The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) proudly celebrates the outstanding commitment of its member companies to sustainability education through the Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees (TICCIT) program. Across the country, PPC members led hands-on events in schools, communities, and even local zoos, teaching thousands of students about the vital role trees, recycling, and paperboard packaging play in building a sustainable future.
TICCIT is a hallmark of our industry’s educational outreach, showing students how trees are used to make renewable, recyclable paperboard cartons—and how those same cartons can return to the earth. Through engaging lessons and the symbolic planting of tree saplings in biodegradable paperboard containers, the program demonstrates the circular nature of paperboard packaging and PPC’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
This year, PPC member companies collectively reached more than 7,500 students and planted over 8,000 saplings through TICCIT events, marking one of the program’s most impactful years to date.
From small classrooms to multi-location campaigns, PPC member companies designed creative, hands-on programs that went far beyond the basics.
- Accord Carton in Alsip, IL, hosted an energetic event at Paul Revere Elementary School. On April 25, the team worked with 150 students in the school’s lunchroom, guiding them through TICCIT lessons and a tree-planting activity.
- American Carton Company also made a strong impact on Earth Day by visiting more than 100 students on April 22. Their program reinforced the critical message of tree renewal, paperboard recycling, and the role packaging professionals play in advancing sustainability.
- At Autajon Packaging, 55 students participated in a vibrant, interactive session that explored the connection between nature and packaging. The company proudly shared the experience online, extending the impact to the broader community.
- Case Paper Co. expanded the reach of the TICCIT program in 2025 by engaging more than 320 students across two communities. In Sunman, IN, 1st and 4th grade students at Sunman Elementary explored the forestry and papermaking process, examined samples of various folding carton substrates, and participated in an interactive “sheeter” simulation that brought industry concepts to life. In East Hanover, New Jersey, Case Paper collaborated with 3rd- and 6th-grade classes, distributing 260 saplings. The events received enthusiastic feedback from educators and students alike, with both schools requesting the program’s return in 2026.
- Colbert Packaging conducted TICCIT activities at both of its locations. In Elkhart, IN, they hosted a program on April 4, followed by a second event in Kenosha, WI, later in April. Across the two locations, approximately 150 students participated.
- Curtis Packaging brought TICCIT to Hawley Elementary School, where 70 students participated in a meaningful Earth Day celebration. From learning about sustainability to planting saplings, the day delivered a lasting impression.
- Diamond Packaging celebrated Earth Day by bringing the TICCIT program to 200 students at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, NY. Students learned about trees, sustainability, and the importance of recycling in a setting that reinforced environmental awareness. The event highlighted Diamond’s ongoing commitment to community education and corporate sustainability.
- Frankston Packaging participated in the 2025 TICCIT program, reaching 150 students during their Arbor Day celebration.
- Graphic Packaging International engaged team members through internal TICCIT activities focused on sustainability awareness and employee education, reinforcing that the program’s principles resonate both inside and outside the classroom.
- At Great Northern Corporation, Earth Day plans aligned with TICCIT values, as the team promoted responsible forestry and packaging through educational events that emphasized the importance of community connection.
- Indiana Carton Co. participated in their 55th Earth Day celebration, using the occasion to host a special TICCIT event that connected students with the importance of renewable packaging and how paperboard fits into a greener future.
- Malnove, with operations in both Jacksonville and Omaha, conducted impactful events for 105 students, including a 4th-grade class at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School. The sessions gave students a firsthand look at sustainability in action.
- Manchester Industries celebrated Earth Day with a TICCIT outreach campaign that combined school visits and employee engagement, sharing the story widely across their channels to amplify the program’s reach.
- Metsä Board Americas went above and beyond by hosting four separate TICCIT events across four different schools this April, reaching a total of 511 students. Their robust engagement demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental education at scale.
- PPC headquarters in Springfield, MA, joined in the effort by visiting two local schools to deliver the TICCIT program firsthand. Together with educators, PPC staff planted over 100 saplings and inspired young minds with stories about renewable materials and the many exciting careers available in the packaging industry. It was a joyful reminder of the power of community engagement and the lasting impression we can make when we connect students to purpose-driven work.
- RRD’s dedication to TICCIT was on full display, with 4–6 plants across their network hosting events in celebration of Earth Day. In total, RRD engaged 271 students, pairing their packaging expertise with a focus on environmental impact.
- Southern Champion Tray made a remarkable difference by engaging more than 800 students across its Chattanooga and Mansfield locations. Their large-scale events showcased the power of TICCIT to bring communities together around sustainability.
- At W.H. Leary Co., Inc., 220 students participated in a thoughtful and enthusiastic TICCIT event, helping spread the word about the importance of sustainability in packaging.
- And Smurfit Westrock set the bar high with one of the largest TICCIT outreach efforts to date, engaging an estimated 5,000 students through a multi-location initiative. Their expansive reach emphasized the profound impact the packaging industry can have on education and environmental awareness.
“TICCIT isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about planting awareness, action, and a sense of environmental responsibility in the next generation,” said Emily Leonczyk, Executive Director and Vice President of the Paperboard Packaging Council. “By connecting students with the renewable nature of paperboard and the importance of sustainability, our members are not only giving back to their communities—they’re helping shape a future workforce that values innovation, stewardship, and circular thinking. That’s a legacy we’re proud to support.”
To learn more about the TICCIT program, visit ticcit.info. PPC encourages all member companies to take part in this impactful initiative—whether it’s your first time or your fifth. Together, we’re growing more than trees; we’re growing the future of sustainable packaging.
For 95 years, PPC has served as the premier North American association for paperboard packaging converters and their suppliers. PPC works to grow, promote, and protect the paperboard packaging industry while providing its members with resources and tools to compete successfully in the marketplace. For more information, visit www.paperbox.org.
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