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Zipper (press-to-close reclosure)
Also known as: zip lock, ziplock, press-to-close zipper, reclosable zipper, resealable zip, zip seal
A zipper is a plastic profile sealed into a pouch opening that closes by finger pressure, letting the pack reseal after opening.
A zipper on a flexible pouch is a pair of interlocking plastic profiles, male and female, heat-sealed across the opening. Pressed together with the fingers it locks; pulled apart it opens. It lets consumers keep the product in its original pack after the first use.
What it does, and what it does not
The zipper protects the product after opening by limiting exposure to air, moisture and spills. A standard zipper is not fully hermetic, however. The main protection before first use comes from the seal above the zipper, which is torn off at opening.
Common types
- Standard press-to-close: the most common and economical option.
- Slider zipper: opened and closed with a plastic slider.
- Pocket zipper: hidden behind a tear strip, often on flat-bottom pouches.
- Child-resistant zipper: deliberately harder to open, used for products like detergent pods.
Design tips
The zipper material must be compatible with the pouch's sealant layer. Add a tear notch or a laser score above it so the top tears off cleanly. Powders can clog the profile, and for mono-material recyclable packs the zipper should come from the same polymer family as the film.
Frequently asked
Is a zipper pouch airtight?
A standard zipper greatly reduces air exchange but is not fully airtight. The pack is truly sealed until the top seal above the zipper is torn off.
Can a zipper be added to a recyclable pouch?
Yes, as long as the zipper is made from the same polymer family as the pouch, for example a PE zipper on an all-PE pouch.
Related terms
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