Recyclable packaging film and article with mechanically pre-slit controlled tear line

A method of forming a packaging article, comprising:

• providing a first web including a polymer sealant layer, the first web having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface;
• providing a second web including a polymer outer layer, the second web having a third major surface and a fourth major surface opposite the third major surface;
• applying an adhesive layer to the second major surface;
• laminating the first web to the third major surface to form a laminated flexible packaging film;
• prior to said laminating, forming one or more continuous and uninterrupted slits extending in a machine direction in the second web, each of said one or more slits completely penetrating the second web;
• and
• sealing a first portion of the first major surface to a second portion of the first major surface to form a hermetically sealed packaging article, wherein the one or more slits form a line of preferential tearing for opening the packaging article.