layer 102 by the user. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, continuous portions 306b, 308b may function as peel initiation features to easily remove second portions 112, 312 of packaging films 300 and 350, respectively.

It is to be noted that embodiments of packaging films 100, 200, 300, and 350 are exemplary illustrations and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Various other packaging films may be developed apart from those disclosed above having different shapes of first portions 108, 204, 304 and second portions 112, 312, including or excluding peel tabs 114, 310, having different shapes of peel tabs 114, 310, and including or excluding one of continuous portions 306b, 308b, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, first layer 102 and second layer 104 may include biaxially oriented polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy alkanoate, and blends of these polymers, metalized or coated variants of such films or indeed any other extruded multilayer or monolayer films. In some embodiments, second layer 104 includes, but is not limited to, metalized oriented polypropylene (Met OPP). In some embodiments, first layer 102 includes, but is not limited to, oriented polyethylene terephthalate (OPET).

In some embodiments, first layer 102 and, or, second layer 104 may include, but not limited to, oxygen barrier layers, moisture barrier layers, chemical barrier layers, abuse layers, tie or adhesive layers, bulk layers, and odor and oxygen scavenging layers. The barrier layer can include any of various polymer-based barrier materials including barrier polymer films such as ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyamide, and the like; metalized polyolefin films such as polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, and the like; AlOx-coated polymer films; SiOx-coated polymer films; metal foil such as aluminum foil; and others.

In some embodiments, first layer 102 and second layer 104 of packaging films 100, 200, 300, or 350 in combination with other layers may have a thickness of at least 5 micrometers (μm), 10 μm, 15 μm, 20 μm, 25 μm, 30 μm, 50 μm or 100 μm. In some embodiments, first layer 102 and second layer 104 of packaging films 100, 200, 300, or 350 in combination with other layers may have a thickness of no more than 750 μm, 500μm, 400 μm, 300 μm, or 250 μm. In some embodiments, a range of thickness of packaging films 100, 200, 300, or 350 is 10 μm-250μm or 20 μm-200μm.

FIGS. 4A-4C, 5A-5C, 6A-6C, 7A-7C, and 8A-8C illustrate cross-sectional views of packaging film 100 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1 B) depicting exemplary arrangements of the laminating adhesive, the PSA, the ink, and the release agent. Specifically, FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A show transverse cross-sectional views of packaging film 100 taken along section A-A (shown in FIG. 1A), according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS.4B-4C, 5B-5C, 6B-6C, 7B-7C, and 8B-8C show longitudinal cross- sectional views of packaging film 100 taken along section B-B (shown in FIG. 1A), according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, FIGS.4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, and 8B show cross-sectional views in the closed state of packaging film 100, and FIGS.4C, 5C, 6C, 7C, and 8C show cross-sectional views in the open state of packaging film 100.

As shown in the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, packaging film 100 includes an ink 402 disposed adjacent to first layer 102. Packaging film 100 further includes a release agent 404 disposed under ink 402. Specifically, release agent 404 is disposed under ink 402 over an area substantially equal to an area of second portion 112. Release agent 404 disposed over second portion 112 may facilitate separation of first portion 108 from second portion 112. Packaging film 100 further includes a PSA 406 disposed on second portion margin 118. Packaging film 100 further includes a laminating adhesive 408 that laminates first layer 102 and second layer 104. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4C, laminating adhesive 408 is disposed at least partly between ink 402 and second layer 104. Laminating adhesive 408 is not disposed on peel tab 114. Specifically, laminating adhesive 408 is not disposed between peel tab 114 of first portion 108 and second layer 104. Laminating adhesive 408 is further disposed between PSA 406 and first portion margin 116. Laminating adhesive 408 is further disposed between release agent 404 and second portion 112.

Peeling first portion 108 from the in-plane axes of packaging film 100 along first line of weakness 106 exposes second portion 112 of second layer 104. Second portion 112 of second layer 104 may then be detached from second layer 104 along second line of weakness 110 by rupturing second line of weakness 110. Packaging film 100 may be reclosed by moving first portion 108 to the in-plane axes along second portion margin 118 and first portion margin 116. PSA 406 disposed between second portion margin 118 and first portion margin 116 can then releasably bond first portion 108 to second layer 104. PSA 406 directly contacts second portion margin 118 of second layer 104.

As shown in the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, ink 402 is disposed adjacent to first layer 102. PSA 406 is disposed between first portion margin 116 and second portion margin 118. Specifically, PSA 406 is disposed on ink 402 and between first portion margin 116 and second portion margin 118. Release agent 404 is disposed under ink 402 over the area substantially equal to the area of second portion 112. Release agent 404 disposed over second portion 112 may facilitate separation of first portion 108 from second portion 112. Release agent 404 also extends to first portion margin 116 under PSA 406. Laminating adhesive 408 laminates first layer 102 and second layer 104. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C, laminating adhesive 408 is disposed at least partly between ink 402 and second layer 104. In the illustrated embodiment, laminating adhesive 408 is disposed on second portion margin 118 and second portion 112, and below release agent 404. A lesser amount or thickness of laminating adhesive 408 is disposed between first portion 108 and second portion 112. In some embodiments, laminating adhesive 408 may not be disposed between first portion 108 and second portion 112. Laminating adhesive 408 is not disposed on peel tab 114. Specifically, laminating adhesive 408 is not disposed between peel tab 114 of first portion 108 and second layer 104.

Peeling first portion 108 from the in-plane axes of packaging film 100 along first line of weakness 106 exposes second portion 112 of second layer 104 and release agent 404 disposed on second portion margin 118 of second layer 104. Second portion 112 of second layer 104 may then be detached from second layer 104 along second line of weakness 110 by rupturing second line of weakness 110. Packaging film 100 may be reclosed by moving first portion 108 to the in-plane axes along second portion margin 118 and first portion margin 116. PSA 406 disposed between second portion margin 118 and first portion margin 116 can then releasably bond first portion 108 to second layer 104. PSA 406 contacts release agent 404 disposed on second portion margin 118 of second layer 104.

As shown in the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, ink 402 is disposed adjacent to first layer 102. PSA 406 is disposed between first portion margin 116 and second portion margin 118. Specifically, PSA 406 is disposed on second portion margin 118. Release agent 404 is disposed over second portion 112. Release agent 404 disposed over second portion 112 may facilitate separation of first portion 108 from second portion 112. Laminating adhesive 408 laminates first layer 102 and second layer 104. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6C, laminating adhesive 408 is disposed between ink 402 and second layer 104. A lesser amount or thickness of laminating adhesive 408 is disposed between first portion 108 and second portion 112. Laminating adhesive 408 is not disposed on peel tab 114. Specifically, laminating adhesive 408 is not disposed between peel tab 114 of first portion 108 and second layer 104.

Peeling first portion 108 from the in-plane axes of packaging film 100 along first line of weakness 106 exposes second portion 112 of second layer 104. Second portion 112 of second layer 104 may then be detached from second layer 104 along second line of weakness 110 by rupturing second line of weakness 110. Packaging film 100 may be recloseci by moving first portion 108 to the in-plane axes along second portion margin 118 and first portion margin 116. PSA 406 disposed between second portion margin 118 and first portion margin 116 can then releasably bond first portion 108 to second layer 104. PSA 406 directly contacts second portion margin 118 of second layer 104.

As shown in the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, release agent 404 is disposed adjacent to first layer 102 over the area substantially equal to the area of second portion 112. PSA 406 is disposed on second portion margin 118. Ink 402 is disposed partly under first layer 102 and partly under release agent 404.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7C, laminating adhesive 408 is disposed between ink 402 and second layer 104. Laminating adhesive 408 is not disposed on peel tab 114. Specifically, laminating adhesive 408 is not disposed between peel tab 114 of first portion 108 and second layer 104. In some embodiments, ink 402 may be disposed over second layer 104. In some embodiments, ink 402 may not be present.

As shown in the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, packaging film 100 does not include ink 402. PSA 406 is disposed on first portion margin 116. Release agent 404 is disposed over the area substantially equal to the area of first portion 108. Specifically, release agent 404 is disposed over second portion 112 and second portion margin 118. Release agent 404 extends to the area of first portion margin 116 under PSA 406. Laminating adhesive 408 laminates first layer 102 and second layer 104. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8C, laminating adhesive 408 is disposed partly between first layer 102 and second layer 104. Specifically, laminating adhesive 408 is not disposed between first portion 108 and second portion 112. Further, laminating adhesive 408 is not disposed on peel tab 114. Specifically, laminating adhesive 408 is not disposed between peel tab 114 of first portion 108 and second layer 104.

Peeling first portion 108 from the in-plane axes of packaging film 100 along first line of weakness 106 exposes second portion 112 of second layer 104 and release agent 404 partly disposed on second portion margin 118 and second portion 112 of second layer 104. Second portion 112 of second layer 104 may then be detached from second layer 104 along second line of weakness 110 by rupturing second line of weakness 110. Packaging film 100 may be reclosed by moving first portion 108 to the in-plane axes along second portion margin 118 and first portion margin 116. PSA 406 disposed on first portion margin 116 can then releasably bond first portion 108 to second layer 104. PSA 406 contacts release agent 404 disposed on second portion margin 118 of second layer 104.

Transverse and longitudinal cross-sectional views of packaging films 200, 300, or 350 may also include the above exemplary embodiments or their combination similarly.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, 5A-5C, 6A-6C, 7A-7C, and 8A-8C, first and second lines of weakness 106, 110 are strategically placed such that first line of weakness 106 is offset from the second line of weakness 110, and laminating adhesive 408, PSA 406, ink 402, and release agent 404 in packaging film 100 provides a perimeter of tackiness when peeled open. This may enable the user to open and reclose packaging film 100 multiple times during use. Specifically, first portion 108 may be resealed to second portion margin 118 of second layer 104 that circumvents second portion 112 even after complete removal of second portion 112, which is required for accessing the product packaged by packaging film 100.

It is to be noted that various alternative structural arrangements of laminating adhesive 408, PSA 406, ink 402, and release agent 404 in packaging film 100 may be possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, laminating adhesive 408, PSA 406, ink 402, and release agent 404 may have any suitable compositions. In some embodiments, packaging films 200, 300, or 350 may include similar arrangements of laminating adhesive 408, PSA 406, ink 402, and release agent 404, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, 5A-5C, 6A-6C, 7A-7C, and 8A-8C. The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a package 800 including packaging film 100 illustrated in FIGS.1A and 1B. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, package 800 is a flow wrap. In some other embodiments, package 800 may be a pouch, a bag, a box, a sachet, or a pillow package, such that package 800 includes packaging film 100. In the illustrated embodiment, package 800 has a top wall portion 800a, side wall portions 800b, and a bottom wall portion 800c. Package 800 also includes forward and rearward transverse end seals 800d, 800e and a longitudinal fin seal (not shown) extending therebetween and disposed on bottom wall portion 800c. First layer 102 is exposed to an environment outside of package 800. Second portion 112, when detached from second layer 104 along second line of weakness 110, creates an opening 801 in second layer 104. Opening 801 is disposed in top wall portion 800a of package 800 allowing the user to open and reclose package 800 during multiple use. A shape of opening 801 is similar to second portion 112. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the shape of opening 801 is thus a rectangular shape. However, opening 801 may be of any desired shape, such as a square shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a triangular shape, and the like depending on both functional and aesthetic requirements. Second portion margin 118 of second layer 104 circumvents opening 801.

Package 800 further includes a product holding area 804. Product holding area 804 is a holding space within package 800 in which the product or package contents is contained. Second layer 104 includes a product contact surface. In other words, second layer 104 is exposed to an environment inside of package 800. The product contact surface at least partly contacts a product disposed inside package 800. Specifically, the product contact surface at least partly contacts the product disposed in product holding area 804. In other words, the product contact surface of second layer 104 is exposed to product holding area 804.

In some embodiments, package 800 includes a tray 802 that provides product holding area 804. In some embodiments, package 800 may not include tray 802. Tray 802 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a cuboidal shape. Accordingly, package 800 also has a substantially cuboidal shape. However, in some other embodiments, tray 802 may be of any other desired shape, such as a cubical shape, a conical shape, a cylindrical shape, or any shape depending on both functional and aesthetic requirements. Accordingly, the shape of package 800 may also vary. Tray 802 may be thermoformed to any depth as desired depending upon the type and amount of the product to be packaged. As discussed above, in packaging film 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, first portion 108 functions as a flap and is not completely removable, while second portion 112 is completely removable to access the product kept or stored in tray 802 or product holding area 804 via opening 801. First portion 108 may then be reclosed to cover opening 801 to keep the product fresh. Specifically, first portion margin 116 of first portion 108 may be placed over second portion margin 118 of second layer 104 and sealed or reclosed via the PSA (not shown). In other embodiments, package 800 may include any of packaging films 200, 300, 350 including the open and reclose feature. Therefore, placement of first and second lines of weakness 106, 110 such that first line of weakness 106 is offset from the second line of weakness 110 provides first and second portion margins 116, 118. Further, the PSA on one of first portion margin 116 or second portion margin 118 provides a perimeter of tackiness when peeled open. This enables the user to open and reclose packaging film 100 multiple times during use. In other words, first portion 108 may be resealed to second portion margin 118 of second layer 104 to provide a closure to opening 801. Thus, packaging film 100 may allow reclosing of package 800 after its initial opening (removal of the second portion 112) to keep the products in package 800 fresh for a long period of time.

Further, opening 801 may allow the user to determine whether package 800 has been already opened or tampered with. In other words, tampering with package 800 including packaging film 100 may be apparent to the user when second portion 112 of second layer 104 is partially or completely removed while ensuring the open and reclose of packaging film 100 by first portion 108 of first layer 102. Therefore, packaging film 100 may provide tamper evidence while ensuring opening and reclosing of package 800 during use over the long period of time.

FIG. 10 shows a package 900 including packaging film 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, package 900 is a flow wrap in the closed state. In some other embodiments, package 800 may be a pouch, a bag, a box, a sachet, or a pillow package, such that package 900 includes packaging film 200. In the illustrated embodiment, package 900 has a top wall portion 900a, side wall portions 900b, and a bottom wall portion 900c. Package 900 also includes forward and rearward transverse end seals 900d, 900e and a longitudinal fin seal (not shown) extending therebetween and disposed on bottom wall portion 900c. Second portion 112, when detached from second layer 104 along second line of weakness 110, creates an opening 901 in second layer 104. Opening 901 is disposed in top wall portion 900a of package 900 that allows the user to open and reclose package 900 during multiple use. A shape of opening 901 is similar to second portion 112. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, the shape of opening 901 is thus a rectangular shape. However, opening 901 may be of any desired shape, such as a square shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a triangular shape, and the like depending on both functional and aesthetic requirements. In some embodiments, package 900 does not include a tray. In such embodiments, packaging film 200 may itself provide or form a product holding area. In some other embodiments, package 900 may include a tray (not shown). The tray may include any desired shape, such as a cuboidal shape, a cubical shape, a conical shape, a cylindrical shape, or any shape depending on both functional and aesthetic requirements. As discussed above, in packaging film 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A, first portion 204 and second portion 112 are completely removable. First portion 204 may be attached even after complete removal. Specifically, first portion margin 116 (shown in FIG. 2A) of first portion 204 may be placed over second portion margin 118 of second layer 104 and sealed or reclosed via the PSA. In other exemplary embodiments, package 900 may include any of packaging films 100, 300, or 350 including the open and reclose feature.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate packages 1000 and 1050, respectively. Package 1000 includes packaging film 300, as shown in FIG. 3A. Package 1050 includes packaging film 350 as shown in FIG. 3B. In other words, packages 1000, 1050 include packaging films 300, 350, respectively. In some embodiments, each of packages 1000, 1050 includes a tray 1002 having a flange 1004 in a top portion 1002a of tray 1002. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 11A and 11B, packages 1000, 1050 are lid-tray type packages. In such embodiments, packaging films 300 and 350 may form a respective lid of packages 1000, 1050. The lid may have any suitable shape, for example, a rectangular, a square shape, a polygonal shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape depending on both functional and aesthetic requirements. A portion of the lid or packaging films 300, 350 may be sealed with respective flange 1004 of tray 1002. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 11A and 11B, tray 1002 includes one recessed cavity 1006. In some other embodiments, tray 1002 may be configured to include two or more recessed cavities (not shown). Recessed cavity 1006 of tray 1002 forms a product holding area. Tray 1002 illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B includes a cuboidal shape. Accordingly, packages 1000, 1050, may also have a substantially cuboidal shape. In some other embodiments, tray 1002 may be of any desired shape, such as a cubical shape, a conical shape, a cylindrical shape, or any other shape depending on both functional and aesthetic requirements. Tray 1002 may be thermoformed to any depth as desired depending upon the type and amount of product to be packaged. As discussed above, in packaging films 300, 350 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively, first portion 304 and second portions 112, 312 are completely removable. First portion 304 may be attached after complete removal. Second portions 112, 312 may be removed with the help of non-continuous portions 306a, 308a of packaging films 300, 350, respectively. Continuous portions 306b, 308b may function as peel initiators. In other exemplary embodiments, packages 1000, 1050 may include any one of packaging films 100, 200 including the open and reclose feature.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11A-11B, the product(s) may include, but is not limited to, an edible item, a personal care product, a pet food, a medical product, a pharmaceutical product, a first aid product, or a nutritional aid product, that may be stored or kept in tray 802 of package 800, directly in package 900, or recessed cavity 1006 of tray 1002 of packages 1000 or 1050.

In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing and assembling packages 800, 900, 1000, and 1050 may employ heat seal mechanisms, cold seal mechanisms, extrusion or adhesive lamination mechanisms, and co-extrusion mechanisms. The equiμment employed may depend on the package configuration as desired. In addition, various score configurations may be employed, and the equiμment for forming the line of weakness may depend on the score configuration thereof.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1100 of using a package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 1100 will be described with reference to package 800 illustrated in FIG. 9. In some other embodiments, a similar method may be followed to use packages 900, 1000, 1050, illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11A, 11B, respectively.

At step 1102, method 1100 includes peeling first portion 108 from a plane (for example, the X-Y plane of packaging film 100) including second portion 112 along first line of weakness 106 that exposes second portion 112. Peeling of first portion 108 from the plane including second portion 112 may expose second portion 112 of second layer 104 and second line of weakness 110. Second portion 112 may remain substantially intact upon initial peeling of first portion 108. At step 1104, method 1100 further includes rupturing second line of weakness 110 of second layer 104. Second line of weakness 110 of second layer 104 may be ruptured or punctured by the user.

At step 1106, method 1100 further includes detaching second portion 112 from second layer 104 along second line of weakness 110 thereby creating opening 801 in second layer 104. Second portion 112 may be discarded after being detached from second layer 104. Opening 801 may allow the user to access the product disposed inside package 800.

At step 1108, method 1100 further includes accessing product holding area 804.

At step 1110, method 1100 further includes removing a product from product holding area 804.

At step 1112, method 1100 further includes moving first portion 108 to the plane including second portion 112 thereby closing package 800 along second portion margin 118 and first portion margin 116.

In another embodiment of a method of using a package according to the present disclosure, the package is not reclosed. With reference to method 1100, the method includes, i) step 1 102, such that the first portion 108 may be removed from the first layer 102 or remain attached to the first layer 102, ii) step 1104 and iii) step 1106. Further, the embodiment may include step 1108 and step 1110. This embodiment is devoid of step 1112.

According to method 1100 discussed above, it may be possible to open and reclose packages 800, 900, 1000, or 1050 so that the product, for example, any edible product or non-edible product, may be kept fresh or protected over a long period of time. Further, packages 800, 900, 1000, or 1050 may provide evidence of prior use or tampering by a ruptured second portion 112, 312. An untampered or unused package 800, 900, 1000, or 1050 may have an intact second portion 112, 312. In other words, in an untampered or unused package 800, 900, 1000, or 1050, second portion 312, 112 may be attached to second layer 104. Hence, second portion 112, 312, may enable the user to identify evidence of tamper or prior use while first portion 108, 204, or 304 may be resealable and removable multiple times enabling the user to keep the product inside packages 800, 900, 1000, or 1050 fresh and protected. In some embodiments, packages 800, 900, 1000, 1050 may be open and reclosed or resealed at least 10 times. In some embodiments, packages 800, 900, 1000, 1050 may be open and reclosed or resealed at least 20 times. In some other embodiments, packages 800, 900, 1000, 1050 may be open and reclosed or resealed at least 50 times.

As used throughout the present disclosure, the term “polypropylene” or “PP” refers to a plastomer, homopolymer, or copolymer having at least one propylene monomer linkage within the repeating backbone of the polymer. The propylene linkage may be represented by the general formula: [CH2CH(CH3)]n. Such polypropylene may be a polypropylene impact copolymer, a polypropylene random copolymer, or a polypropylene homopolymer.

As used throughout the present disclosure, the term “polyethylene” or “PE” refers (unless indicated otherwise) to ethylene homopolymers or copolymers. Such copolymers of ethylene include copolymers of ethylene with at least one alpha-olefin and copolymers of ethylene with other units or groups such as vinyl acetate, acid groups, acrylate groups, or otherwise. The term “polyethylene” or “PE” is used without regard to the presence or absence of substituent branch groups. PE includes, for example, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, ethylene phenol and copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene acid copolymers, ethylene acrylate copolymers, or blends of such. Various PEs may be recycled as reclaimed PE.

As used throughout the present disclosure, the terms “copolymer of ethylene” refer to a modified or unmodified copolymer produced by the co-polymerization of ethylene and any one or more alpha-olefins. Suitable alpha-olefins include, for example, C ₃ to C ₂₀ alpha-olefins such as 1 -propene, 1 -butene, 1- pentene, 1 -hexene, 1 -octene, 1 -decene, and blends of such. The co-polymerization of ethylene and an alpha-olefin may be produced by heterogeneous catalysis, such as co-polymerization reactions with Ziegler- Natta catalysis systems, including, for example, metal halides activated by an organometallic catalyst (e.g., titanium chloride) and optionally containing magnesium chloride complexed to trialkyl aluminum. Alternatively, the co-polymerization of ethylene and an alpha-olefin may be produced by homogeneous catalysis, such as co- polymerization reactions with metallocene catalysis systems which include constrained geometry catalysts (e.g., monocyclopentadienyl transition-metal complexes). Homogeneous catalyzed copolymers of ethylene and alpha-olefin may include modified or unmodified ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers having a long-chain branched (i.e., 8-20 pendant carbons atoms) alpha-olefin co-monomer (commercially available as, for example, Affinity™ from The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Michigan)), linear copolymers (commercially available as, for example, Tafmer™ from the Mitsui Petrochemical Corporation (Tokyo, Japan)), and modified or unmodified ethylene alpha- olefin copolymers having a short-chain branched (i.e., 3-6 pendant carbons atoms) alpha- olefin co- monomer (commercially available as, for example, Exact™ from ExxonMobil Chemical Company (Houston, Texas)). Ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers may include, for example, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene-catalyzed LLDPE (mLLDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), metallocene-catalyzed VLDPE (mVLDPE), and ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE).

As used throughout the present disclosure, the term “copolymer” refers to a polymer product obtained by the polymerization reaction or copolymerization of at least two monomer species. Copolymers may also be referred to as bipolymers. The term “copolymer” is also inclusive of the polymerization reaction of three, four, or more monomer species having reaction products referred to terpolymers, quaterpolymers, etc.

As used throughout the present disclosure, the term “modified” refers to a chemical derivative, such as one having any form of anhydride functionality (e.g., anhydride of maleic acid, crotonic acid, citraconic acid, itaconic acid, fumaric acid, etc.), whether grafted onto a polymer, copolymerized with a polymer or blended with one or more polymers. The term is also inclusive of derivatives of such functionalities, such as acids, esters, and metal salts derived from such.

As used throughout the present disclosure, the term “polyamide” or “PA” or “nylon” refers to a homopolymer or copolymer having an amide linkage between monomer units and formed by any method known in the art. The amide linkage may be represented by the general formula: [C(O)-R-C(O)-NH-R’-NH]n where R and R’ are the same or different alkyl (or aryl) group. Nylon polymers may be high-temperature, low-temperature, or amorphous, as described in, for example, International Publication Number WO 2006/063283. Examples of nylon polymers include, but are not limited to, nylon 6 (polycaprolactam), nylon 11 (polyundecanolactam), nylon 12 (polyauryllactam), nylon 4,2 (polytetramethylene ethylenediamide), nylon 4,6 (polytetramethylene adipamide), nylon 6,6 (polyhexamethylene adipamide), nylon 6,9 (polyhexamethylene azelamide), nylon 6,10 (polyhexamethylene sebacamide), nylon 6,12 (polyhexamethylene dodecanediamide), nylon 7,7 (polyheptamethylene pimelamide), nylon 8,8 (polyoctamethylene suberamide), nylon 9,9 (polynonamethylene azelamide), nylon 10,9 (polydecamethylene azelamide), and nylon 12,12 (polydodecamethylene dodecanediamide). Examples of nylon copolymers include, but are not limited to, nylon 6,6/6 copolymer (polyhexamethylene adipamide/caprolactam copolymer), nylon 6,6/9 copolymer (polyhexamethylene adipamide/azelamide copolymer), nylon 6/6,6 copolymer (polycaprolactam/hexamethylene adipamide copolymer), nylon 6, 2/6, 2 copolymer (polyhexamethylene ethylenediamide/hexamethylene ethylenediamide copolymer), and nylon 6, 6/6, 9/6 copolymer (polyhexamethylene adipamide/hexamethylene azelamide/caprolactam copolymer). Examples of aromatic nylon polymers (also sometimes referred to as “amorphous polyamide” or “amorphous nylon”) include, but are not limited to, nylon 4,1 , nylon 6,1 , nylon 6,6/61 copolymer, nylon 6,6/6T copolymer, nylon MXD6 (poly-m-xylylene adipamide), poly-p-xylylene adipamide, nylon 61/6T copolymer, nylon 6T/61 copolymer, nylon MXDI, nylon 67MXDT/1 copolymer, nylon 6T (polyhexamethylene terephthalamide), nylon 12T (polydodecamethylene terephthalamide), nylon 66T, and nylon 6-3-T (poly(trimethyl hexamethylene terephthalamide).

Each and every document cited in this present application, including any cross referenced, is incorporated in this present application in its entirety by this reference, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed in this present application or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this present application conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this present application governs.

Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, “lower”, “upper”, “beneath”, “below”, “above”, “bottom” and “top”, if used in the present application, are used for ease of description to describe spatial relationships of an element(s) to another. Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the particular orientations depicted in the figures and described in the present application. For example, if an object depicted in the drawings is turned over or flipped over, elements previously described as below, or beneath other elements would then be above those other elements.

The description, examples, embodiments, and drawings disclosed are illustrative only and should not be interpreted as limiting. The present invention includes the description, examples, embodiments, and drawings disclosed; but it is not limited to such description, examples, embodiments, or drawings. As briefly described above, the reader should assume that the features of one disclosed embodiment can also be applied to all other disclosed embodiments unless expressly indicated to the contrary. Modifications and other embodiments will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the packaging arts, and all such modifications and other embodiments are intended and deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.