A thermoformed package can be easily opened when it is comprised of a
first enclosing section, an intermediate section, and a second enclosing
section. The first enclosing section and second enclosing section are
each bonded to the intermediate section about the periphery of the
intermediate section to form the package. The package can have a hinge at
the base of the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section.
The intermediate section can be a plastic, a plastic containing laminate,
a paper material such as a paperboard, or a paper containing laminate.
The strength of the bond of at least one of the first enclosing section
and the second enclosing section to the intermediate section being less
than the shear strength of the material of the first enclosing section
and the second enclosing section. Further when the intermediate section
is a paper or a paper containing laminate the shear strength of the paper
or the paper containing laminate is less than the shear strength of the
first enclosing section or the second enclosing section. On an upper part
of the package there is an area where the first enclosing section and the
second enclosing section can be gripped to open the package. The package
is easily opened by breaking the bond of the first enclosing section or
second enclosing section to the intermediate section, or in the
alternative when the intermediate section is a paper or paper containing
material, delaminating the paper containing material.