Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a package of a non-weldable material on a vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine or a horizontal form-fill-seal (HFFS) machine. The method comprises providing a continuous web of the non-weldable material having exposed areas of adhesive. In an embodiment the method is implemented on a VFFS machine that has a fill tube designed and configured to avoid interaction with the adhesive exposing areas of the web. In a preferred embodiment the adhesive exposing areas are formed by providing a repeating pattern of sets of apertures in the web, and fully covering each set with a label that is coated with adhesive.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a two-compartment bag. The method comprises draping a sheet of bag forming material around a primary fill pipe and one or more secondary fill pipes, forming multiple compartments by sealing the sheet material around the respective fill pipes, filling the various compartments with material, and sealing the bag. The method comprises forming transverse seals so that a transverse seal area of a secondary compartment at least partially overlaps with a transverse seal area of the first compartment, so that the secondary compartment is fixedly folded against the first compartment. The method permits the volume of the secondary compartments to be varied independent from the volume of the primary compartment. Each compartment may be opened without opening the other compartments. In a preferred embodiment the bag is made of a microwave-compatible material, and at least one of the compartments contains a food material intended for reheating or preparation in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a two-compartment bag. The method comprises draping a sheet of bag forming material around a primary fill pipe and one or more secondary fill pipes, forming multiple compartments by sealing the sheet material around the respective fill pipes, filling the various compartments with material, and sealing the bag. The method comprises forming transverse seals so that a transverse seal area of a secondary compartment at least partially overlaps with a transverse seal area of the first compartment, so that the secondary compartment is fixedly folded against the first compartment. The method permits the volume of the secondary compartments to be varied independent from the volume of the primary compartment. Each compartment may be opened without opening the other compartments. In a preferred embodiment the bag is made of a microwave-compatible material, and at least one of the compartments contains a food material intended for reheating or preparation in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A method for forming a bag with a carrying handle from a continuous web of flexible material is described. The handle has an inactivated position, in which it extends substantially in a cross machine direction of the web, and an activated or in-use position, substantially perpendicular to the inactivated position. The method permits attachment of the handles to the web before the bag is formed, without a risk of inadvertently cutting the handle. The activated position of the handle provides optimum force distribution among the materials of the bag, thus minimizing or eliminating the need for using reinforcement materials.