In 2024, Colbert Packaging proudly celebrates 65 years of innovation in paperboard packaging. As a committed member of PPC since 2004, Colbert Packaging has seamlessly integrated the TICCIT (Trees into Cartons, Cartons into Trees) program into its sustainability initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on local school-aged children. If one thing is clear, Colbert’s commitment to the environment extends beyond their products, through all their business practices, and out into the community. In fact, in 2023, they received the Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award for medium-sized businesses from the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC). This award recognizes businesses for programs that demonstrate an innovative approach to environmental protection beyond what is required for regulatory compliance. This award recognizes businesses for programs that demonstrate an innovative approach to environmental protection beyond what is required for regulatory compliance. With Colbert’s robust sustainability program, PPC is proud that their expert facilitation of TICCIT was just an element of this prestigious designation. As a recent member of EcoVadis, a global business sustainability rating network, and through their investment in green energy renewable energy certificates (RECs), Colbert’s sustainability and community investment programs continue to shine.
A Legacy of Sustainability
A steadfast commitment to sustainability lies at the heart of Colbert Packaging’s operations. Marketing Manager Wanda Speer emphasizes the company’s three-pronged approach: corporate longevity, comprehensive paperboard products, and sustainable manufacturing practices. With an impressive average employee tenure of over ten years, Colbert’s focus on paper-based packaging positions it as a leader in sustainable alternatives to plastics. Notably, none of the manufacturing waste from Colbert’s facilities ends up in landfills, and the company invests in renewable energy credits for wind power, reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship.
TICCIT: Growing Minds
Colbert Packaging’s journey with the TICCIT program began in 2018, and its impact has evolved and matured since then. The company’s first TICCIT event engaged over 300 eager students, ranging from first to fourth grade. Since then, Colbert has refined its approach, learning from each event to make subsequent iterations even more successful. By 2023, the program expanded to reach 135 students company-wide, and in 2024, it grew further to involve 150 students in Wisconsin and Indiana.
Interactive Learning for Lasting Impact
The TICCIT program at Colbert Packaging is more than just a classroom activity; it’s an interactive, hands-on experience that captures the imagination of young minds. Detailed planning, tracking spreadsheets, and collaboration with local schools ensure the program’s success. By leveraging personal connections within the community, Colbert secures enthusiastic participation from schools. Engaging presentations tailored to specific age groups, combined with the production of custom paperboard containers for the saplings, teach students about both sustainability and the packaging manufacturing process.
Wanda, who spearheads Colbert’s TICCIT efforts, is consistently moved by the positive reactions from student participants: “It’s really exciting to see the kids light up with enthusiasm. We ask them a lot of questions rather than just pushing information on them and having them sit quietly and listen. They like to talk and share their feedback, and seeing their imaginations soar is fun.”
Navigating Challenges with Creativity
While securing school participation and aligning the program with Earth Week can be challenging, Colbert’s proactive promotion and contingency planning ensure smooth execution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Colbert demonstrated remarkable flexibility with its “TICCIT at Home” initiative, allowing employees to share the program with their families, ensuring continuity despite lockdowns.
From this experience, Wanda acknowledges the importance of adaptability: “My advice is to start locking in schools as soon as you can—I recommend as early as the beginning of the school year. Then, be sure to promote the event to employees by using it as a marketing tool for volunteer engagement while highlighting your company’s commitment to sustainability.”
PPC’s Role in Preparing Member Companies
Wanda shares that PPC plays a pivotal role in equipping its member companies to successfully host TICCIT programs. PPC provides comprehensive resources, including educational materials, planning guides, and best practices to ensure that member companies like Colbert can effectively engage with their communities. PPC’s support extends to offering promotional tools and templates, facilitating a smooth and impactful program implementation.
Wanda offers practical advice to other PPC member companies interested in hosting TICCIT programs: “Tailor your approach to engage the students actively. In our experience, it’s been more impactful to focus on a program with just one or two grade levels that are close in age rather than a vast number of students of different levels.” Wanda adds, “Preparing ahead of the event allows you to be flexible if and when things switch on a dime due to supply chain issues or issues securing saplings. The further you get ahead of it, the better.”
Looking Forward: Annual Commitment to Sustainability
Colbert Packaging is committed to making the TICCIT program an annual event, continuously reinforcing its dedication to sustainability and community engagement. Wanda shares that the TICCIT program not only educates children about the lifecycle of trees and the importance of recycling but also fosters environmental awareness among Colbert’s employees.
Spreading the Message
Colbert actively promotes its sustainability initiatives through its website, press releases, and PPC meetings, ensuring that its efforts are recognized and celebrated within the industry and the broader community.
Colbert Packaging’s success with the TICCIT program exemplifies its commitment to sustainability and community involvement, making a lasting positive impact on future generations and solidifying its role as an industry leader in paperboard packaging solutions.
Are you interested in getting involved and hosting a TICCIT program locally? Visit ticcit.info to learn more about TICCIT and get started today.