The Journey of Cardboard: From Trees to Packaging

🌳Cardboard packaging is made from trees, with a single box often containing material from thousands of trees.

♻️Cardboard is one of the most recycled materials, with over 70% of used cardboard in the US being recycled.

🌍The southern US is home to 2% of the world's forested land but produces nearly 20% of global pulp and paper products.

🌲Responsible forest management and sustainable practices are essential to maintain forest ecosystems and promote reforestation.

📦The cardboard production process involves tree harvesting, pulping, cleaning, and corrugating to create sturdy packaging.

Why do we still cut down trees for cardboard production if it is highly recycled?

—Although cardboard is highly recycled, old cardboard can only go through the recycling process about seven times. Eventually, the degraded fibers wash out, requiring new cardboard to be made from trees.

How sustainable is the cardboard industry?

—The sustainability of the cardboard industry depends on responsible forest management and sustainable practices. Paper companies like International Paper source over 90% of their fiber from trees in the southern US and promote forest growth through reforestation.

What are the environmental impacts of cardboard production?

—Cardboard production can release carbon from processing trees, but paper mills have implemented measures to capture and reduce emissions. Additionally, cardboard recycling helps save trees, energy, and water.

Can used cardboard with tape or food residue be recycled?

—Yes, used corrugated boxes can still be recycled even if they have tape or food residue. The recycling process is designed to remove contaminants and repulp the cardboard for reuse.

What role do tree farms play in cardboard production?

—Tree farms, often referred to as plantations, provide fiber for cardboard production. However, natural forests are crucial for storing carbon and preserving biodiversity, making responsible forest management important in maintaining a balance between tree farms and natural forests.

00:02Cardboard packaging is made from a massive pile of pine trees.

00:22Cardboard production is highly recycled, with a one in three chance that International Paper in the US made the box.

02:25The southern US produces nearly 20% of global pulp and paper products.

02:33Logging and clear-cutting are viewed as a necessary start for the forestry process.

05:46Old cardboard and packaging are recycled and turned into paper again.

06:31Cardboard production uses a significant amount of water throughout the process.

08:13Over 70% of used cardboard in the US is recycled, higher than rates for other materials.

09:38Responsible forest management and sustainable practices are necessary for balancing industry needs with environmental conservation.