Tetra Pak and Spanish seafood producer Jealsa have launched the industry’s first carton packaging for shelf-stable tuna, packaged in Tetra Recart. The format was introduced in Sweden last month with retailer Axfood in a 200 ml Mini format and will be made available to food producers and brands worldwide.
The launch comes as Indonesia and the Philippines offer opportunities for packaging innovation, with Indonesia contributing an estimated 19% of the global tuna supply, and the Philippines being one of the world’s leading tuna processing hubs.
Researchers on the scene note that the global shelf-stable tuna market is expected to grow to 12.4 billion units by 2030. Tetra Pak said Tetra Recart provides a paper-based alternative to traditional cans, offering food producers a cost-competitive and scalable packaging solution.
The format already supports shelf-stable products including spreads, flakes, shredded tuna, and chunks, with plans to expand into additional tuna preparations as the category evolves. The rectangular carton provides larger branding surfaces, improves shelf efficiency by allowing more products per metre, and supports efficient warehousing and pick-and-pack operations for e-commerce, home delivery, and meal kits.
Tetra Recart has an 85% lower carbon footprint than steel cans and an 83% lower footprint than glass jars. It contains up to 71% FSC-certified paper sourced from responsibly managed, renewable forests, making it a more sustainable option for food producers and brands.
Food producers and consumers will likely benefit from the introduction of carton packaging for shelf-stable tuna, as it could mean a reduction in packaging waste and a more environmentally friendly option. As the market continues to grow, the demand for sustainable packaging solutions is likely to increase, making Tetra Recart a viable option for companies looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Tetra Pak’s innovative packaging solution is poised to make a significant impact as the global shelf-stable tuna market continues to evolve. With its cost-competitive and scalable design, Tetra Recart is an attractive option for food producers and brands looking to expand their product offerings and reduce their environmental footprint. They expect the new packaging format to support the growth of the shelf-stable tuna market.
The company notes that the new format will be made available to food producers and brands worldwide, supporting the expansion of shelf-stable tuna products. It will provide a more sustainable and cost-competitive packaging solution, which is essential for companies looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Journalists on the scene report that the launch of Tetra Recart is a significant development in the packaging industry, as it offers a more sustainable and efficient packaging solution for food producers and brands. The new format is expected to support the growth of the shelf-stable tuna market and reduce packaging waste.
