Tetra Recart 101

Tetra Recart 101: The Smarter, Greener Future of Soup & Wet Food Packaging

When it comes to shelf-stable foods like soups, stews, beans, and pet food, the packaging does more than hold product—it affects everything from carbon footprint to shipping efficiency to consumer loyalty. Enter Tetra Recart®, a modern solution built to replace cans and glass jars with something smarter, greener, and better suited for today’s food systems.

Let’s break it down.

 

What Is Tetra Recart?

Tetra Recart is a paper-based, retortable carton designed for shelf-stable food. It’s ideal for:

  • Ready-to-eat soups and stews
  • Vegetables, beans, and legumes
  • Wet pet food and baby food
  • Sauces and chopped tomatoes
  • Plant-based meals and protein blends

 

Why It’s a Greener Alternative

Tetra Recart isn’t just a new format—it’s a new philosophy for how we think about packaging and sustainability.

Renewable Materials

Made from FSC®-certified paperboard, most of the package is renewable. That’s a stark contrast to steel cans or glass jars, which rely heavily on fossil fuels and non-renewable resources.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Lifecycle studies show Recart cartons have a much lower environmental impact compared to cans or glass—even when you factor in recycling.

More Efficient Transportation

  • The rectangular shape means:
  • More units per pallet
  • Fewer truckloads required
  • Less warehouse space needed
  • Lower emissions throughout the supply chain

 

Built for Shelf Stability Without Compromise

Don’t let the paperboard exterior fool you—Tetra Recart is engineered for performance:

  • Multilayer barrier protects against oxygen, moisture, and light
  • Retort sterilization process makes it as safe and long-lasting as a metal can
  • Products stay safe, flavorful, and shelf-stable

This makes it a perfect match for food brands that need durability, especially in e-commerce, retail, and export.

Advantages for Brands & Retailers

For manufacturers and co-packers:

  • Flexible formats for different food viscosities
  • High-speed filling lines
  • Easy to adapt for private label or branded SKUs

For retailers:

  • Faster shelf stocking
  • Less in-store damage = less shrink
  • Trays ship and display without plastic shrink-wrap
  • Shelf optimization with more units in the same footprint

 

Why Consumers Love It

Modern consumers are choosing products that align with sustainability, convenience, and safety—and Tetra Recart delivers on all three:

  • Easy to open – no can opener needed
  • No sharp edges – safe for all ages
  • Compact, fridge-friendly – easy to store, easy to use

 

The Bottom Line

Tetra Recart is not just an evolution in packaging, it’s a strategic shift toward smarter, more sustainable food systems. Whether you’re launching a new line of soups or rethinking your wet pet food packaging, this format allows you to meet modern expectations on sustainability, efficiency, and performance.

It’s time to move beyond the can.

Tetra Recart is how the future is packed. Talk with our team today to start your Tetra Recart journey.