Improved methods and apparatus for freeze drying

A freeze drying apparatus, comprising: a) a vessel; and b) a collapsible element in an expanded configuration and capable of changing to a collapsed configuration. The freeze drying apparatus defining an internal volume able to receive and contain a liquefied product which is subsequently to be frozen. Wherein the internal volume able to receive and contain the liquefied product is defined by the combination of the vessel and the collapsible element in its expanded configuration. A freeze drying process is also disclosed.