a method and apparatus for the automatic filling of plastic bags with , for example , elastic , soft and deformable contents . in order to provide for the automatic handling of empty bags without intermediate , especially manual , steps , the invention provides that the empty bags are attached by extending flaps to a plastic carrier web across a tear line . the apparatus of the invention places a quantity of goods into the bag by means of an axially moving filling piston which passes between spreadable jaws that hold the bag open . the continued motion of the filling piston eventually exerts a force sufficient to cause fracture along the tear line and separation of the filled bag from the flap which stays attached to the carrier web . the piston then moves the filled bag into position for sealing . a number of embodiments is presented .