More sustainable biodegradable foamed zipper

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to zipper for a reclosable package, particularly a zipper which has been foamed with the use of bioresins or biodegradable additives to increase the degradability of the zipper. The combination of the process of foaming with the use of bioresins or biodegradable additives typically increases the rate of degradability of the zipper, particularly in biodegradable environments, such as landfills.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A zipper for a reclosable package or bag, the zipper being comprised of components made from polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material is foamed and includes an additive chosen from the group consisting of bioresins and biodegradable additives. 
     
     
         2 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the additive is polylactic acid. 
     
     
         3 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the additive is an oxo-biodegradable additive. 
     
     
         4 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the additive is thermoplastic starch. 
     
     
         5 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the additive is a plant-derived sugar. 
     
     
         6 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the additive is cellulosic material. 
     
     
         7 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the additive is a resin derived from a chemical chosen from the group consisting of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and polyamide 11. 
     
     
         8 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the zipper includes a first profile and a second profile. 
     
     
         9 . The zipper of  claim 8  wherein the first profile includes a first interlocking element and the second profile includes a second interlocking element. 
     
     
         10 . The zipper of  claim 9  wherein the first interlocking element is a male element and the second interlocking element is a female element. 
     
     
         11 . The zipper of  claim 8  further including a slider for interlocking the first and second profiles when moved in a closing direction and for separating the first and second profiles when moved in an opening direction.