Abstract: A packaging system utilizes a resilient pressure roll to compress a flexible wall of open, loaded container portions of a packaging web as the container portions are moved with the web from one work station to another. The pressure roll participates in feeding the web while expelling air from the loaded container portions to closely conform the container portions to articles therein and isolating portions of the web at the first work station from forces applied to the web at the second work station. Typically, the container portions are loaded at the first work station and closed, sealed, and severed from the remainder of the web at the second work station.