Tetra Pak and Jealsa Introduce Industry-First Carton Pack for Shelf-Stable Tuna
Tetra Pak, in partnership with Spanish seafood producer Jealsa, has introduced the industry’s first carton packaging solution for shelf-stable tuna, marking a significant innovation in the global seafood packaging sector.
The new packaging, based on Tetra Recart® technology, was launched in Sweden through retailer Axfood in a 200 ml Mini format and is now being made available to food manufacturers and seafood brands worldwide.
Developed through the combined expertise of Tetra Pak in sustainable food packaging and Jealsa’s decades-long experience in seafood production, the solution offers a paper-based alternative to traditional metal cans. The launch comes as the global shelf-stable tuna market is projected to reach 12.4 billion units by 2030, driven by growing demand for affordable, convenient, and protein-rich food products.
Tetra Recart® provides food producers with a scalable and cost-competitive packaging option while supporting a wide range of tuna formats, including spreads, flakes, shredded tuna, and chunks. The company also plans to expand the technology to additional seafood applications in the future.
Tatiana Liceti, Executive Vice President of Packaging Solutions at Tetra Pak, described the launch as a breakthrough for a category that has remained largely unchanged for decades. She noted that the new carton format helps brands differentiate their products on retail shelves while supporting efficient production and more sustainable food distribution systems.
Jesús M. Alonso Escurís, President of Jealsa, highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation in shelf-stable seafood. He stated that the collaboration with Tetra Pak has resulted in a market-leading packaging solution that aligns with evolving consumer expectations for convenience, sustainability, and modern product formats.
Consumer research has shown strong acceptance of the new packaging format. More than 80% of consumers indicated they would purchase tuna packaged in Tetra Recart®, while 58% expressed a preference for the carton package over existing packaging alternatives.
The environmental benefits of the packaging are equally significant. According to Tetra Pak, Tetra Recart® delivers the lowest carbon footprint in its category, generating up to 85% lower emissions than steel cans and 83% lower emissions than glass jars. The package contains up to 71% FSC™-certified paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.
Beyond sustainability, the rectangular carton design offers practical advantages in retail and logistics. Its distinctive shape enhances shelf visibility, provides larger branding surfaces, improves warehouse efficiency, and supports e-commerce distribution through easier storage and transportation.
Following a successful market debut in Sweden, Jealsa plans to introduce various seafood products in Tetra Recart® packaging under its own brands, including Rianxeira, Mare Aperto, and Robinson Crusoe, as well as for third-party brands. The launch signals a new era for shelf-stable seafood packaging, offering manufacturers a sustainable alternative to traditional cans while meeting changing consumer preferences.
