Visy, Australia’s largest integrated manufacturing and recycling business has partnered with seafood producer Tassal to produce new locally-made cardboard boxes for prawns. 

Traditionally, prawns have been packaged in expanded polystyrene (EPS) containers, commonly known as styrofoam. EPS is difficult to recycle and has a significant environmental impact when littered.

The new boxes, made from up to 74 per cent recycled content, replace hard-to-recycle EPS containers. Visy said an estimated 100,000 EPS boxes are used every year to transport prawns to major retailers, seafood markets and wholesalers. 

The boxes are being made 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 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,” Dalgleish said.

“By manufacturing cardboard recyclable boxes locally we’re keeping manufacturing jobs in Australia.

“Having the most extensive network of corrugated box plants in Australia ensures we are close to customers and can respond to their needs quickly.”

Tassal general manager of marketing and innovation Libby Williams said, “Our new 10kg 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 versus EPS boxes previously.”

Visy and Tassal said they have run market trials to ensure the box meets rigorous quality standards.