Tetra Recart – getting to the facts
When a solution comes along that challenges the food industry status quo after more than 200 years of cans, it can really create a stir. But it can also lead to myths and misconceptions. Here we clear up some of the common misunderstandings about Tetra Recart, the game-changing solution for food.
Isn’t it expensive?
Tetra Recart is used for a wide range of shelf-stable food products around the world, and at one point it was most common to see premium, organic offerings, or ready meals with added value in the carton. This meant that the perception was that this was a more premium package, which also led to belief that it was more expensive than alternatives.
The reality? It’s quite the opposite.
“Replenishment in store takes much less time.”
“The cost of the final product depends on the recipe rather than the cost of the package itself,” explains Javier Conde Alcalá, Tetra Recart Retail Manager at Tetra Pak. “The cost per package for Tetra Recart is very competitive, and then there are a number of additional benefits that can reduce costs elsewhere. For example, it’s very efficient in terms of logistics and storage, and because of the shape and the secondary packaging, replenishment in store takes much less time.”
In terms of logistics, you can fit 12% more packages on each pallet when comparing to equivalent 390 ml cans, and up to 50% more 100 ml packages1, so depending on the size and scale of your operation, savings on logistics could be significant. This ultimately could lead to improved profit margins overall
Can you use Tetra Recart for commodities?
Partly linked to the previous misconception, because of the perception that Tetra Recart was a premium package used primarily for preparations and ready meals, coupled with the assumed cost of the packaging, some thought that it wasn’t a package to be used for more basic food commodities.
In actual fact, it’s the ideal package for any shelf-stable food.
“…whatever you can pack in a can, you can pack in Tetra Recart.”
From peas, beans and tomatoes through to soups, ready meals and baby food, Tetra Recart is ideal across the entire shelf-stable spectrum.
“The challenge with this perception is the willingness to change,” adds Conde Alcalá. “There is always a risk to changing, but there are major potential rewards too. Consumers are ready to embrace change, as in testing, 79% of consumers that used Tetra Recart wanted to buy food in the package again, and whatever you can pack in a can, you can pack in Tetra Recart.”
The range of sizes available, from 100 ml through to 500 ml, also means it’s a flexible option for a variety of categories.
How short is the shelf life?
Tetra Recart is packed with technology to ensure that this retortable carton can keep food safe and stable, but because it is a carton, some believe that the package offers a shorter shelf life.
“The shelf life is same regardless of whether the producer uses a can or Tetra Recart.”
The truth is that a product’s expiration date is entirely based on the recipe and ingredients, and Tetra Recart can offer the exact same shelf life as tins and glass jars thanks to the barrier materials used.
“The shelf life is same regardless of whether the producer uses a can or Tetra Recart,” says Conda Alcalá. “The retort process is the same, which means the product’s lifespan is the same. What that shelf life is depends only on the product inside.”
Can you recycle Tetra Recart?
Because of the layered board structure of Tetra Recart, some think that it is not recyclable. However, as long as the infrastructure is in place, recycling Tetra Recart packages is the same as recycling any other carton package where they first get sorted into the correct recycling stream, and thereafter the different layers get separated in a repulping facility for easy recycling and re-use.
“Recycling is just a question of infrastructure.”
For consumers, retailers and producers though, it’s as straightforward as any other packaging material. In fact, because it can be folded flat, recycling is actually easier in some respects. “We are investing and creating road maps with local authorities to expand the Tetra Recart recycling capability,” explains Conda Alcalá. “Recycling is just a question of infrastructure. Where it is in place, Tetra Recart can be recycled, and this is something we’re constantly working on.”
Are you ready for the game-changing solution for food?
From the potential benefits to profitability, to the flexibility in terms of categories, to the reduced carbon footprint compared to cans and jars by 85% and 83% respectively2, Tetra Recart is the ideal choice for a range of shelf-stable foods. Get in touch to find out more.
1. Based on internal simulations comparing Tetra Recart to cans and jars of equivalent sizes
2. LCA report, 2020, European market
