SPRINGFIELD, MA - From April 20-26, 2013, a record 22 member companies of the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) distributed 13,500 saplings to students and community members through TICCIT (“Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees”), an educational program sponsored by PPC that promotes planting trees in recycled cartons or paperboard boxes as a way to highlight the importance of recycling and the sustainable nature of paper-based packaging.

As part of TICCIT, volunteers show students how to plant saplings—most of which were purchased at a discount from the Arbor Day Foundation—in paperboard boxes. The children then learn how to transfer the saplings in these biodegradable cartons to a local park or back yard. Once grown, the trees can restore areas that have been damaged by fire or disease; provide a natural and beautiful way to cool one’s home, school, or workplace in the summer; and in the winter, mitigate powerful wind gusts.

“Thanks to our enthusiastic members, thousands of schoolchildren received saplings and learned about recycling this year,” said Ben Markens, PPC President. “This opportunity to explain the renewability of paperboard and connect with one’s community is fantastic—and keeps our members participating in the program year after year. 

Participating companies include:

Accord Carton

Bell, Inc.

BOXit Corp.

CardPak, Inc.

Ellis Packaging Co.

Frankston Packaging

Graphic Packaging Int’l

Imperial Packaging

International Paper

Kapstone Paper and Packaging

Kiwiplan, Inc.

Nordson Corp.

PPC

Proteus Packaging

River Valley Paper Co.

Sonderen Packaging

Southern Champion Tray

The Standard Group

Thoro Packaging

Unipak, Inc.

Western Slope Industries

Zumbiel Packaging

To view photos from TICCIT events held around the country—or for more information on how your firm can participate in the program—visit paperbox.org/TICCITpost.