Yes, and also to keep them fresh longer.
I vaccum bag my cones but because there is oxygen in there they don't keep longer than 8 months... I usually get 3 lbs per year from my plants, but between that and pellets I buy I usually end up throwing cones out I don't use - this will cut down on the amount of waste because I believe that plugs stay fresher longer... who knows I may be able to double the storeage life.
Right now it is in the testing phase... it cost me nothing to put together and I can always dimantle it if it fails.