When it comes to seafood, packaging for fish needs to do more than simply hold the product. Fish and shellfish can be exposed to moisture, low temperatures, repeated handling and demanding transport conditions before they reach their destination.
Every seafood item has its own particular requirements; for instance, fresh fish packed with flake ice will need strong moisture-resistant cartons, whereas pelagic fish, which are blast-frozen, will require packaging suited to high-volume processing and automated packing lines.
For seafood businesses, understanding these requirements makes it easier to select fish packaging that suits both the product and the processing method.
This guide will cover:
- Why fish packaging needs to withstand demanding conditions
- Moisture resistance and carton strength
- Packaging for fresh and wet fish
- Fish packaging for blast freezing
- Solutions for pelagic fish and shellfish
- Fish block liners and freezing requirements
- The benefits of solid fibreboard packaging
- Choosing a packaging supplier for your seafood business
Why packaging for fish needs to withstand demanding conditions
Packaging seafood can be quite difficult due to the conditions associated with its processing, storage and transportation.
Fresh fish can either be packed in flake ice or be used with gel packs, which means the carton will be exposed to moisture at every stage of the supply chain. Packaging that weakens when it gets wet can become hard to handle and may fail to provide the product with the protection it requires.
Frozen fish packaging faces additional challenges due to low temperatures, the freezing process, and high production volume. These can place greater demands on both the packaging material and the manufacturing process.
Moisture resistance matters in fish packaging
For businesses handling fresh fish, moisture resistance is a key consideration when selecting fish packaging.
CRT’s wet fish cartons are manufactured with hard-sized, water-resistant middles and Food Grade PE on both sides. This construction is designed to help the cartons retain their strength and integrity when exposed to the challenging conditions associated with fresh fish packed in flake ice or gel packs.
It is especially important when cartons are handled multiple times during processing, storage, and delivery.
The fish packaging should be practical to handle while protecting the product throughout the supply chain.
Packaging for fresh and wet fish products
The size and shape of fresh fish can vary greatly, so a standard packaging solution is not always suitable. For seafood processors, being able to specify different carton sizes will help them make better use of available space and ensure that the packaging is appropriate for how the product is handled. The principle is also relevant to other seafood products, since a carton made for whole fish will have different requirements to one made for fillets or shellfish.
Fish packaging for blast freezing
Blast freezing is commonly used in the pelagic fish industry because it is often necessary to process large quantities of product in a relatively short time. In this case, packaging needs to work alongside the production process. Consistent carton dimensions and reliable raw materials can be particularly important where automated packing equipment is involved.
CRT has worked with major Norwegian machinery manufacturers for more than 25 years and supplies cartons used by pelagic processors in the UK, Ireland and other markets. Solidboard packaging is used extensively in pelagic applications where blast freezing is the main processing method. Compared with corrugated cartons, packing and freezing in solidboard can reduce freezing times and energy costs while helping to maintain fish quality.
Seafood packaging for pelagic fish and shellfish
Some pelagic processors use plate freezing, where the fish is frozen before packaging. Shellfish operations can have demanding working environments, particularly when catching, packing and freezing take place at sea. Space can be limited on fishing vessels, while cartons may need to be supplied to different ports depending on where products are discharged.
Fish block liners for frozen products
To certain seafood processors, the liner is just as important as the outer carton. CRT’s LinerPro range includes 7.5kg block liners suitable for fish fillets and fish mince. The liners are manufactured from Food Grade Direct Contact paper in a BRC, FSSC and FDA accredited factory. The paper is designed with high porosity to help minimise air pockets and voids in finished fish blocks.
Why choose solid fibreboard packaging for fish?
Solid fibreboard offers several characteristics that can make it suitable for demanding food packaging applications. Solid fibreboard is strong, compact, food-safe and stable in harsh conditions. The material is manufactured using reclaimed fibres from recycled waste paper, with paper liners laminated to both sides. Solid fibreboard also supports efficient storage and transportation, as its strength enables manufacturers to create packaging that is both robust and compact.
Bespoke fish packaging can make a difference
Product size, processing method, freezing system, storage conditions and transportation arrangements can all influence which packaging solution is appropriate. Bespoke packaging can help businesses address these specific requirements rather than adapting their processes around an unsuitable standard carton.
CRT Packaging designs and manufactures bespoke solid fibreboard packaging solutions. Its production capabilities include flatbed die-cutting for dimensional accuracy, as well as offset litho and flexographic printing for different design and performance requirements.
Sustainability is also worth considering
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration when businesses review their packaging. For seafood businesses considering the environmental impact of their packaging alongside performance, material choice can therefore be an important part of the decision.
For example, solid fibreboard is made from reclaimed fibres derived from recycled waste paper. More than 90% of input wastepaper is recovered during production, with fibres recycled 25 times or more. The material is also recyclable and 100% circular. Businesses looking to improve sustainability may also consider guidance from the Marine Stewardship Council.
How CRT Packaging can help
For seafood businesses, it can be useful to work with a supplier that understands fresh fish, frozen products, shellfish, blast freezing and the practical demands of the wider supply chain. Choosing a packaging supplier with experience in automated packing lines and bespoke packaging is also crucial for businesses with specific production requirements.
CRT Packaging has specialised in solid fibreboard packaging for the fish, meat, poultry and fresh produce industries for decades. Founded in 1996, the company supplies customers from its UK operation in Cramlington and has distribution facilities at the Port of Blyth, Grimsby, and Mid Calder. Its products are manufactured in BRC- and FSSC-accredited factories.
The range includes standard and bespoke cartons, solid fibreboard and corrugated packaging, Food Grade PE-lined cartons, fish block liners and ancillary freezing equipment.
Finding the right packaging for fish
Choosing packaging for seafood requires considering moisture, temperature, freezing methods, handling, storage, transportation, and production volumes, all of which can lead to the right solution.
In some cases, the main concern is a water-resistant carton, but in others, it is more important to reduce blast-freezing times, enable the packaging to pass through automated equipment, or produce uniformly frozen blocks. Taking these factors into account can help seafood businesses choose packaging that protects their products while supporting the wider production and supply chain.
If you are looking for packaging for fish, CRT Packaging can provide bespoke solutions for fresh, frozen and shellfish applications. Contact the team to discuss your processing and packaging requirements.