Abstract: The cellular cushioning article comprises a thermoformed film bonded to a second film, with the thermoformed film having thermoformed regions separated by a land area. The thermoformed film has a combination of (i) a layer containing a high melt point polymer and (ii) thermoformed regions exhibit a high average maximum birefringence. The high birefringence corresponds with high stress on the polymer chains. The combination results in cells of substantially increased burst strength. The cellular cushioning article can provide higher burst strength per mil of film thickness, or can be produced using less plastic than prior art cellular cushioning articles, while maintaining the same or comparable burst strength. Also disclosed is a process for making the cellular cushioning article.

Abstract: The cellular cushioning article comprises a thermoformed film bonded to a second film, with the thermoformed film having thermoformed regions separated by a land area. The thermoformed film has a combination of (i) a layer containing a high melt point polymer and (ii) thermoformed regions exhibit a high average maximum birefringence. The high birefringence corresponds with high stress on the polymer chains. The combination results in cells of substantially increased burst strength. The cellular cushioning article can provide higher burst strength per mil of film thickness, or can be produced using less plastic than prior art cellular cushioning articles, while maintaining the same or comparable burst strength. Also disclosed is a process for making the cellular cushioning article.

Abstract: The invention is a thermoplastic film having a heat resistant coating. The film is particularly useful in the preparation of bags and associated packaging systems that are used for protecting and packaging articles. Typically, the heat resistant coating has a melting range that is greater than the melting temperature of the thermoplastic film and exceeds the temperature of the heat generated during foam formation. As such, packaging films and bags that are prepared in accordance with the invention help prevent foam-in-bag cushions from fusing together. Particularly useful heat resistant coatings include ink varnishes and resins that are solvent-based, water-based, or energy cured.

Abstract: A patch bag has a continuous patch adhered to a first lay-flat side of a bag. The continuous patch is in an region of the bag which has one side of the bag not covered by the patch. The continuous patch extends from one end of the bag to the other end of the bag, and/or from one lay-flat side of the bag to the other lay-flat side of the bag. The continuous patch covers a region of the bag in which the bag film is sealed to itself. Optionally, the second lay-flat side of the bag may have a second patch adhered thereto. The second patch does not cover the region of the bag in which the bag film is sealed to itself. In this manner, the patch bag can be produced by adhering the patches to the bag film and thereafter sealing the bag film to itself, in order to form the bag without having to produce the seal by transmitting heat through one or more patches.

Abstract: A patch bag has a heat-shrinkable patch adhered to a heat-shrinkable bag, the heat-shrinkable patch comprising homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. The patch bag can be made by adhering a patch film to a film which is thereafter converted to a bag, or by adhering the patch to a pre-formed bag. A packaged product has a meat product in the patch bag, the meat product comprising bone.