The Carton Campaigners

On Global Recycling Day (18^th March), we reflected on today’s packaging conundrum and the role that recycling plays in that. Pro Carton’s “5Rs of Responsibility” highlights the waste hierarchy so that consumers, brand owners, retailers, manufacturers and government have a clear view of where they can help to reduce the impact that waste is having on our environment. But we concluded that we need to do more!

We need more impact than can be achieved with words and a simple infographic, we need to bring the concept to life, detailing practical actions that people can take and we need a mighty force to convey those messages … an animated force … of superheroes! We need to call in our team of superheroes: The Carton Campaigners!

Once upon a time, there were the 3Rs of Recycling: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Then Pro Carton updated the 3Rs by adding Replace and Renew to the mix.

Now the “5Rs of Responsibility” represents a guideline to enable society to take more responsibility for being environmentally-friendly, to reduce their levels of packaging waste and to move towards a truly circular economy.

The 5 Superhero Carton Campaigners are:

Ricki Recycle
Ryan Reuse
Ronnie Replace
Renee Renew
Rhianna Reduce

These 5 cartoon character superheroes illustrate the 5Rs of Responsibility and reflect the values of Pro Carton. Their team mission statement is clear:

Help brands and consumers take responsibility for material recycling, product reuse, reduction of renewable resources, increase in use of sustainable materials use and waste reduction

They believe that if the right materials are chosen, packaging doesn’t harm our environment. They know that 85% of paper and cartonboard packaging in Europe is already recycled and Ricki Recycle thinks that is something to shout about.

Ricki Recycle

Each Pro Carton superhero mascot has their own message to give and on Global Recycling Day 2020, Ricki Recycle launched the short video (below) to help convey his mantra: ‘Boosting recycling rates – through an increase in the recyclability of packaging materials and improved recycling services for both consumers and businesses – is a solution!’ Watch Ricki’s solo video debut here:

Over the coming weeks and months, look out for the fun (yet serious) Pro Carton characters as they incorporate themselves into a number of Pro Carton’s initiatives, such as the TICCIT educational programme (Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees), our social media channels (Twitter, FaceBook, Instagram, YouTube) and PR initiatives across Europe.

Which Carton Campaigner will take the limelight next with their own video diary?

The Carton Campaigners are 5 character superheroes that illustrate the 5Rs of Responsibility and reflect the values of Pro Carton. Their team mission statement is clear:

“Help brands and consumers take responsibility for material recycling, product reuse, reduction of renewable resources, increase in use of sustainable materials use and waste reduction”

The Carton Campaigners believe that if the right materials are chosen, packaging doesn’t harm our environment.

Packaging preserves & protects products from damage. But not everything is Recyclable, Biodegradable or Reusable. We need to become more responsible. We need a team to lead us, to help us, to inspire us, to show us, to make us more responsible!

Watch our Carton Campaigner, Ricki Recycle, defeat the Waste Monster in his bid to teach young people the importance of recycling!

Ahead of #WorldEnvironmentDay, meet one of the five Carton Campaigners, Renée Renew, as she explains how to ‘grow the future, not the waste!’

Pro Carton, Europe

PROFILE

Pro Carton is the European Association of Carton and Cartonboard manufacturers. Its main purpose is to promote the use of cartons and cartonboard to brand owners, the trade as well as designers, the media and politicians as an economically and ecologically balanced packaging medium.

Main Research Source

Educarton - Pro Carton(05/2020)
The Carton Campaigners to the rescue!