Tetra Pak: Helping food producers one pack at a time

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MANILA, Philippines — Why did the banana go to the doctor? Because it was not peeling well. But the joke hits close to home for fruits like bananas that often rot or go unsold because of improper packaging and handling.

For Swedish multinational Tetra Pak, helping every fruit reach the markets in pristine conditions is its North Star.

Tetra Pak has been a global leader in food processing through its innovative packaging technologies that allow cut fruits, purees and nectars to be “safely transported without preservatives or refrigeration.” This, the company said, helps brands maintain their products’ quality while reducing wastage.

“Tetra Pak supports the Philippines’ fruit export sector by enabling producers to deliver safe, high-quality and export-ready products that meet global standards for safety, freshness and sustainability,” John Jose, Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia, marketing director told The STAR.

“We work closely with leading local customers all of whom rely on our solutions to extend shelf life and preserve the authentic flavor of tropical fruits for global markets,” Jose added.

Jose said the Philippine fruit industry poses a huge opportunity for packaging business. He noted that the country exports between 200,000 and 300,000 metric tons of fresh and processed fruits annually.

“This underscores both the quality of Philippine produce and the potential for greater value creation through processing and smart packaging,” he said.

For the love of carton

One of the products of Tetra Pak that supports food and fruit exporters is Tetra Recart, which the firm touts as the world’s first retortable paper-based carton. The packaging allows food to be sterilized and preserved without the need for refrigeration or preservatives, Jose said.

“(It) is an advantage when exporting to markets with strict food safety and shelf-life standards,” Jose added.

The Tetra Pak executive said each pack of Tetra Recart is made of 70 percent paperboard from “responsibly managed, renewable forests” with carbon dioxide emissions level that is 85 percent lower than traditional metal cans. The product also offers up to 60 percent weight reduction as well as 25 to 40 percent of shelf-space savings compared to cans, allowing businesses to cut their costs throughout their supply chains, Jose said.

The product has been introduced in the Southeast Asia region. One example is Dong Giao Foodstuff Export JSC in Vietnam which launched a Tetra Recart line with about 6,000 cartons per hour of production capacity. The item is being used to package sweet corn, pineapple juice and beans, Jose said.

“We see similar potential here in the Philippines — especially for tropical fruit, coconut-based and ready-to-eat products,” Jose said.

“Tetra Recart helps local producers meet international quality, safety and sustainability standards, while making their products more competitive in export markets,” he added.

There has been a growing interest in smart packaging in the country’s food sector, reflecting the rise in awareness among producers about self-life extension, food traceability and export readiness, Jose said.

Citing a research by Mobility Foresights, Jose noted that the local smart packaging market is projected to grow from $41.2 billion this year to $82.5 billion by 2031. Other drivers for the growth include urbanization, e-commerce and changing consumer lifestyles that demand for more portable and longer-lasting food options, Jose added.

“For Tetra Pak, smart packaging is about much more than protecting food — it’s about making packaging an enabler of innovation, competitiveness and consumer connection,” he said.

“By combining digital technology, design flexibility and sustainability, smart packaging helps brands ensure food safety while engaging consumers in new and meaningful ways,” he added.

In Southeast Asia for example, younger consumers seek ready-to-drink, ready-to-eat and eco-conscious options, signaling that food packaging must be agile, sustainable and consumer-centric, Jose explained.

Jose pointed out that 70 percent of consumers are now saying that health has become more important to them while two-thirds pay closer attention to what they consume, based on Tetra Pak Index 2023. At the same time, the majority of consumers believe that healthy products must not harm the environment, indicating how health and sustainability are now “deeply” connected in consumer decision-making, Jose added.

“This shift is shaping how food and beverages are packaged. People still want convenience, but not at the expense of the planet. They’re seeking options that are fresh, safe, responsibly packaged and affordable,” he said.

“Producers, in turn, are rethinking how innovation can make food systems more efficient — from renewable materials to smart designs that optimize logistics and freshness,” he added.

These demands have encouraged Tetra Pak to innovate further on its product offerings. Today, the firm is developing new fiber-based barrier technologies and expanding its renewable and recyclable carton solutions to help food producers meet consumer demands.

Some of Tetra Pak’s products that balance food safety with product circularity are Tetra Recart, Tetra Prisma Aseptic and Tetra Brik Aseptic.

“Ultimately, our goal is to help brands meet rising consumer expectations while building a smarter, more sustainable food system,” Jose said.

“Smart and sustainable packaging helps consumers make informed choices that support both their health and the planet,” he added.