Smurfit Westrock has developed a fully recyclable, insulated seafood packaging solution for Keltic Seafare, marking a shift away from expanded polystyrene (EPS) in temperature-sensitive seafood transport.
The newly introduced solution combines a moisture-resistant corrugated outer case with integrated insulation, designed to withstand wet handling conditions while maintaining structural integrity and print quality during transit. Inside, optimised gel pack placement and corrugated insulation enable temperature control comparable to EPS, supporting the shipment of live langoustines, lobsters, and scallops across overnight supply chains.
A key structural feature is the dual inner box configuration with divisions, which secures delicate shellfish and minimises movement during transport. The system creates an insulated chamber that helps maintain cold-chain conditions from source to end customer.
The solution also integrates barrier-coated board to provide moisture resistance while remaining compatible with standard recycling streams—addressing disposal challenges associated with traditional EPS-based formats.
Developed for high-end foodservice distribution, the packaging supports both product protection and brand presentation, enabling printed branding on the outer case. Following trials, the solution reportedly achieved full customer acceptance, demonstrating that recyclable fibre-based formats can deliver both thermal performance and sustainability benefits in seafood logistics.