Vacuum packaged products and methods for making same

In combination, a product vacuum packaged in a package to reduce tensile strength loss of the product after sterilization by radiation, comprising:

• a package comprising an ethylene vinyl alcohol layer having an oxygen transmission rate equal to or less than about 0.2 cubic centimeter of oxygen per 100 inches squared per 24 hours, and having an interior, and
• a product in the interior of the package, the product comprising a nonwoven polypropylene material,
• the interior of the package having a vacuum therein at a pressure equal to or less than about 10 millibars,
• the package and the product being sterilized by radiation resulting in the product having a reduction in its tensile strength of less than about 14% after radiation.

In combination, a product vacuum packaged in a package to reduce tensile strength loss of the product after sterilization by radiation, comprising:

• a package comprising a layer having an oxygen transmission rate equal to or less than about 2.3 cubic centimeter of oxygen per 100 inches squared per 24 hours, and having an interior, and
• a product in the interior of the package,
• the interior of the package having a vacuum therein at a pressure equal to or less than about 10 millibars,
• the package and the product being sterilized by radiation resulting in the product having a reduction in its tensile strength less than about 17% after radiation.

A method of packaging a product in a package to reduce tensile strength loss of the product after sterilization by radiation, comprising the steps of:

• providing a package comprising a layer having an oxygen transmission rate equal to or less than about 0.2 cubic centimeter of oxygen per 100 inches squared per 24 hours, and having an interior,
• providing a product in the interior of the package,
• creating a vacuum in the package containing the product to a pressure equal to or less than about 10 millibars, and
• thereafter sterilizing the package and product with radiation resulting in the product having a reduction in its tensile strength less than about 14%.