Reclosable package and a method of making the same

A method of forming a flexible reclosable package, the method comprising the steps of:

• a. advancing a continuous length of material in a machine direction, wherein the continuous length of material has a first side and a second side and defines a first edge region with a first side edge and a second edge region with a second side edge separated in a cross-machine direction by a central region;
• b. forming a line of weakness along the machine direction of the central region of the continuous length of material;
• c. folding the continuous length of material along the machine direction to form a continuous pleat, wherein the continuous pleat comprises first and second continuous folds that form first, second, and third overlapping continuous pleated portions, wherein the third continuous pleated portion is positioned between the first continuous pleated portion and the second continuous pleated portion, wherein the line of weakness is provided in the continuous pleat, wherein the first and second continuous folds extend in the machine direction;
• d. advancing a plurality of consumer products, such as disposable absorbent articles, along machine direction wherein the plurality of consumer products are arranged in a group, the group having, along machine direction, a leading edge and a trailing edge;
• e. folding the continuous length of material around the plurality of consumer products arranged in a group;
• f. joining the first and second side edges of the continuous length of material to each other to form a third seam along machine direction;
• g. sealing the continuous length of material along cross-machine direction adjacent to the leading edge and the trailing edge of the plurality of consumer products arranged in a group, thereby forming the first and second side panel seams of the flexible reclosable package and forming a closed package around the plurality of consumer products arranged in a group;
• and
• h. cutting the continuous length of material in the cross-machine direction in or adjacent to the first and second side panel seams to form the flexible reclosable package.