Tetra Pak is collaborating with Spanish seafood producer Jealsa to introduce a carton packaging format for shelf-stable tuna using its Tetra Recart solution.
The paper-based format is positioned as an alternative to cans, offering a cost-competitive and scalable option for food producers. It supports a range of tuna products, including spreads, flakes, shredded tuna and chunks, with plans to expand into additional formats.
The product launched in Sweden last month with retailer Axfood in a 200ml Mini format and is set to be made available to food producers and brands globally.
Tatiana Liceti, executive vice-president of Packaging Solutions at Tetra Pak, said, “With the industry’s first carton for shelf stable tuna in Tetra Recart, we are giving producers and brands a new way to stand out on shelf to protect and grow market share, support cost competitive, scalable production, and modernise with a paper-based alternative to cans, while contributing to more sustainable food systems through smarter production and distribution.”
The global shelf-stable tuna market is expected to grow by 12 per cent to 12.4 billion units by 2030, driven by demand for affordable, long-lasting protein options.
According to Tetra Pak, more than 80 per cent of consumers say they would buy tuna packaged in Tetra Recart, while 58 per cent say they prefer it to existing alternatives.
The company said the format delivers a lower carbon footprint compared with other packaging types, with figures indicating it is 85 per cent lower than steel cans and 83 per cent lower than glass jars. The package is made using up to 71 per cent FSC-certified paper.*
In terms of design, the rectangular carton format enables tighter shelf packing and improved efficiency in transport and warehousing. The flat surfaces also allow for clearer branding, while the format is designed to support e-commerce and ‘pick and pack’ operations.
Jesús M. Alonso Escurís, president at Jealsa, said, “Through our collaboration with Tetra Pak, we’ve brought a game-changing packaging solution to market, combining their expertise in innovative formats with our long-standing heritage in high-quality seafood.”
Following the Sweden launch, Jealsa plans to roll out products in the format under its own brands, including Rianxeira, Mare Aperto and Robinson Crusoe, as well as for third-party brands.
*Source: Tetra Pak: comparative life cycle assessment of Tetra Pak carton packages and alternative packaging systems for beverages and liquid food on the European market, 2020.
