6 reasons to choose Tetra Recart® over other packaging for vegetables
We’ve made a comprehensive list of reasons to choose Tetra Recart over both cans and glass jars when it comes to packaging for vegetables. Find out why Tetra Recart is a great alternative for producers, retailers, consumers, and the environment.
1. Efficient production
A high-speed Tetra Recart® line is a competitive, low-cost and fully automated solution for the fast filling and efficient production of fresh seasonal produce for shelf-stable vegetables.
2. 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 shelf-stable vegetables: up to 85% less than metal cans and up to 83% less than glass jars. Made from 69% to 71% renewable resources* (trees from responsibly managed forests), 100% of Tetra Recart packages are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®).
3. It innovates and rejuvenates
Being a relatively new packaging format, Tetra Recart is ideal for combining with new shelf-stable vegetable products to rejuvenate what is otherwise a rather traditional and unchanging supermarket shelf. Tetra Recart also 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. 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 100,000 packs) and only one twentieth vs glass jars (1 million vs 50,000).
- When filled and shipped to retailers, up to 10%–15% more Tetra Recart packages can fit in a truck compared to cans with primary and secondary packaging weighing 50%–65% less than cans.**
- In store, up to 15%–30% more Tetra Recart vegetable packages can fit on the shelf.
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 vegetables. 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 consumers.***
6. Consumer preference
It’s easy to carry, open, store, handle and reclose. It’s also less likely to leak, damage other goods or cause injury. Multiple consumer studies**** 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 vegetables 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 waste.
Want to learn more about Tetra Recart packaging and how it can benefit your packaged vegetables business?
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*Peer reviewed LCA studies: Europe by Ifeu 2017, European average situation (EU +28); New Zealand and Australia by thinkstep Ltd. 2020, Europe by Ifeu 2020, European average situation
**Tetra Pak Competitive Insights
***Package scoring from Hello Fresh, Amazon
****Tetra Recart® Consumer Study Argentina 2013, Italy 2014, Japan 2017, Poland 2017, Germany 2018