CTI Industries' ZipVac, the Affordable, Portable Vacuum Packaging System for Outdoor Enthusiasts
June, 2009

BARRINGTON, Ill., 6/2009 - Outdoor enthusiasts know the best way to preserve the delicious flavor of the outdoors in their fish and game is to vacuum package the meat for freezing. However, until CTI Industries Corp created the new ZipVac Portable Food Storage System, these enthusiasts were limited to expensive, bulky home appliances that need electricity to vacuum and seal bags.

The ZipVac Portable Food Storage System is a new, unique and portable vacuum-packaging appliance for food or other items that need protection. It consists of reusable, freezable, microwavable, boilable, patented ZipVac bags, a portable, rechargeable electric vacuum pump and small manual hand-held pump which fit the patented valve system. The ZipVac storage system was such a hit at the 2008 International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) sports trade show in Las Vegas, that it was awarded "Best New Fishing Accessory" from among dozens of new products.

"The ZipVac system is so simple to use. Other vacuum-packing products use big machines, open-ended bags and heat welding, and are limited to home use. With ZipVac you just load it, zip, then remove as much as air as you like with either the rechargeable electric pump, or small manual unit." said John Schwan, chairman of CTI, parent company of the ZipVac brand.

Kris Winkelman, whose cooking segment airs on the national Outdoor Secrets television series with husband Babe Winkelman, says "The advantages of ZipVac for food preservation and preparation are obvious. You can re-use the bags, use them for soups and stews, use them to marinate meats, and even take the portable system to the most remote camp. Try doing that with a plug-in vacuum-packaging machine with open-ended bags."

The reason food loses its fresh-tasting quality so quickly, even in the freezer, is the presence of air and moisture. Traditional packaging methods - butcher paper, freezer bags and aluminum foil - might delay the onset of freezer burn, but cannot prevent it. The only way to truly protect your meat from freezer burn is to package it with vacuum packaging. Unlike most other food storage bags, the barrier protection of ZipVac prevents oxidation - which is critical in maintaining the integrity of fresh fish and game. ZipVac's re-sealable bags with their patented puncture-resistant, triple-layer protection, patented valve and patented airtight zipper are ideal for sportsmen who load the freezer every year with fish, venison or waterfowl. With ZipVac, fish and game will keep in the freezer without freezer burn so everyone can enjoy fresh-tasting meat all year. When food is vacuum packaged, not only is it protected from freezer burn, but odors and foreign tastes are locked out as well. The finished package can be easily weighed and marked with the date, description and weight, all with no mess. The ZipVac bags come in a variety of sizes - quart, gallon, filet and jumbo. Vacuum-packed food takes up less freezer space as well. Of great interest to hunters is that ground meat, which comprises a high percentage of game meat, has a freezer life of about one year when vacuum packaged, compared with four months normal shelf life.

Vacuum packaging does not replace refrigeration or freezing. Perishable foods should still be stored properly. However, when vacuum packaged, food will last up to five times longer.

ZipVac kits are available in stores in a convenient box with lightweight manual and rechargeable pumps and a supply of ZipVac bags in a variety of sizes. Suggested retail price is $39.95. Additional storage bags are sold separately.

CTI Industries develops and markets bags and pouches for storage and packaging applications. It is one of the leading manufacturers and marketers of metalized and latex balloons. They also produce laminated and printed films for commercial use. CTI's products are marketed throughout the United States and in a number of other countries. Visit www.zipvac.net for more information and to locate the nearest retailer.