6 reasons to choose Tetra Recart® over other packaging for fruits
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of reasons to choose Tetra Recart over cans, glass jars and plastic cups when it comes to packaging for fruit. Find out why Tetra Recart is a great alternative for producers, retailers, consumers and the environment.
1. It innovates and rejuvenates
Being a relatively new packaging format, Tetra Recart is ideal for combining with new shelf-stable fruit products to rejuvenate what is otherwise a rather traditional and unchanging supermarket shelf. Compared to other fruit 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 shelves – an effective way to showcase your brand and attract consumers in retail settings. The format also eliminates the need to turn the packaging for both staff and consumers.
2. Consumer convenience
Tetra Recart is easy to carry – and won’t get damaged or leak when unopened in a bag – which makes it great for snacking. It won’t damage other goods or cause injury, which is important when eating straight from the package. It’s also easy to empty and pour from, easy to dispose of, and can be reclosed and placed in the refrigerator for later consumption.
3. Improved logistics
Space-saving due to their rectangular shape and lightweight, 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 100,000packs ) and only one twentieth vs glass jars (1 million vs 50,000).
- When filled and shipped to retailers, up to 10% to 15% more Tetra Recart packages can fit in a truck compared to cans and 60% more than plastic cups, with primary and secondary packaging weighing 60% to 65% less than both cans and plastic cups. Tetra Recart’s durability also means it protects the fruit particles’ integrity during transportation1.
- In store, up to 30%–100% more Tetra Recart fruit packages can fit on the shelf1.
- Tetra Recart also cuts in-store secondary packaging waste by up to 100%1.
4. 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 fruits: 85% less than metal cans and 54% less than plastic cups2. All of the paperboard used in Tetra Recart cartons, which forms up to 71% of the packaging material, comes from FSC™ certified sources3.
5. Optimised for e-commerce
Compared with traditional packaging, this lightweight and space-saving format is perfect for e-commerce channels that sell shelf-stable fruit. 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, jars and cups. 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 consumers4.
6. Consumer 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 than traditional packaging formats. Consumers perceive foods packaged in Tetra Recart cartons as healthier and more natural than those in alternative packaging formats, which fits well with the fruit category. There is also a higher consumer acceptance for disfigured cartons vs dented cans, resulting in up to 85% less in-store primary packaging waste1.
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1. Based on internal calculations, Tetra Pak Competitive Insights
2. Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Tetra Pak® carton packages and alternative packaging systems for beverages and liquid food on the European market, 2020
3. The FSC licence code of Tetra Pak is FSC™ C014047 - Tetra Pak FSC™ Certificate
4. Package scoring from Hello Fresh, Amazon
5. Tetra Recart® Consumer Study Argentina 2013, Italy 2014, Japan 2017, Poland 2017, Germany 2018