Local Students Join Thousands Nationwide in a Hands-on Program Learning About Packaging Sustainability and Trees
Wisconsin Eagle/10338900

KENOSHA, Wis. - WisconsinEagle -- In its ongoing commitment to sustainable packaging and community relations, Colbert Packaging Corporation, https://colbertpkg.com a leading manufacturer of custom paperboard folding cartons, labels, and inserts, presented the 2026 Trees Into Cartons/Cartons Into Trees (TICCIT) Program to students in three elementary schools this spring.

The award-winning TICCIT program was developed by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), an organization of companies that manufacture and sell paperboard packaging, of which Colbert Packaging is a member. The TICCIT program teaches students that trees are a sustainable crop, like corn and soybeans, highlights the many uses for trees and paperboard packaging, and emphasizes the importance of recycling. TICCIT supports industry growth, promotes sustainability, increases employee engagement, and builds community. The program takes less than an hour, but the impact lasts a lifetime.

"Programs like TICCIT are so important because they help students see sustainability in a tangible, memorable way," said Paperboard Packaging Council President, Emily Leonczyk. "By connecting trees, recycling, and paperboard packaging through hands-on learning, companies like Colbert Packaging Corporation are helping inspire the next generation to think differently about renewable materials, environmental responsibility, and the important role our industry plays in building a more sustainable future. We're incredibly proud of the impact Colbert Packaging continues to make within their communities through TICCIT."

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In its ninth year of participation, Colbert's manufacturing facilities in Kenosha, WI, and Elkhart, IN, conducted TICCIT programs with 200 second- and third-grade students at schools in three states: Riverview Elementary School in Silver Lake, WI; Grass Lake School in Antioch, IL; and Bittersweet Elementary in Mishawaka, IN.

The TICCIT program proves a valuable addition to school curriculums, as stated by Riverview Elementary School Principal, Andrea Zackery, "Colbert Packaging's visit turned learning into a living experience for our 2nd and 3rd grade students—sparking curiosity about trees, recycling, and the importance of replenishing our forests. Their thoughtful questions showed just how engaged they were, but the moment that truly stayed with them was planting their very own tree to take home—a lasting reminder that even small hands can make a big difference for our planet."

Bittersweet Elementary second grade teacher, Karyn Delio, added, "The students loved having their own tree to take home and plant.  Many of them shared when and where they planted their tree when they got back to school."

This year, in addition to providing the TICCIT program to schools, Colbert Packaging added a new twist for Colbert employees. During the year, employees attend lunch and learn events hosted by marketing manager, Wanda Speer, where they learn about various timely and relevant topics. "This Spring, we decided to share TICCIT internally with our employees," says Speer. "The event provided insights around TICCIT itself and educated our staff about the industry association we've been a part of for many years – the PPC. They, too, gained knowledge and planted trees to take home. Who knows … next year, we may have dozens of employee volunteers and many more students to teach!"

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Founded in 1959, Colbert Packaging has grown its repertoire of paperboard packaging solutions into one of the most comprehensive, diverse and inventive portfolios in the industry, serving pharmaceutical, healthcare and consumer goods customers. Colbert's Kenosha, Wisconsin facility produces offset and flexographic printed folding cartons, pressure-sensitive roll labels and package inserts; the Elkhart, Indiana operation includes folding carton production and formed paper trays. Learn more about Colbert Packaging, a women-owned company, at www.colbertpkg.com.