The organisation, which is the European association of carton and cartonboard manufacturers, is urging packaging companies to join the initiative to help youngsters understand and choose sustainable packaging.

The scheme has already been shared with more than 100,000 children in the US through the Paperboard Packaging Council.

Any European packaging company can take part in TICCIT, with a host of free resources available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish from Pro Carton’s website.

Pro Carton general manager Tony Hitchin said: “With the likes of Greta Thunberg and the school strikes, we’ve seen how strongly young people feel about the environment.

“TICCIT provides a fantastic platform to reach out to young people and explain the benefits of cartonboard as a renewable, biodegradable and recyclable material.”

He added: “Taking part is simple, just download our TICCIT guide, get in touch with local primary schools to arrange a date and make sure to bring enough saplings for students to plant.

“Every school that has been involved has given extremely positive feedback from teachers and pupils alike, so it’s an extremely effective way of giving back to your local community.”

Graphic Packaging International initially carried out its TICCIT programme with selected schools in Bristol and has now rolled out the initiative across all of its European offices.

Graphic Packaging International EU HR manager Annet De Groot said: “We’ve had some fantastic PR opportunities as a result of the TICCIT programme and reputationally it’s been brilliant for our workers, stakeholders and local communities alike. It’s a real chance to bring everyone together and explain the circular lifecycle of cartons.

“Beyond CSR, there is also a financial imperative to teach children about cartonboard because they will grow to be the consumers, or even the packaging innovators, of the future.

“It’s important to offer them the full information about how we’re tackling climate change with sustainable packaging and how they can build a better world through their choices.”