Recyclable cardboard boxes from Visy for Tassal prawns

Visy has partnered with seafood producer Tassal for a more sustainable way to package its prawns in recyclable cardboard boxes.

Traditionally, prawns have been packaged in expanded polystyrene (EPS) containers, commonly known as Styrofoam, which is difficult to recycle and has a negative environmental impact when not disposed of correctly.

Using 74% recycled content, the new boxes are being made locally at Visy’s Carole Park site in Ipswich, Queensland before being backed with fresh prawns at Proserpine.

Sustainability and food safety go hand in hand, said Visy’s Executive General Manager for Fibre Packaging, Adrian Dalgleish.

“By working closely with Tassal, we have created a purpose-built box which maintains temperature and structural integrity when exposed to water —ensuring Australians get fresh prawns without the waste.”

Tassal General Manager Marketing and Innovation Libby Williams said: “Our new 10 kg cardboard prawn box is a win for the industry and the environment. By partnering with Visy we’re able to utilise recyclable cardboard while maintaining freshness and quality, so consumers can be assured that the path their favourite prawns take this summer are in a sustainable package vs EPS boxes previously.”

Visy has worked together with Tassal running market trials to ensure the cardboard box for the prawns meets rigorous quality standards.