Students Turn Recycled Paper into Farm-Ready Containers 

January 21, 2025

Farm and horticulture activities look different in the winter compared to the growing season. With snow often blanketing the ground and most plants dormant, the focus shifts to green house growing and projects that encourage patience and forward thinking. With direction from Boni-Bel Farm staff, students are transforming recycled paper into cartons that will later hold produce for the Country Store farm stand this spring and summer.

Learning Together

“It’s fun to get messy!” share Christopher, Diego, and George as they work together to perfect their paper-making technique. The students experiment to find the best methods for forming the paper sheets into containers. They discovered that smoother towels create smoother paper and that adjusting thickness can make the containers sturdier – but too thick is a waste of paper pulp. Adding a creative touch, they’ve even started decorating their containers with artistic appliqués.

By reusing materials like magazines, catalogs, and cardboard boxes that would have otherwise been discarded, these paper cartons are not only functional but also 100% biodegradable. Though the students won’t see the cartons in use for a few months, they’re looking forward to the day they’re filled with fresh produce.

Want to make paper cartons at home? Follow the instructions below!

DIY Recycled Paper Cartons

Materials Needed:

  • Scrap paper (newspaper, cardboard, magazines—avoid shiny coatings)
  • Shredder
  • 2 Large bin (that can hold water)
  • Screen (two screens are helpful, frames increase sturdiness)
  • Sponge or hand towels (smoother towels create smoother paper)
  • Large absorbent towels
  • A mold for shaping (bowl, cup, etc.)

Instructions:

  1. Shred Paper: Shred the scrap paper and mix it evenly in the bin.
  2. Soak: Cover the shredded paper completely with water and let it soak until softened.
  3. Create Paper Pulp: Bend the soaked paper, cardboard and water until it is mostly mush except for small pieces of paper. Pour this into your other bucket and repeat until you have enough to sift.
  4. Sift: Dip the screen into the water, ensuring it’s covered with a thin, even layer of pulp, then remove from water. If you have a second screen, press it on top to help shape the layer.
  5. Remove Moisture: On top of a large absorbent towel, use a sponge or small hand towels to press out as much moisture as possible. Flip the screen and repeat on the other side.
  6. Shape the Container: Carefully remove the paper from the screen and drape it over your chosen mold with even coverage. Patch gaps with extra pieces of wet pulp if needed.
  7. Dry: Leave the paper on the mold to dry completely, then gently remove it.

You can also get creative! Add colorful paper to your pulp mix or apply decorations, like paper appliqués, while the paper is still wet on the mold.

Visit Boni-Bel Farm and Country Store when they reopen this spring and see the containers in-person