Collapsible storage container and method for storing matter

A method for storing matter comprising the steps of:

• providing a sealable, collapsible storage module having a collapsible body defining a storage chamber for storing matter, said body being made from a sheet of flexible material, said body also defining at least one sealable port in communication with the storage chamber, said sheet of flexible material being sufficiently flexible to enable said body to collapse under the action of gravity when said port is vented to ambient atmosphere, said module also including generally horizontally disposed internal support means for preventing said body from rupturing when said storage chamber of said body is filled with matter;
• raising the collapsible body so that matter can be fed into said storage chamber;
• filling said storage chamber with matter by feeding matter into said storage chamber through said sealable port;
• evacuating air from said storage chamber so that pressure within said chamber is negative with respect to ambient pressure;
• pressurizing said storage chamber with a desired gaseous atmosphere until the pressure within said chamber is positive with respect to ambient pressure;
• and
• sealing said body to maintain the matter stored in said chamber under the positively pressurized gaseous atmosphere.