Thai Union Group has launched what it says is the seafood industry’s first shelf-stable tuna product in a recyclable mono-material pouch, introducing the new packaging under its John West brand across the UK and Ireland.
The new Stir & Serve range debuted in June and is now available at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Asda and Ocado. Thai Union said additional retailer listings are planned during 2026.
Developed in collaboration with Mondi, the new pouch is made from polypropylene instead of the conventional combination of aluminium foil and mixed plastics used in many retort pouches. The company said this allows the packaging to be recycled in many existing European recycling streams while maintaining an 18-month shelf life at room temperature.
The launch supports Thai Union’s SeaChange 2030 sustainability strategy, which aims to make all branded products use sustainable packaging across every format. The company reported it had reached 91% of that target by the end of 2025.
According to Thai Union, the pouch weighs less than seven grams for a 300-gram product, helping reduce transport weight and associated emissions. The longer shelf life is also intended to help reduce food waste throughout the supply chain and in consumers’ homes.
The new range is designed as a quick meal solution that can be added to pasta, rice or noodles in around two minutes. Each pouch contains two servings of MSC-certified skipjack tuna with between 42 and 46 grams of protein, depending on the flavour.
Four varieties are available at launch: Tomato & Basil, Soy, Ginger & Honey, Mild Curry, and Spicy Mexican. All are free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.
Thai Union said the mono-material pouch technology will continue to be introduced across its branded seafood portfolio during 2026, with additional product launches planned for 2027.
