A system for sealing a load with film, where the load is placed on a pallet, includes a frame and a vertically moveable platform on which the pallet is received. A clamp is mounted to the frame and is configured to engage the load independently of the pallet when the pallet is received on the platform. A rack is mounted to the frame so as to be vertically movable, and a pair of cross members are mounted to the rack so as to be horizontally movable. An engagement subsystem configured to engage sides of the film and a sealing subsystem configured to seal the film are mounted to the cross members. In operation, when the pallet is placed on the platform, the sides of the film, which in the form of a sleeve where the sides define an inner space when separated, are engaged with the engagement subsystem when the rack is in the upper position. Thereafter, the cross members move outwardly to separate the sides of film and to define the inner space. The rack is then moved to the lower position, thereby enveloping the load within the sleeve of the film. The load is then secured with the clamp and separated from the pallet. The cross members are then moved inwardly so that the sides of the film are brought together, which are then sealed with the sealing subsystem, for example, with heat. The sides of the film are disengaged, and the cross members are moved outwardly. The load may then be replaced on the pallet with the seal positioned therebetween. The film may then be sealed and cut at the top of the load, thereby forming a bag around the load.

A sealed barrier bag that contains a first compartment, a second compartment, a non-oxidizing gas located in the first compartment, a perishable item located in the second compartment, and a device for venting the non-oxidizing gas from said second compartment.

A packaging system for preserving a perishable item which contains a gas permeable tray containing open-cell foam disposed within a sealed, oxygen-impermeable barrier bag. The open cells within the gas-permeable tray contain less than about 0.05 volume percent of oxygen, and the atmosphere within the sealed barrier bag contains less than about 0.05 volume percent of oxygen.

A packaging system for preserving perishable moisture-containing items comprising a shrinkable barrier bag comprising at least one compartment, and a one-way valve disposed in the wall of the barrier bag, sealing means for closing the barrier bag, a carbon dioxide gas source gas disposed within the barrier bag, a clear transparent oxygen-permeable container disposed within the barrier bag, for containment of perishable moisture containing items, and a water-containing pad disposed within the barrier bag for providing humidity within the barrier bag.

A juice absorbing food package comprising a tray having a bottom bounded by an upwardly extending lip around the perimeter of the bottom and a liquid-absorbing pad comprised of polymer foam joined to the bottom of said tray, wherein the polymer foam is open cell foam. The tray of the juice absorbing package is overwrapped with gas permeable film, and may be provided with an oxygen absorbing substance therein. Alternatively, the overwrapped tray may be placed in a sealed barrier bag that is subsequently purged with a non-oxidizing gas such as carbon dioxide.