Vacuum-Sealed Gawith Packs Collapsing—Why?

[Haggard]

I was digging through my cellar today and came across several 500g Gawith packages. The black plastic trays are crumpled at the edges, and the clear vacuum-sealed tops are pulled tightly down onto the tobacco—as if the oxygen inside was completely sucked out.

What’s strange is that the vacuum effect hasn’t been offset by any gas buildup. Where did the air go? If oxygen was consumed by some process, shouldn’t another gas replace it and cause expansion?

The tobacco looks pristine—sparkling like fine diamonds. Most of it is around 4 years old, maybe older.

This behavior seems opposite to tins, which I’ve only ever seen bulge with age. I’ve never seen a tin collapse inward unless the seal failed. Could this be a sign of a failed seal, or is something else going on?

Has anyone else noticed this kind of “suction” effect in vacuum-sealed tobacco packs? Curious to hear your thoughts.

 

[Sobrbiker]

Aerobic bacteria doing their thing, then once the O2 is gone the anaerobes do their thing.
Ever notice that on mason jars of tobacco (some more than others), the inner lid is still sucked tight to jar once the ring is removed even though it was never vacuum sealed?

 

[HeadMisfit]

must not have enough secret sauce on it. obviously its bad so toss the damn things. gawith children constantly harp tobacco they sell is not to be stored or saved, jus bought and smoked, then repeat

 

[Sobrbiker]

must not have enough secret sauce on it. obviously its bad so toss the damn things. gawith children constantly harp tobacco they sell is not to be stored or saved, jus bought and smoked, then repeat

It would be cool if everytime Gawith is mentioned we could enjoy a moment of on-topic discussion before bashing (and it was Germaine’s that poo-poo’d faffing about with their blends, not Gawith).

 

[ThermionicScott]

Maybe the plastic stretches a little under the pressure.

 

[Briarcutter]

Aerobic bacteria doing their thing, then once the O2 is gone the anaerobes do their thing.
Ever notice that on mason jars of tobacco (some more than others), the inner lid is still sucked tight to jar once the ring is removed even though it was never vacuum sealed?

I've noticed that on Mason jars. But as the OP mentioned why the so called suction? That doesn't seem to happen to tins, just the opposite Good observation Haggard!

 

[Sobrbiker]

I've noticed that on Mason jars. But as the OP mentioned why the so called suction? That doesn't seem to happen to tins, just the opposite Good observation Haggard!

I haven’t stored long term, my experience is limited to round tins of 10yrs age or so.
I have noticed that the C&D type “tins” always bulge off there’s any change, but the round metal STG/Sutliff type tins seem to suck in tighter and the “whoosh”” when popping seal is air rushing into, not out of the tin.

The Gawith what I like to call “deli packs” that I’ve got are flimsy enough that I don’t trust them for long term unless I drop the whole box in a sealed Mylar bag.
The 500gr bags I have/have had haven’t really changed much.

I’m left more curious why all the C&D type pull-top tins bulge relatively quickly.

I acknowledge limited time experience with tins of all types, but the black plastic trays @Haggard is talking about haven’t been in Gawith’s repertoire for very many years.

 

[Brad H]

I haven’t stored long term, my experience is limited to round tins of 10yrs age or so.
I have noticed that the C&D type “tins” always bulge off there’s any change, but the round metal STG/Sutliff type tins seem to suck in tighter and the “whoosh”” when popping seal is air rushing into, not out of the tin.

The Gawith what I like to call “deli packs” that I’ve got are flimsy enough that I don’t trust them for long term unless I drop the whole box in a sealed Mylar bag.
The 500gr bags I have/have had haven’t really changed much.

I’m left more curious why all the C&D type pull-top tins bulge relatively quickly.

I acknowledge limited time experience with tins of all types, but the black plastic trays @Haggard is talking about haven’t been in Gawith’s repertoire for very many years.

I got a lot of the 250g deli packs of the S&G. I’m leaving 2 of them in the factory tray to see what they do long term.
So far they are holding up fine.

 

[woodsroad]

Gawith 500gr packs are actually worm holes to another dimension. That’s where the air is going. Good thing they don’t smoke pipes in that realm, but I’m pretty sure that they’re wearing my socks and writing with my sharpies.

 

[Sobrbiker]

I got a lot of the 250g deli packs of the S&G. I’m leaving 2 of them in the factory tray to see what they do long term.
So far they are holding up fine.

That’s right, it’s the metric 8oz’ers that are the deli trays and the pounders are the bags…my bad

The deli trays are better than the previous 250g plastic wraps, for sure.