Why I Vacuum Seal My Zines

I vacuum seal each of my zines to protect them from the elements, smudges from handling, and general wear and tear—especially for folks who carry them on the go. As a small independent publisher, I care deeply about preservation, presentation, and sustainability. Vacuum sealing helps ensure the zines stay in great condition while also opening up opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle in creative ways.

I’m currently working on a zine that teaches readers how to take care of vacuum-sealed zines, how to repurpose the plastic bags, and how to make useful items—like wallets, reusable zine covers, or pouches. For those who have a vacuum sealer at home, the packaging can be reused again and again.

To encourage folks not to throw the bag away, I sometimes include a paperclip bent into a dollar sign—a small symbol to remind you that even the packaging has value. In the future, I’d love to offer an option where readers can send the bags back to be recycled into new zine materials or upcycled into something entirely fresh.

This isn’t just packaging. It’s part of the zine’s life, part of the story, and part of the future of how we share and preserve independent art.