Method for making a flexible packaging structure with a built-in opening and reclose feature

A method for making a flexible packaging laminate having a built-in opening and reclose feature, comprising the steps of:

• pattern-applying a pressure-sensitive adhesive onto one surface of a first structure comprising at least one layer of flexible material, the pressure-sensitive adhesive being applied onto the one surface in a predetermined pattern;
• pattern-applying a permanent laminating adhesive onto the one surface of the first structure such that the permanent adhesive does not cover the predetermined pattern of pressure-sensitive adhesive;
• adhesively joining the first structure to a second structure via the adhesives so as to form a laminate having a width defined between opposite longitudinal edges thereof, the first structure and the second structure each having a width equal to the width of the laminate, respective longitudinal edges of the first and second structures being substantially coincident with each other and defining the longitudinal edges of the laminate, and the second structure comprising at least one layer of flexible material, wherein one of the first and second structures comprises an outer structure and the other comprises an inner structure;
• advancing the laminate to a scoring station at which an outer score line is formed through the thickness of the outer structure in registration with the predetermined pattern of pressure-sensitive adhesive, and an inner score line is formed through the thickness of the inner structure in registration with the predetermined pattern of pressure-sensitive adhesive, the outer score line delineating an outer opening portion of the outer structure that is separable from the outer structure along the outer score line, the inner score line delineating an inner opening portion of the inner structure that is affixed to the outer opening portion by the permanent adhesive and is separable from the inner structure along the inner score line, wherein a region of the outer opening portion between the outer and inner score lines is attached to an underlying surface of the inner structure via the pressure-sensitive adhesive, the outer opening portion being peelable from the underlying surface of the inner structure so as to cause the inner opening portion to also be peeled back to create an opening in the laminate, and the outer opening portion being re-attachable to the underlying surface of the inner structure via the pressure-sensitive adhesive for reclosing the opening.