Reclosable bag having repulpable zipper and method

Abstract

The zipper 120 of the reclosable bag 100 includes a first interlocking element 126 and a second interlocking element 130. The first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are configured to cooperate to selectively open and close the zipper. One or both of the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are formed from at least 85% repulpable material.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 271,928 (filed October 26, 2021) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 330,268 (filed April 12, 2022), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 965,581 (filed October 13, 2022), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] background Technical Field The subject matter described herein relates to reclosable bags and, more particularly, to zippers for reclosable bags. [Background technology]

[0003] Technical Description It is well known that the amount of plastic waste in the world is increasing. Furthermore, it is well known that plastic waste in landfills or similar environments biodegrades very slowly.

[0004] Plastic bags are used to contain a variety of products and typically contain one or more films used to form an enclosure. The film in a plastic bag is only a few thousandths of an inch thick, but a typical plastic polyethylene bag degrades very slowly and thicker laminates are essentially never degraded.

[0005] In addition, many known plastic bags include zippers with flanges. However, adding zippers with flanges imposes additional problems related to degradation. For example, zippers are typically much thicker than films and therefore degrade much slower than films. The use of bio-resins (i.e., resins using biomass organic materials instead of traditional petroleum-based materials) can facilitate degradation. However, further improvements related to degradation are sought, especially to maintain certain desired qualities. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Short Description There is a need for reclosable bags having zippers that provide increased repulpability, biodegradability, recyclability, and the like.

[0007] With that need in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a zipper for a reclosable bag. The zipper includes a first interlocking element and a second interlocking element. The first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are configured to cooperate to selectively open and close the zipper. One or both of the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are formed from a material that includes a cavity.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, both the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are formed from the above material.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the cavity is formed by foam molding.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the material further comprises a filler. In one example, the filler comprises cellulose.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the zipper also includes a first flange extending from the first interlocking element and a second flange extending from the second interlocking element. Either or both of the first flange or the second flange can also be formed from the materials listed above. As a further example, both the first flange and the second flange are formed from the materials listed above.

[0012] In one example, a slider is operatively coupled to the zipper, and the slider may also be formed from the materials described above.

[0013] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of forming a zipper for a reclosable bag, the method including forming one or more cavities in a material and using the material to form one or both of a first interlocking element or a second interlocking element of the zipper, the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element being configured to cooperate to selectively open and close the zipper.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the forming includes foaming cavities into the material.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the forming includes providing a filler within the material.

[0016] According to one example or aspect, a reclosable package is provided that includes a flexible sheet material having a sidewall. The sidewall is positionable to close an interior of the reclosable package. A first attachment web and a second attachment web are coupled to an upper region of the sidewall. A zipper assembly includes a first interlocking portion coupled to the first attachment web and a second interlocking portion coupled to the second attachment web. The first interlocking portion and the second interlocking portion are interlockable with each other to close the zipper assembly and are separable from each other to open the zipper assembly. The first attachment web and the second attachment web are at least partially formed from a repulpable material.

[0017] According to one example or aspect, a zipper assembly is provided that includes a flange having opposing inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface of the flange is positioned to mate with one or more side walls of an enclosure. The flange includes interlocking members projecting from the flange. The interlocking members are positioned to interlock with one another to close the enclosure and to separate from one another to open the enclosure. The flange is at least partially formed from a repulpable material.

[0018] According to one example or aspect, a method is provided that includes coupling a first attachment portion to one or more panels. The first attachment portion and the one or more panels are at least partially formed from a repulpable material. The method includes coupling a second attachment portion to the one or more panels. The second attachment portion is at least partially formed from a repulpable material. Coupling a first interlocking portion of a zipper assembly to the first attachment portion. Coupling a second interlocking portion of the zipper assembly to the second attachment portion.

[0019] According to one example or embodiment, a method is provided that includes coupling a zipper assembly onto an attachment portion. The attachment portion is at least partially formed from a repulpable material. Coupling the zipper assembly and the attachment portion to a panel of an enclosure. The zipper assembly is releasable to open and close the enclosure.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The subject matter of the invention can be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a reclosable bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the zipper of the reclosable bag taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

[0023] [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a zipper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 4] 1 is a flow chart of a method of forming a zipper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of a reclosable enclosure according to one embodiment.

[0026] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a reclosable assembly.

[0027] [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the zipper assembly of the reclosable enclosure of FIG. 1 or FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Detailed Description Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a zipper for a reclosable container, such as a bag. The zipper is formed from a soluble material. In at least one embodiment, the zipper is formed from a soluble material that includes cavities that increase solubility. In at least one embodiment, the soluble material also includes a filler, such as wood fiber, to limit or otherwise control the formation of the cavities. The filler, like the cavities, also reduces the amount of polymeric binder used to form the zipper and / or the receptacle. As an example, the filler can be formed at least in part from cellulose.

[0029] Foam molding can be used to form the voids. For example, foam molding has been used in extruded polyethylene zippers as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,520,463, issued May 28, 1996, entitled "Foamed Zipper," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0174386, published July 11, 2013, entitled "More Sustainable Biodegradable Foamed Zipper," which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses forming zippers by foam molding. In at least one example, the voids can be formed using a foam molding process, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,520,463, or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0174386.

[0030] It has been found that zippers having cavities formed by foam molding and also including a cellulose-based filler can assist in meeting standards and requirements such as those promulgated by the Flexible Box Associations.

[0031] If fillers are used in the zipper, the ratio of voids to filler content can be adjusted as desired to affect certain mechanical properties of the zipper. For example, fillers can increase hardness, while increasing voids increases flexibility.

[0032] The zipper may or may not have a flange. The presence of cavities and fillers may be present throughout the entire zipper or to less than the entire zipper. Additionally, sliders and / or clips used in conjunction with the zipper may also be formed from the same material as the zipper.

[0033] 1 shows a front view of a reclosable bag 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The bag 100 comprises a containment portion 101 comprising a front wall 102 coextensive with a rear wall 104. The front wall 102 and rear wall 104 may be joined together by side seals 106, 108 and a bottom seal 110 (or optionally a fold). A top edge 111 defines an opening 112 that is reclosable by a zipper 120.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the housing 101 is formed from a biodegradable material. For example, the housing 101 can be formed from paper, which may be coated or uncoated. Alternatively, the housing 101 can be formed from a polymeric material.

[0035] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the zipper 120 of the reclosable bag 100 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. The zipper 120 comprises a first profile 122 and a second profile 124 opposite the first profile 122. The first profile 122 and the second profile 124 comprise cooperating interlocking elements. In particular, the first profile 122 comprises a first or male interlocking element 126 and a first flange 128 (e.g., extending from or otherwise coupled to the male interlocking element 126), and the second profile 124 comprises a second or female interlocking element 130 and a second flange 132 (e.g., extending from or otherwise coupled to the female interlocking element 130). It should be understood that the terms "first", "second", etc. are used merely to indicate the number of items. For example, the female interlocking element 130 may be considered a first interlocking element, and the male interlocking element 126 may be considered a second interlocking element.

[0036] 1 and 2, the first profile 122 is sealed to the front wall 102 and the second profile 124 is sealed to the rear wall 104. In the closed or interlocking position, the male interlocking elements 126 are received and engaged with the female interlocking elements 130. In the open position, the male interlocking elements 126 and the female interlocking elements 130 are not engaged with one another.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, a slider 140 may also be used in conjunction with the zipper 120. That is, the slider 140 may be operably coupled to the zipper 120. The slider 140 may be moved in an opening direction to separate the male interlocking elements 126 from the female interlocking elements 130. Conversely, the slider may be moved in a closing direction to interlock the male interlocking elements 126 and the female interlocking elements 130. Optionally, the bag 100 may not include a slider 140.

[0038] 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a zipper 120 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. At least a portion of the zipper 120 is formed from a material 200 having a plurality of cavities 202. The material 200 may also have fillers 204 dispersed therein. The remainder of the material 200 or substrate 205 (other than the cavities 202 and fillers 204) may be formed from, for example, a plastic.

[0039] The entire zipper 120 may be formed from material 200. For example, the male interlocking elements 126, the female interlocking elements 130, the first flange 128, and the second flange 132 may all be formed from material 200. In at least one embodiment, the zipper 120 does not include one or both of the first flange 128 and the second flange 132.

[0040] As another example, less than the entire zipper 120 can be formed from material 200. For example, only the male interlocking elements 126 and / or the female interlocking elements 130 can be formed from material 200, with the remainder (such as the first flange 128 and the second flange 132) being formed from a different material (e.g., a plastic without the cavity 202 and / or the filler 204). Forming less than the entire zipper 120 from material 200 can be desirable, such as when certain standards allow a certain amount of the zipper (such as 15%) not to exceed biodegradability and / or repulpability requirements.

[0041] 1 and 3, the slider 140 may also be formed from the material 200. Optionally, the slider 140 may not be formed from the material 200. It is noted that the bag 100 may or may not include the slider 140.

[0042] As shown, one or more seal regions 220 may be coupled to an outer surface of first flange 128 and / or second flange 132. With reference to Figures 1 and 3, seal region 220 sealingly engages an inner surface of housing 101 proximate opening 112. Seal 220 may or may not be formed at least in part from material 200. In at least one example, seal region 220 may be formed from a sealant and / or adhesive instead of being formed from material 200.

[0043] Material 200 is soluble. Cavities 202 increase the solubility of material 200. In at least one example, cavities 202 are formed by foaming. For example, foaming agents form cavities 202. Cavities 202 reduce the overall mass and weight of zipper 120 while increasing surface area. Increasing surface area increases the area for composting, for example, thereby reducing the time for such a process.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the filler 204 is a cellulose-based material. For example, the filler 204 is at least partially formed from cellulose. As an example, the filler 204 can be wood fiber. The filler 204 limits or otherwise controls the formation of the cavity 202. The filler 204, like the cavity 202, also reduces the amount of polymeric binder used to form the zipper 120 and / or the housing 101.

[0045] The ratio of the cavities 202 to the fillers 204 in the material 200 may be 1:1. Optionally, the ratio of the cavities 202 to the fillers 204 may be 2:1, 3:1, etc. In particular, increasing the percentage of the cavities 202 in the material 200 increases the flexibility of the zipper 120. Conversely, the ratio of the cavities 202 to the fillers 204 may be 1:2, 1:3, etc. Increasing the percentage of the fillers 204 in the material 200 increases the hardness and stiffness of the zipper 120. Thus, the amount of the cavities 202 and the fillers 204 may be adjusted depending on the desired amount of flexibility and hardness. Alternatively, the material 200 may not include the fillers 204.

[0046] It has been found that a zipper 120 having a cavity 202 formed by foam molding and also including a filler 204, which may be cellulose-based, can help meet standards and requirements such as those promulgated by the Flexible Box Associations.

[0047] By forming at least a portion of zipper 120 from material 200, zipper 120 is more biodegradable, repulpable, recyclable, and compostable as compared to known zippers. Material 200 may be soluble.

[0048] As described herein, the zipper 120 of the reclosable bag 100 includes a first interlocking element 126 or 130 and a second interlocking element (the other of 126 or 130). The first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are configured to cooperate to selectively open and close the zipper 120. One or both of the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are formed from a material 200 that includes a cavity 202. The cavity 202 can be formed by foam molding. In at least one example, both the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are formed from the material 200. In at least one example, the material 200 also includes a filler 204. In one example, the filler 204 includes cellulose.

[0049] 4 shows a flow chart of a method of forming a zipper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, at 300, cavities 202 are formed in material 200. At 302, the amount of cavities 202 in material 200 is controlled by filler 204 (i.e., by adding filler 204 into material 200). Optionally, the amount of cavities 202 can be independent of filler 204. Thereafter, at 304, material 200 is used to form at least a portion of zipper 120.

[0050] In one example, a zipper for a reclosable bag is provided. The zipper can include a first interlocking element and a second interlocking element. The first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are configured to cooperate to selectively open and close the zipper. One or both of the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element can be formed from a material that includes a cavity.

[0051] Optionally, both the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element can be formed from a material that includes a cavity. The cavity can be formed by foam molding. The material can also include a filler, such as cellulose. The zipper can also include a first flange extending from the first interlocking element and a second flange extending from the second interlocking element. One or both of the first flange or the second flange can also be formed from the above materials. A slider can be operably coupled to the zipper. The slider can also be formed from the above materials.

[0052] In another example, a method of forming a zipper for a reclosable bag is provided. The method can include forming one or more cavities in a material and using the material to form one or both of a first interlocking element or a second interlocking element of the zipper. The first interlocking element and the second interlocking element can cooperate to selectively open and close the zipper.

[0053] The material can be used to form both the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element. A cavity can be formed within the material. The forming act can include providing a filler, such as cellulose, within the material.

[0054] The material can be used to form one or both of a first flange or a second flange of the zipper. The material can also be used to form a slider configured to be operatively coupled to the zipper.

[0055] In another example, a zipper for a reclosable bag is provided. The zipper can include a first interlocking element and a second interlocking element. The first interlocking element and the second interlocking element can cooperate to selectively open and close the zipper. The first interlocking element and the second interlocking element can be formed from a material including a cavity and a filler, and the cavity is formed by foam molding.

[0056] The filler can include cellulose. The zipper can also include a first flange extending from the first interlocking element and a second flange extending from the second interlocking element. The first flange or the second flange can also be formed from the above materials.

[0057] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a zipper for a reclosable bag that has increased repulpability, biodegradability, recyclability, and the like.

[0058] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reclosable enclosure, such as a bag, having a zipper assembly. The zipper assembly can be formed at least in part from a repulpable material. The zipper assembly can be coupled to the reclosable container using an attachment web formed at least in part from a repulpable material.

[0059] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of one example of a reclosable enclosure 500. The enclosure can include a flexible sheet material having one or more side walls 502. The one or more side walls 502 can be positioned to close the interior of the enclosure 500. A zipper assembly 504 can be coupled to the side walls 502 at or near an open area 506 of the enclosure 500. A first attachment web can be coupled to the first side wall and a second attachment web can be coupled to a second side wall opposite the first side wall. The zipper assembly 504 can be coupled to the first and second attachment walls to allow the zipper assembly 504 to open and close the enclosure 500. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the open area 506 can be covered by a removable portion 508. The removable portion 508 can include perforations 510 and a tear bead area that can aid in removal of the removable portion 508 by a user. The zipper assembly 504 is attached to itself to allow a user to repeatedly open and close the enclosure 500. In one embodiment, the zipper assembly 504 is heat sealed directly to the side wall 502.

[0060] In at least one embodiment, the reclosable enclosure 500 is formed from a repulpable material. For example, the reclosable enclosure 500 can be formed from paper, which may be coated or uncoated. The repulpable material can be a cellulose-based material, wood fiber, or the like.

[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one example of a reclosable assembly 600. The reclosable assembly 600 includes a zipper assembly 604 and an attachment web portion 614. The zipper assembly 604 is coupled to the attachment web portion 614. In the illustrated embodiment, the zipper assembly 604 is coupled to the attachment web portion 614 by a base portion 640. The base portion 640 can be extrusion coated or can be an uncoated material. The zipper assembly 604 can include a first interlocking portion 630 and a second interlocking portion 632 positioned to cooperate to selectively open and close the zipper assembly 604. In one embodiment, the first interlocking portion 630 is coupled to a first sidewall and the second interlocking portion 632 is coupled to an opposing second sidewall. The first attachment web and the second attachment web can be at least partially formed from a repulpable material. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the reclosable assembly 600 can be covered by a removable portion 608. The removable portion 608 can include perforations 610 and a tear bead area 612 that can aid in removal of the removable portion 608 by a user. The reclosable assembly 600 can be coupled to a reclosable enclosure, such as one or more of the enclosures described and / or illustrated herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the reclosable assembly 600 includes a strip 650 positioned to be coupled with the reclosable enclosure. The strip 650 can be polyethylene, adhesive, or the like. Coupling the reclosable assembly 600 to the enclosure 500 attaches the zipper assembly 604 to itself, allowing a user to repeatedly open and close the enclosure 500.

[0062] In at least one embodiment, the attachment web portion 614 is formed from a repulpable material. For example, the attachment web portion 614 can be formed from paper, which may be coated or uncoated. The repulpable material can be a cellulose-based material, wood fiber, or the like.

[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a zipper assembly 700. The zipper assembly 700 can be incorporated into the enclosure shown in FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 5. The zipper assembly 700 can include opposed flanges 702 having outer surfaces 704 that do not face each other. These outer surfaces 704 can be bonded (e.g., via heat sealing, adhesive, etc.) to an attachment web (also shown in FIG. 5) of the enclosure (shown in FIG. 5). The opposed inner surfaces 706 of the flanges 702 can face each other. The inner surfaces 706 of the flanges 702 include interlocking or locking elements 712 that protrude from the inner surfaces 706 toward the other flange 702. These locking elements 712 can interlock with each other to close the zipper assembly 700 (and the enclosure). The interlocking elements 712 can be pulled apart (e.g., by a consumer pulling on both sides of the side walls and / or flanges 702) to open the enclosure 500. In the illustrated example, one flange 702 includes a male interlocking element 714 and the other flange 706 includes a female interlocking element 716. As illustrated, the female interlocking element 716 may be a receptacle shaped to receive and secure an outer end of the male interlocking element 714 (to maintain the enclosure 500 closed). The flanges 702 and / or side walls may be pulled apart to remove the male interlocking element 714 from the female interlocking element 716 and open the enclosure 500. In one example, a slider may be used that moves along the length of the zipper assembly 700 (e.g., in and out of the plane of FIG. 7) to open and close the zipper assembly 700 and the enclosure 500. Alternatively, the zipper assembly 700 may be opened and closed without a slider.

[0064] The body of the zipper assembly 700 may incorporate a repulpable material. For example, the entire flange 702 may be formed from a repulpable material or a combination of a repulpable material and another material, such as a polymer. In one embodiment, the zipper assembly 700 may be formed at least in part from a water soluble polymeric material. In one embodiment, the zipper assembly 700 may be formed at least in part from a polyethylene material, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), or the like.

[0065] In the closed or interlocking position, the male interlocking elements 714 are received and engaged with the female interlocking elements 716. In the open position, the male interlocking elements 714 and the female interlocking elements 716 are not engaged with one another.

[0066] In at least one embodiment, a slider may be used in conjunction with the zipper assembly; i.e., the slider may be operably coupled to the zipper assembly. When the slider is moved in an opening direction, the male interlocking elements may be separated from the female interlocking elements. Conversely, when the slider is moved in a closing direction, the male and female interlocking elements may be interlocked. Optionally, the reclosable enclosure may not include a slider.

[0067] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a zipper assembly for a reclosable enclosure that has increased repulpability, biodegradability, recyclability, and the like.

[0068] In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a reclosable enclosure and a zipper assembly of the reclosable enclosure is described. The method can be used to manufacture the reclosable enclosure 100 shown in FIG. 1. It is noted that the specific configurations (e.g., number, type, arrangement, etc.) of the components described can be varied in various alternative embodiments. The method includes bonding a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion to one or more panels forming the reclosable enclosure. The first attachment portion and the second attachment portion and the panels can be formed at least in part from a repulpable material. The attachment portion can include a sealant layer. The first interlocking portion and the second interlocking portion of the zipper assembly are then bonded to the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion, respectively. In one embodiment, the interlocking portion is extruded directly onto the attachment portion. In one embodiment, the zipper assembly can be heat sealed to the attachment portion.

[0069] In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a reclosable enclosure and a zipper assembly for the reclosable enclosure is described, the method including coupling a zipper assembly onto an attachment portion. The attachment portion can be formed at least in part from a repulpable material. The zipper assembly and the attachment portion can be coupled to a panel of the enclosure. The zipper assembly is positioned to open and close an interior of the enclosure.

[0070] The amount of repulpable material incorporated into one or more components of the enclosures described herein can be at least a threshold amount. For example, the repulpable material can be present at least 85% (but less than 100%) by weight and / or volume in the panels, zipper assemblies, flanges, interlocking elements, flanges, tear strips, attachment webs, sheets, etc. (the remainder being non-repulpable material). Alternatively, the repulpable material can be present at least 80%, at least 70%, etc. (but less than 100%) by weight and / or volume in the panels, zipper assemblies, flanges, interlocking elements, flanges, tear strips, attachment webs, sheets, etc. (the remainder being non-repulpable material). The amount of repulpable material can be expressed or measured as fiber yield by weight according to the Fiber Box Association's Repulpability Test dated August 16, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference without limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein (unless the applicant now or later expressly so limits).

[0071] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not occur. The simplification terms used herein throughout the specification and claims may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that is subject to variation without causing a change in the basic function to which the term may relate. Thus, values ​​modified by the singular or plural terms, such as "about," "substantially," and "approximately," may not be limited to the exact values ​​specified. In at least some cases, the simplification terms may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here, and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchangeable, and such ranges may be identified and include all subranges unless otherwise indicated by the context or term.

[0072] Examples are used in this document to disclose embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems, and performing any incorporated methods. The claims define the patentable scope of this disclosure, and include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the claim language, or if they have equivalent structural elements that differ insubstantially from the claim language.

Claims

1. 1. A reclosable bag comprising: a plurality of walls forming an enclosure; an attachment web coupled to the wall, the attachment web being formed from a first material; a base portion coupled to the attachment web, the base portion being formed from a second material; a plurality of interlocking elements coupled to the base portion, the interlocking elements configured to engage with one another to hold the enclosure closed and to separate from one another to open the enclosure, the plurality of interlocking elements being formed from a third material; and Equipped with one or more of the first material, the second material, and the third material are formed from at least 85% repulpable material, and two of the first material, the second material, and the third material are different materials; Reclosable bag.

2. 1. A method comprising: obtaining a plurality of walls configured to form an enclosure; coupling an attachment web formed from a first material to the wall; bonding a base portion formed from a second material to the attachment web; coupling to the base portion a plurality of interlocking elements formed from a third material configured to engage with one another to hold the enclosure closed and to separate from one another to open the enclosure; Including, one or more of the first material, the second material, and the third material are formed from at least 85% repulpable material, and two of the first material, the second material, and the third material are different materials; method.

3. 1. A reclosable bag comprising: a plurality of walls forming an enclosure; an attachment web at least partially formed from a repulpable material, the attachment web being coupled to the wall; a base portion coupled to the attachment web, the base portion being formed from a material other than the repulpable material; a plurality of interlocking elements coupled to the base portion, the interlocking elements configured to engage with one another to hold the enclosure closed and to separate from one another to open the enclosure; Equipped with the interlocking element is formed from at least 85% repulpable material; Reclosable bag.

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