Package closure for withstanding internal forces

A process for forming, filling, and sealing a package through the bottom comprising:

• providing at least one web of material;
• forming from the at least one web of material a first panel including a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom, and a second panel including a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom;
• positioning the first panel in opposite relationship to the second panel;
• joining the first panel to the second panel along the first and second sides to define a package interior having a mouth disposed proximate the bottom of each of the first and second panels and side edges defined along the first and second sides, wherein a package width is defined between the side edges;
• attaching a closure assembly extending along the top of each of the first and second panels, including attaching a first fin having a first portion of a reclosable fastener to an exterior surface of the first panel and attaching a second fin having a second portion of the reclosable fastener to an exterior surface of the second panel;
• attaching a sealing member defined by a separate web having a first end and a second end and an intermediate portion therebetween, including attaching the first end to the first fin at a location between the top of the first panel and the first portion of the reclosable fastener and attaching the second end to the second fin at a location between the top of the second panel and the second portion of the reclosable fastener, with the intermediate portion extending from the first and second ends in a direction opposite the bottom of each of the first and second panels, wherein at least one of the first end or second end is attached with a peelable seal, the peelable seal extending between the side edges a distance less than the package width;
• inserting a product through the mouth, whereby the sealing member is configured to shield the closure assembly from a load applied by the product;
• and
• joining the first panel to the second panel along the mouth to close the product within the package interior.