The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) is celebrating another successful season of TICCIT® (Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees), the industry’s signature sustainability education program that teaches students about trees, recycling, renewable resources, and the circular nature of paperboard packaging.
Throughout the spring, PPC member companies visited classrooms and communities across North America, helping students understand how paperboard packaging is made, why sustainable forestry matters, and how recycling supports a healthier future. Through interactive presentations and hands-on tree-planting activities, students experienced firsthand the connection among forests, paperboard packaging, and environmental stewardship.
Through TICCIT, students discover that the paperboard package they see every day has a much bigger story behind it. They learn how trees become cartons, how cartons can be recycled, and how renewable materials contribute to a circular economy. When students take home a tree sapling packaged in a paperboard carton made by one of our member companies and plant it with their families, the message of Trees into Cartons, Cartons into Trees becomes real. Those experiences spark curiosity, create lasting memories, and often open young minds to the many creative, technical, and business careers available in our industry.
Participating PPC member companies included 3A Press, Accord Carton, American Carton Company, Case Paper Co., Colbert Packaging, Curtis Packaging, Diamond Packaging, Joe Piper Inc., Malnove, Manchester Industries, Metsä Board, Pak-Pro, PaperWorks, RRD, Smurfit Westrock, Southern Champion Tray, and Valco Melton.
The 2026 TICCIT season marked an exciting milestone for the program as participation expanded into new communities across North America. This year, PPC welcomed first-time participants, reached students in new regions, including Canada and Puerto Rico, and engaged more young learners than ever before.
The growth reflects the enthusiasm of PPC members and the increasing demand for hands-on sustainability education. As TICCIT continues to gain momentum, PPC looks forward to building on this success and inspiring even more students, families, and communities in the years ahead.
While every TICCIT event looks different, the message remains the same: renewable resources, responsible forestry, recycling, and sustainable packaging all play an important role in creating a more sustainable future.
“The success of TICCIT comes from the passion and commitment of our member companies,” said Emily Leonczyk, President, PPC. “The program reflects the values of our industry and our commitment to investing in education, sustainability awareness, and community outreach. Each year, employees from PPC member companies volunteer their time, expertise, and creativity to bring the program to life. What makes TICCIT unique is that every company puts its own spin on the experience, creating meaningful opportunities for students, educators, and families to learn about renewable resources, responsible forestry, and the role packaging plays in everyday life. When you look at the collective impact of our members working together across North America, the results are remarkable. Thousands of students gain a new perspective on sustainability each year, and that ripple effect extends far beyond the classroom into homes, families, and communities.”
