Australian packaging company Visy has teamed up with seafood producer Tassal to introduce new locally manufactured eco-friendly cardboard boxes for packaging prawns.

This new packaging is set to replace the traditional expanded polystyrene (EPS) containers and increase sustainability and food safety.

Visy has highlighted that EPS, also known as Styrofoam, poses recycling challenges and can have a detrimental environmental impact.

It claims that the newly developed boxes consist of up to 74% recycled content, positioning them as a sustainable alternative for prawn packaging.

The production of these boxes takes place at Visy's Carole Park facility in Ipswich, Queensland. From there, the boxes are sent to Proserpine, where they are packed with fresh prawns.

This initiative is expected to promote recycling and support local manufacturing.

Visy Fibre Packaging executive general manager Adrian Dalgleish said: “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.

“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.”

Visy and Tassal have collaborated closely on this project, conducting market trials to ensure that the cardboard boxes meet stringent quality standards.

Tassal Marketing and Innovation general manager 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 is in a sustainable package versus EPS boxes previously.”