The present invention is directed to a produce bag. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a completely recyclable and compostable grocery-type bag for use with produce and other goods. Ideally, the bag is a calendared single-ply paper with heat-sealed seams that is resistant to destruction from moisture. While produce is contemplated, the bag can be used to contain virtually any product. Preferably, such a bag would have a window or an opening so that produce can be viewed and readily identified.
The present invention is further directed to a process for creating and filling the above bag. Using a standard printing machine, the adhesive is printed onto the paper in register to desired locations on the paper to form the seams of the bag and, optionally border a window area to be cut out of the paper. If the bag is to include a window opening, the window opening is cut out within the area of applied heat-activated adhesive and a screen cover to the window such that the border of the screen cover is applied to overlap the heat-activated adhesive. Optionally, a recyclable and compostable patch can be placed around the window such that the patch covers the edge of the screen and the heat-activated adhesive to form a border for the window. The patch and screen cover to the window, if present, are adhesively sealed to the paper by heat activation. One method of assembling the bag includes forming the adhesive applied paper to create a tube of paper such that the heat-activated adhesive overlaps the paper, heat sealing the paper into a tube, automatedly filling the tube with product, heat sealing the bottom edge and top edge of the product-filled tube to form an enclosed bag with product therein. The forming and filling can be accomplished on already existing automated forming and filling machines manufactured for use with plastic bags and plastic lined paper bags. Thusly creating a sealed, filled paper bag that is a single ply unlined paper with a mesh covering attached to the paper without the need for reinforcement that can withstand the moisture released from the contents and is 100% recyclable and compostable.