6 reasons to choose Tetra Recart® over other packaging for ready meals and ready sauces
We’ve made a comprehensive list of reasons to choose Tetra Recart over cans and glass jars when it comes to packaging for ready meals and ready sauces. Find out why Tetra Recart is a great alternative for producers, retailers, consumers and the environment.
1. Size-flexible line
A convenient and time-saving solution for producers. One Tetra Recart line can handle up to 6 different package sizes – from 100 ml to 500 ml – with fast and easy changeover between sizes.
2. Improved logistics
Space-saving due to their rectangular shape and low weight, Tetra Recart packs have several advantages in transport, storage and retail environments.
- Empty Tetra Recart packs use one tenth the amount of storage space as cans (1 million vs 100,000 packs)1.
- When filled and shipped to retailers, up to 12% more filled carton packages fit on a truck compared with cans and up to 60% more than glass jars, with primary and secondary packaging weighing 63% and 90% less, respectively1.
- In store, up to 32% more Tetra Recart packages can fit on the shelf compared with cans, and up to 75% more vs glass jars1.
3. It innovates and rejuvenates
Compared to other packaging formats, Tetra Recart provides more space for attractive graphics and information for consumers. The fact that Tetra Recart packaging is always forward-facing and without gaps in between individual packs creates an appealing “billboard effect” on the shelf – an effective way to showcase your brand and attract consumers in retail settings. The format also eliminates the need to turn cans and jars for both staff and consumers.
4. Optimised for e-commerce
Compared with traditional packaging, this lightweight and space-saving format is perfect for e-commerce channels that sell shelf-stable ready meals and sauces. Flat, rectangular carton packages are easily optimised for screens, accommodating designs that can grab the attention of e-shoppers more than packaging with rounded edges like cans and jars. Furthermore, when shipped with meal boxes Tetra Recart is less likely to damage other items or break during shipping, and thus requires less cushioning when delivered to consumers2.
5. Less impact on the environment
According to multiple life cycle assessment (LCA) studies, measured in CO2 equivalents, Tetra Recart has a much lower impact on climate change compared to other formats commonly used for packaging ready meals and ready sauces: 85% less than metal cans and 83% less than glass jars3. All of the paperboard used in Tetra Recart cartons, which forms up to 71% of the packaging material, comes from FSC™ certified sources4.
6. Consumers preference
Multiple consumer studies5 show that Tetra Recart cartons are preferred by consumers. They are seen as more modern and innovative, more convenient, safer, and more environmentally sound when compared to cans and jars. Consumers perceive products packaged in Tetra Recart cartons as healthier and more natural than those in traditional packaging. There is also a higher consumer acceptance for disfigured cartons vs dented cans, resulting in up to 85% less in-store primary packaging waste1.
Want to learn more about Tetra Recart packaging and how it can benefit your ready meals or ready sauces business? Contact us!
1. Based on internal calculations, Tetra Pak competitive insights
2. Package scoring from Hello Fresh, Amazon
3. Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Tetra Pak® carton packages and alternative packaging systems for beverages and liquid food on the European market, 2020
4. The FSC licence code of Tetra Pak is FSC™ C014047 - Tetra Pak FSC™ Certificate
5. Source: Ready meals & Sauces research Poland 2017, Mini U&A in South Africa&Iran 2018, Package acceptance China 2019