Packing system comprising a plurality of outer containers having container inserts therein for holding a predetermined volume of material

A packaging system comprising:

• a plurality of substantially uniformly shaped outer containers, each outer container comprising a container bottom having a periphery and a container wall extending generally upwardly from said periphery, said container bottom and said container wall defining an interior container portion having a first volume, said interior container portion being sized to accommodate a container insert, said container wall comprising a mouth defining an opening, said mouth having an interior surface and including means for preventing removal of said insert;
• a plurality of first container inserts, each first container insert being positioned within an interior container portion of one of said plurality of outer containers, each first container insert comprising a bottom having a periphery and a wall extending generally upwardly from said periphery, said bottom and said wall of each first insert defining an interior portion having a second volume, said second volume being less than said first volume, said interior container portion being entirely filled with a gas between said outer container and said first container insert, said wall of said first insert comprising an upper portion spaced apart from said bottom, said upper portion having an exterior surface dimensioned for complementary engagement with said interior surface of said mouth;
• and
• a plurality of second container inserts, each second container insert being positioned within an interior container portion of one of said plurality of outer containers, each second container insert comprising a bottom having a periphery and a wall extending generally upwardly from said periphery, said bottom and said wall of each second insert defining an interior portion having a third volume, said third volume being less than said second volume, said interior container portion being entirely filled with a gas between said outer container and said second container insert, said wall of said second insert comprising an upper portion spaced apart from said bottom, said upper portion having an exterior surface dimensioned for complementary engagement with said interior surface of said mouth, wherein at least one of said outer container and said contains inserts includes a vent for allowing said gas to pass from said interior container portion to atmosphere when one of said container inserts is positioned within said outer container.