A container for use in sterilization of medical items is made entirely of resin-treated, fluid repellent, semi-rigid nonwoven material. The container includes a bottom or receptacle having extending side wall or side walls and a cover having depending side wall or side walls. The material is readily permeable to gas or steam, yet is resistant to the transmission of bacteria. The container and its contents may be retrieved from a sterilizing vessel almost immediately after sterilization without special procedures or devices and without fear of being burned. Because of its low cost, the container is disposable and may be molded to a particular shape for use in shipping prosthetic devices, implants or delicate instruments in sterilized condition.