Industry-first carton pack launched for shelf-stable tuna

Tetra Pak and Spanish seafood producer Jealsa have introduced what they describe as the industry's first carton packaging solution for shelf-stable tuna, using the Tetra Recart® format.

The new packaging was launched in Sweden last month through retailer Axfood in a 200ml Mini format and is now being made available to food manufacturers and brands globally.

Developed through a collaboration between the two companies, the format combines Tetra Pak's carton packaging technology with Jealsa's experience in seafood production. The launch marks an alternative to the traditional metal can, offering a paper-based packaging option for one of the seafood sector's most established product categories.

According to Tetra Pak, the global market for shelf-stable tuna is expected to reach 12.4 billion units by 2030, driven by demand for convenient, long-life protein products. The company said the Tetra Recart format is designed to support a range of tuna products, including flakes, spreads, shredded tuna and chunks, with the potential to expand into additional formats in the future.

The carton pack is intended to provide operational and logistical benefits throughout the supply chain. Its rectangular shape allows for efficient stacking, storage and transport, while the flat surfaces offer increased space for branding and product information. The format is also designed to support e-commerce and home delivery channels through improved warehouse and pick-and-pack efficiency.

This is true packaging innovation in a category that has looked the same for generations. 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.

Tatiana Liceti, Executive Vice President, Packaging Solutions at Tetra Pak.

Tetra Pak also highlighted environmental credentials associated with the format, stating that Tetra Recart has a lower carbon footprint than conventional steel cans and glass jars within the category. The package contains up to 71% FSC-certified paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Consumer research cited by the company suggests strong interest in the format, with more than 80% of respondents indicating they would consider purchasing tuna packaged in Tetra Recart and 58% expressing a preference for it over existing packaging alternatives.

In Jealsa's 68-years history in shelf-stable seafood, we have always been committed to innovation. The launch of this market-leading product sets a new benchmark for the industry. 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. Together, we are delivering a solution that responds to evolving consumer expectations. Following a successful launch in Sweden, we are already seeing strong market momentum and are confident this will continue as demand for more convenient, modern and sustainable products grows.

Jesús M. Alonso Escurís, President at Jealsa.

Following its launch in Sweden, Jealsa plans to expand the use of Tetra Recart across products sold under its own brands, including Rianxeira, Mare Aperto and Robinson Crusoe, as well as selected third-party brands.

The companies said the launch reflects growing interest in alternative packaging formats as food producers look to balance convenience, product protection, logistics and sustainability considerations within the shelf-stable seafood category.