This week, Evergreen Packaging, Memphis, Tenn., USA, announced the winners of its seventh Made by Milk® Carton Construction Contest. Paulsboro High School of Paulsboro, N.J., won the grand prize of $5,000 for their project, which turned 274 repurposed milk cartons into a creative Serpent creature inspired by a "SLURPIT" water-cleaning biofilter used to absorb and digest oil and pesticides in waterways. 

 

 

 

"The Inventions theme inspired schools across the country to submit some truly impressive entries; the carton creations that these students dreamed up really highlighted how creativity, teamwork, and a lot of effort can come together in one inspiring project," said Katie Simmons, marketing manager for Evergreen Packaging. "Congratulations to all of the Made by Milk Fall 2016 winners and participants."

Each of the 171 participating teams was required to write a short essay detailing what makes their entry unique. The Paulsboro High School students were inspired by their concern for the environment to build a creation highlighting an invention that could help decrease water pollution. They plan to use their grand prize to take a trip to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, N.J., to participate in educational classes on STEM careers, local beach ecology, and water quality.

"My students and I are thrilled to have been chosen the winners of the Made by Milk competition," said Paulsboro High School teacher and team sponsor Margaret LaDue. "Entering the contest helped impart the importance of recycling and environmental awareness, a vital message to our next generation who is very concerned about our planet and keeping it sustainable and healthy. We hope our SLURPIT Serpent will bring attention to this wonderful new invention, which will help mitigate pollution in our waterways."

Since August 2012, Evergreen Packaging has utilized the Made by Milk program to raise awareness among consumers on the benefits of paper cartons. Cartons are a great packaging choice because more than 70% of milk carton packaging is paper, made from trees, a renewable resource. More than 50% of U.S. households have access to carton recycling, and that number is on the rise. 

Thirteen other schools were recognized across various categories for their innovative and creative carton designs. 

 

The next Made by Milk Construction Contest will take place in fall 2017. More information, including all entries, is available online.