New cardboard prawn boxes replace hard-to-recycle styrofoam in Australia

A new recyclable cardboard box is set to replace traditional expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging for prawns in Australia, offering a more sustainable alternative for seafood transportation.

Seafood producer Tassal has teamed up with Visy to introduce the locally made cardboard packaging, which contains up to 74% recycled material, in an effort to reduce reliance on EPS—commonly known as Styrofoam—which is difficult to recycle and poses environmental challenges when discarded improperly.

Each year, approximately 100,000 EPS boxes are used to transport prawns to major retailers, seafood markets, and wholesalers. The introduction of this new packaging is expected to improve recyclability within the seafood supply chain.

The cardboard boxes are being manufactured in Carole Park, Ipswich, Queensland, before being packed with fresh prawns in Proserpine.

Visy’s Executive General Manager for Fibre Packaging, Adrian Dalgleish, said: By working closely with Tassal, we have created a purpose-built box which maintains temperature and structural integrity when exposed to water—ensuring Australians get fresh prawns without the waste.

By manufacturing cardboard recyclable boxes locally we’re keeping manufacturing jobs in Australia.

Having the most extensive network of corrugated box plants in Australia ensures we are close to customers and can respond to their needs quickly.

Market trials have been conducted to ensure the packaging meets industry standards for quality and durability.