In July 2026, Tetra Pak announced its collaboration with the leading Spanish seafood producer Jealsa for the unveiling of the packaging industry’s first carton packaging for shelf-stable tuna. The product will be packaged in Tetra Recart and was launched in Sweden last month with retailer Axfood in a 200ml mini format, and will also be available to food producers and brands worldwide. The idea of the innovative packaging was a union of Tetra Pak in food packaging and Jealsa’s decades of experience in producing high-quality seafood products.
The launch has a huge importance for Southeast Asia, home to two of the world’s most important tuna markets: Indonesia and the Philippines. Indonesia contributes approximately 19% of the global tuna supply, whereas the Philippines is known as one of the world’s leading tuna processing hubs serving export markets across Asia, Europe, and North America. Together, both the markets create sturdy opportunities for packaging innovation to help food producers modernize the shelf-stable tuna category, strengthen on-shelf differentiation, improve operational efficiency, and support sustainability ambitions.
The unique paper-based alternative to traditional cans, Tetra Recart offers food producers a new method to differentiate in one of the seafood industry’s established categories. The global shelf-stable tuna market is expected to grow an estimated 12% to 12.4 billion units by 2030, reflecting rising demand for affordable, versatile, and long-lasting protein options.
The newly launched Tetra Recart offers packaging solutions that are cost-effective, scalable, and paper-based, and also supports a wide range of shelf-stable products, ranging from spreads and flakes to shredded tuna and chunks, with plans to expand into additional tuna preparations as the category evolves.
Larry Tobias, Business Development Director, Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia (MSPI), said: "Indonesia and the Philippines are already important contributors to the global tuna value chain. The next opportunity is to help producers capture more value from this strength by growing beyond volume and building stronger branded offerings for local and export markets. This means developing more distinctive tuna products, reaching new channels, and expanding tuna into more consumption occasions as demand for affordable, high-quality protein continues to rise. With Tetra Recart®, we can support customers in strengthening category growth, improving brand competitiveness, and creating long-term value in markets where tuna is already deeply established."
Tatiana Liceti, Executive Vice President, Packaging Solutions at Tetra Pak, commented: "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."
Jesus M. Alonso Escuris, President at Jealsa, said: "In Jealsa's 68-year history in shelf-stable seafood, we have always been committed to innovation. The launch of these market-leading products 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."
In terms of functionality, carton packaging is easy to handle and stack efficiently, making it an attractive choice for consumers. Facts state that 80% of consumers prefer buying packaged tuna in Tetra Recart, while 58% prefer existing tuna packaging alternatives.
The carton packaging provided by Tetra Recart also has environmental benefits. The company has the least carbon footprint of any package in its category, 85% lower than steel cans and 83% lower than glass jars.
The whole calculation equates to 21,000 tonnes less CO2 per 1 million cans. The package also uses up to 71% FSC certified paper, sourced from responsibly managed, renewable forests.
The newly launched, distinctive shape of Tetra Recart immediately creates a memorable shelf impact. The large flat surface of the packaging clearly displays the brand name, further helpful for clear storytelling, while the compact carton shape allows the packaging to fit tightly together. It helps to improve shelf efficacy, enabling more products per metre. The packaging’s robustness and rectangular shape support efficient warehousing, and it is also simple for e-retailers to ‘pick and pack’ them, making it ideal for platforms like e-commerce, home delivery, and meal kits, offering a similar impact for customers viewing it on screen as it does on a retail shelf.
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31 July 2026
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30 July 2026