Abstract: A multi-layer polymer composite film comprising at least a first layer of polymer material and a second layer of polymer material, at least one of the first layer and the second layer further including, a treated filler having a median particle size of about O.1 nm-1O ?m, the treated filler dispersed throughout the polymer material of the at least one of the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: A foldable plastic slider for straddling relation with a plastic fastener includes first and second profiles. The straddling slider is adapted to close or open the fastener by movement therealong. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, first and second separating fingers, and first and second wings. The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The first separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The second separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising blends of alkenyl aromatic polymers such as styrenic polymers (i.e. PS and HIPS) and bio-based or biodegradable polymers (i.e. PLA, PGA, PHA, PBS, PCL) compatibilized with styrene-based copolymers (i.e. styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymers, maleated SEBS, styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate (SMMA) copolymer) or a mixture of two or more styrene-based copolymers such as SEBS and SMA. These novel compositions can be extruded and thermoformed to produce very low density food service and consumer foam articles such as plates, hinged lid containers, trays, bowls, and egg cartons with good mechanical properties.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.

Abstract: Method of packaging an arrangement of containers including producing containers on first and second manufacturing lines. The first and second manufacturing lines produce containers with first and second sets of depictions associated with a common theme using first and second series of color combinations, respectively. The first and second series of color combinations include first and second pluralities of colors wherein the first plurality of colors is different than the second plurality of colors. The containers from the first and second manufacturing lines are accumulated at a common location, where containers including depictions from the first manufacturing line with the first series of color combinations and containers including depictions from the second manufacturing line with the second series of color combinations are selected to form a group of containers that is packaged for commercial distribution.

Abstract: Packages with active agents are described. Generally, the disclosed packages have a pair of opposing body panels joined together along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to define a mouth opposite the bottom, a reclosable fastener extending along the mouth, and an active agent. The reclosable fastener includes a pair of polymeric tracks, in which each of the tracks includes a mating element and a fin portion. The mating elements are releasably engageable to each other, and each of the fin portions extends downwards from the respective mating element towards the bottom of the reclosable package. The active agent is associated with at least one of the fin portions for communication with the interior of the reclosable package.

Abstract: Arrangement of plates, cases of plate packages and methods of packing arrangements of plates are disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a case of plate packages is disclosed. The case of plate packages comprises a plurality of plate packages and a covering structure surrounding said plurality of plate packages. Each of the plate package includes a plurality of nestable plates and a transparent wrapping for enveloping the plurality of nestable plates. The plates within the plurality of nestable plates include different depictions associated with a common theme. Each of the plurality of nestable plates include a top plate that is at least partially visualized through said transparent wrapping. The top plates for the plurality of plate packages include plates with different depictions.

Abstract: Microwaveable container that provides for accelerated microwave cooking times and more uniform internal temperature distribution. The container is manufactured from a laminate structure, the laminate structure including a first layer of microwave-transparent material and a second layer of microwave-reflective material. The second layer has at least one aperture defined therein, the at least one aperture having a width dimension W, a length dimension L, and a perimeter dimension P. The aperture is sized such that at least one of the width dimension W or length dimension L is sized about an energy maximum. Accordingly, the width and/or the length dimension is defined as within ?? of a predetermined dimension D. The predetermined dimension is equal to ¼?+n(½)?, wherein n is an integer and ? is a microwave wavelength associated with a predetermined range of microwave frequencies. Preferably, the predetermined range of microwave frequencies is between about 2.0-3.0 GHz.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.

Abstract: A slider is adapted for use with a reclosable fastener for bags containing material. The reclosable fastener includes a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first profile, while the second track includes a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. At least one of the first and second profiles has an interior portion. The slider comprises a body that includes a top, a first side, a second side and a separation member on an underside of the top. The separation member is adapted to open and close the fastener and includes a slider finger that extends generally downwardly from the top. The slider finger extends into an interior portion of the first profile so as to assist in removing material trapped in the interior portion of the first profile when closing the reclosable fastener.