Abstract: A packaging process includes providing a semi-sealed package containing a product to be packaged, providing a vacuum chamber, adjusting a spacing between members of the vacuum chamber to open the vacuum chamber, relatively positioning the package and the vacuum chamber such that a terminal portion of an end of the package is positioned within the vacuum chamber and a non-terminal portion of the end is positioned outside the vacuum chamber, an intermediate portion of the end passing through the opening, adjusting the spacing to bring the members substantially sealingly in contact with one another, the intermediate portion being received in the opening, creating, within the vacuum chamber, an internal vacuum pressure to determine a gas flow through the opening causing opposing layers of the film at the second end to maintain a substantially spaced-apart configuration, and to aspirate both gas from inside the package and gas through the opening.