a vacuum packaging method and apparatus for packaging solid objects such as food products of various shapes automatically . a web of tubular plastic film is supplied from a roll and drawn over an opening core which opens the plastic film into a rectangular shape . the film is then drawn over the object to be packaged and cut to a predetermined length . in one embodiment , the front end of the film is then sealed and the object urged towards the sealed end . in another embodiment , both ends of the film are left open at this point . the object with the film positioned therearound is transferred to a vacuum chamber . prior to the chamber being evacuated , tension is applied to the film so as to prevent the formation of creases .