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Tetra Pak and Spanish seafood producer Jealsa have launched what they describe as the 'world's first carton packaging solution for shelf-stable tuna', marking a significant innovation in a category long dominated by metal cans.
The new format, based on Tetra Pak's Tetra Recart technology, debuted in Sweden last month through retailer Axfood and is now being made available to food manufacturers and seafood brands globally.
Developed through a collaboration between the packaging giant and Jealsa, the solution aims to provide tuna producers with a paper-based alternative to traditional steel cans while offering opportunities for brand differentiation, improved logistics and lower environmental impact.
The launch comes as the global shelf-stable tuna market continues to expand, with demand driven by consumers seeking affordable, convenient and protein-rich food options. Tetra Pak estimates the category will grow by around 12% to reach 12.4 billion units by 2030.
For decades, shelf-stable tuna has been almost exclusively sold in round metal cans. Tetra Pak believes the introduction of a carton-based format could help brands modernise the category and stand out on increasingly competitive retail shelves.
The Tetra Recart package features a rectangular shape with large printable surfaces, allowing for greater brand visibility and consumer communication. The format also offers advantages for retailers and e-commerce operators through improved shelf utilisation, warehousing efficiency and transport optimisation.
Tatiana Liceti, executive vice president of packaging solutions at Tetra Pak, said: "This is true packaging innovation in a category that has looked the same for generations. We are giving producers and brands a new way to stand out on shelf, support cost-competitive production and modernise with a paper-based alternative to cans."
According to Tetra Pak, Tetra Recart has a significantly lower carbon footprint than conventional tuna packaging formats, with emissions up to 85% lower than steel cans and 83% lower than glass jars. The packaging is made with up to 71% FSC-certified paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.
The company argues that the lightweight, space-efficient format can also contribute to lower emissions throughout the supply chain by improving transportation and storage efficiency.
As food manufacturers face increasing pressure to reduce packaging-related emissions and improve resource efficiency, alternative formats such as fibre-based cartons are attracting growing attention across multiple food categories.
Consumer research commissioned by Tetra Pak suggests strong potential acceptance for the format. More than 80% of consumers surveyed said they would purchase tuna packaged in Tetra Recart, while 58% indicated a preference for the carton over existing packaging alternatives.
Initially, the solution is being launched in a 200ml Mini format and supports a variety of tuna applications, including flakes, shredded tuna, spreads and chunks. Tetra Pak says further product formats and tuna preparations are expected to be added as the category develops.
Jesús M. Alonso Escurís, president of Jealsa, said: "Through our collaboration with Tetra Pak, we've brought a game-changing packaging solution to market, combining innovative packaging with our heritage in high-quality seafood."
Following the Swedish rollout, Jealsa plans to introduce Tetra Recart-packaged products under its own brands, including Rianxeira, Mare Aperto and Robinson Crusoe, as well as for private-label and third-party customers.
With demand for shelf-stable protein continuing to rise and retailers seeking more sustainable packaging solutions, the introduction of carton-based tuna packaging could represent one of the most significant changes to the category in decades.
