Abstract: An apparatus for packing perishable goods in which perishable foods are placed in a pre-formed base. A first flexible gas permeable plastic web is then placed over said goods, and a reduced pressure is established below the first web relative to that above the first web for effecting at least partial skin packing of the first web over the goods. A second plastic web is then placed over the first web, the goods and the base. A second web is then sealed to the base so as to provide a space between the first web and the second web. A gas is provided in the space between which can permeate through the first web toward the base to enhance preservation of the goods. The second web comprises a lid serving to retain the gas in the space.

Abstract: A package containing skin-packed perishable goods including a base, goods on the base, a flexible plastic web over the goods and the base to, at least partially, skin pack the goods, and a lid for the base. A gas to permeate the web and enhance preservation of the goods is contained in the space between the lid and the skin packed goods.

Abstract: Packaging for foodstuffs, particularly meat, comprises a rigid tray (3) of plastic material, preferably polypropylene, enclosed between two opposing, preferably transparent, plastic webs (2, 4), one of which (4) has a depression formed therein in which the tray nests. The tray has corrugations (5) which give it its rigidity, with those on the base (7) also serving to support and space the contents above the base. The package is air evacuated and filled with a desired gas to prevent deterioration of the contents. The method of packaging essentially entails placing the tray, with contents, in the depression, overlying the upper web, evacuating and gasifying the partially completed package and sealing the webs together. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.