Tetra Pak is actively promoting its newly introduced Tetra Recart carton, launched in July of this year. This retort-processed packaging, made from renewable materials, is designed for long-term heat treatment. Bui Huong, Product Portfolio Director of Tetra Pak Vietnam, spoke with VnExpress about the company's vision and expectations for this new product line and the international packaging industry.

Bui Huong at the company's office in TP HCM. Photo: NVCC

Bui Huong at the company's office in TP HCM. Photo: NVCC

How do you assess the current development of the packaging market and its future trajectory?

The packaging industry holds significant growth potential. The Vietnamese carton packaging market was estimated at 2.6 billion USD in 2024 and is projected to reach 4.14 billion USD by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.73% during the 2024-2029 period, according to Modor Intelligence. Vietnam's packaging industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, with an expected growth rate of 15-20% annually in the coming period.

Future packaging trends will likely focus on criteria such as food safety, technological innovation, optimized user experience, use of responsibly sourced renewable materials, digitalization and automation of processes, and promotion of sustainable development.

With its high heat resistance, Tetra Recart carton packaging extends the shelf life of food without the need for preservatives or refrigeration. Photo: Tetra Pak

With its high heat resistance, Tetra Recart carton packaging extends the shelf life of food without the need for preservatives or refrigeration. Photo: Tetra Pak

In terms of technology, how is the packaging industry, especially processed food packaging, changing amidst the global shift?

Technology is transforming the packaging industry in three ways. Most evident is modern processing and packaging technology. For example, heat-resistant carton packaging and aseptic filling machines allow processed food to retain its natural fresh flavor and extend its shelf life without preservatives or refrigeration. Applying this technology opens up opportunities for Vietnam to export value-added processed foods in addition to raw materials.

A second, equally important trend is new material technology. Packaging derived from renewable, easily recyclable, or low-carbon footprint materials is becoming a mandatory requirement for businesses to meet sustainability goals.

Another shift is the emergence of smart packaging: integrating QR codes, traceability technology, and even sensors to monitor product quality throughout the supply chain.

Within this current, what technologies is Tetra Pak developing to stay ahead of modern packaging trends?

Most recently, we launched Tetra Recart, the world's first retort-processed carton. Its heat resistance of up to 120°C marks a breakthrough for carton packaging, as previously only metal cans or glass jars could withstand such temperatures.

Tetra Recart incorporates Tetra Pak's most advanced technologies, drawing on over 70 years of experience in food packaging and processing. The packaging consists of six layers: four polypropylene layers, one aluminum layer, and one paper layer. The paper content exceeds 70% and is fully FSC certified. This structure ensures the packaging remains robust throughout high-heat processing without deformation. According to test results, Tetra Recart has an 80-85% lower carbon footprint compared to tin cans or glass jars.

Another advantage is its compact rectangular shape, optimizing transportation. In the same shipment, the number of empty Tetra Recart packages transported is 6 to 10 times greater than cans. For packaged goods, each truck can carry 10-20% more product units compared to cans. Tetra Recart also has a significantly lower rate of product damage and dents from impacts compared to metal or glass packaging.

The packaging is available in various sizes, from 100 ml to 500 ml, suitable for a wide range of products. Our surveys in various markets reveal that 79% of consumers who have used Tetra Recart want to continue purchasing food packaged in it. Therefore, we believe Tetra Recart can be considered a "game-changer" for the food industry.

The rectangular box design of Tetra Recart optimizes transportation and facilitates product arrangement on store shelves. Photo: Tetra Pak

The rectangular box design of Tetra Recart optimizes transportation and facilitates product arrangement on store shelves. Photo: Tetra Pak

After several months since its launch, how have food manufacturers responded to and utilized the product in practice?

Tetra Recart is used for a variety of foods, from fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish to sauces, soups, prepared meals, baby food, and pet food. Its ability to retain flavor and freshness after heat treatment allows businesses to expand their product portfolio from raw materials to high-value-added processed foods. We also offer flexible solutions from automated to semi-automated, from medium to high capacity, and from installation to maintenance to suit different production scales and products.

HelloFresh (South America) is one of our customers who has been very successful in implementing the Tetra Recart solution. Due to busy lifestyles, consumers in European and American markets have limited time for cooking. HelloFresh has created the meal kit initiative where consumers can order based on their family's nutritional needs, whether vegetarian, dieting, or weight loss, and prepare a nutritious, naturally flavored meal in minutes.

In Vietnam, Doveco was the first company to operate a Tetra Recart carton production line for agricultural products like pineapple and corn in July.

How does Tetra Recart packaging contribute to promoting modern production processes in these businesses?

Many F&B companies are implementing the retorting process – a method of sterilizing food using high temperature and pressure in sealed packaging to eliminate harmful microorganisms and extend shelf life without preservatives or refrigeration.

Retorting means that products are pre-processed (cut, mixed, blanched, pre-cooked), filled into packaging, sealed, and then placed in a retort (autoclave), processed at temperatures up to 120°C for a maximum of 120 minutes, depending on the product. Tetra Recart's heat resistance proves advantageous in this process: ensuring safety while preserving the flavor and texture of the food.

Based on these practical applications, what opportunities and potential does Tetra Pak see in the Vietnamese packaging market?

Vietnam is emerging as a food and beverage production and export hub, thanks to its abundant agricultural resources, competitive pricing, and increasing number of businesses investing in deep processing to increase export value. This landscape presents a significant opportunity for the food packaging industry.

I see considerable room and opportunity for strong growth in Vietnam's food industry. Regarding exports, Vietnam has many strengths, but it still primarily exports raw materials and hasn't truly promoted processed products. One of the bottlenecks is product preservation and compliance with international food safety standards. In the domestic market, Vietnam has a young consumer population that prioritizes natural, convenient products and is concerned about sustainable packaging.

Vietnamese food manufacturers will need advanced technological solutions like Tetra Recart to compete and optimize costs amid rising input prices. This product also contributes to building sustainable brands that meet domestic requirements and export standards for demanding markets like Japan and Europe. I believe this opens a wide door for domestic companies.

Hoang Anh