Packaged feminine hygiene pad product adapted for discreet carry and access, and manufacturing process

A product comprising a feminine hygiene pad in a folded configuration provided within an individualized envelope package having a front panel and a rear panel;

• wherein the pad has a pad length along a longitudinal direction and a pad width along a lateral direction, and the folded configuration comprises folds along at least two lateral fold lines, that divide the pad length;
• wherein the pad in the folded configuration is folded separately of the envelope package and is entirely contained within the package,
• wherein the envelope package has a rectangular shape and comprises:
• a section of polymeric film, nonwoven web, or laminate thereof;
• a pair of oppositely-disposed, substantially straight and substantially parallel side seams along which respective portions of the polymer film forming the front panel and rear panel are attached to each other, the seams being oriented generally parallel with the longitudinal direction of the pad as contained within the package, and having a seam length;
• a top edge extending from one side seam to the other when the package is in a closed configuration;
• a closure flap, having a proximal portion proximate the top edge, and terminating at a distal edge, wherein:
• the package is configured to create an access opening upon lifting of the closure flap at the distal edge, the access opening having an opening edge having a curving path created upon lifting of the closure flap, via separation along imparted perforation, scoring or cutting of the polymeric film, nonwoven web or laminate thereof along a curving path of separation;
• the closure flap overlaps the opening edge;
• and
• the closure flap may be lifted to create the access opening while allowing material along the side seams to remain unseparated along a majority, substantially all, or all of respective lengths of the side seams.