Crayola has launched its nationwide Colorcycle marker program, which transforms used markers directly into clean energy. The program is the latest innovation in the company’s continuing commitment to advance its sustainability efforts. The Colorcycle marker program will allow students to responsibly dispose of any type of used marker through an in-school collection process, keeping plastic out of landfills. Once the used markers are collected, a unique technology will convert the markers into usable fuel.
For decades, Crayola has been an industry leader in creating sustainable solutions. Initiatives include using solar power to manufacture crayons, incorporating recycled plastic into its markers, and using reforested wood to manufacture its colored pencils. Crayola conducted extensive research into various new and emerging technologies that would allow the company to repurpose its markers and found the most efficient and beneficial solution at this time is the plastic to energy process, which allows the company to repurpose the entire marker.
As part of the Colorcycle program, Crayola developed classroom lesson plans designed to help teachers educate students on the important role sustainability plays. The lesson plans engage students in environmental solutions, teaching them how to protect the planet in new and relevant ways, while also encouraging them to take environmental responsibility into their own hands.
At the beginning of the school year, K-12 schools nationwide can register for the program at www.crayola.com/colorcycle. Participating schools will have access to the classroom lesson plans, and can begin collecting any used markers. In-school program coordinators will then be able to print out Crayola funded pre-paid FedEx shipping labels for delivery of the collected markers for conversion into usable fuel.
Colorcycle Marker Program: Did You Know?
- One box of eight recycled markers creates enough energy to prepare a breakfast that consists of brewing a pot of coffee, frying an egg, and making two pieces of toast
- 308 markers produces one gallon of fuel, which is enough to power an SUV (consider 15 MPG) for 15 miles
- If a classroom recycles 193 markers, that is enough to move a city bus (consider 5 MPG) for three miles