Tetra Pak has introduced what it describes as the industry’s first carton packaging solution for shelf-stable tuna, marking a significant shift in a category long dominated by metal cans. Developed in partnership with Spanish seafood producer Jealsa, the product is now available to food brands globally following an initial launch in Sweden.
The new format uses Tetra Recart®, a paper-based packaging solution positioned as a cost-competitive and lower-carbon alternative to traditional cans. The product debuted last month with retailer Axfood in a 200 mL Mini format and is expected to expand into additional markets and product variations.
A new format for a mature category
The innovation targets a well-established but evolving market. Global demand for shelf-stable tuna is projected to grow by 12% to reach 12.4 billion units by 2030, driven by consumer demand for affordable, convenient and long-lasting protein options.
Tetra Recart® aims to differentiate products on increasingly competitive retail shelves. Its rectangular shape and flat surfaces allow for more prominent branding, while also improving shelf efficiency and logistics. The format is designed to support e-commerce and meal kit distribution, offering advantages in packing, stacking and transport.
Consumer research commissioned by Tetra Pak also suggests strong market potential. According to the company, more than 80% of consumers would consider purchasing tuna in this format, while 58% say they prefer it over existing packaging alternatives.
Lower carbon footprint
Beyond product differentiation, sustainability is a central component of the launch. Tetra Pak states that Tetra Recart® has the lowest carbon footprint in its category, with emissions estimated to be 85% lower than steel cans and 83% lower than glass jars.
The packaging is composed of up to 71% FSC™-certified paper sourced from responsibly managed forests. Tetra Pak estimates that replacing conventional cans with Tetra Recart® at scale could result in CO₂ savings of approximately 21,000 tonnes per one million units.
Industry collaboration
The partnership combines Tetra Pak’s packaging expertise with Jealsa’s long-standing experience in shelf-stable seafood products. Jealsa plans to commercialize a range of tuna products in Tetra Recart® under its own brands, including Rianxeira, Mare Aperto and Robinson Crusoe, as well as for third-party customers.
“This is true packaging innovation in a category that has looked the same for generations,” said Tatiana Liceti, Executive Vice President, Packaging Solutions at Tetra Pak. She added that the format offers producers and brands a new way to differentiate products while supporting scalable production and reducing environmental impact.
Jealsa President Jesús M. Alonso Escurís said the launch reflects changing consumer expectations and early market momentum following the Swedish introduction.
Scaling beyond cans
With its global rollout underway, Tetra Pak is positioning carton-based solutions as a viable alternative in the shelf-stable seafood segment. As demand grows for sustainable and convenient food packaging, the initiative signals a broader shift toward fiber-based materials in categories historically reliant on metal.
The development also underscores the role of packaging innovation in helping food producers balance cost, performance and environmental impact in a changing market landscape.
Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Tetra Pak is a global provider of food processing and packaging solutions. The company operates in more than 160 countries and develops packaging systems designed to improve food safety, accessibility and sustainability across the food value chain.
Jealsa is a Spanish seafood producer specializing in shelf-stable fish and seafood products. Founded in 1958, the company markets products under brands including Rianxeira, Mare Aperto and Robinson Crusoe, while also supplying private-label customers worldwide.
