• The sustainable packaging industry is predicted to grow to more than USD$244 Billion by 2018 (Rodden, 2012). In light of public demand for sustainable products, manufacturers and retailers have been exploring more sustainable packaging systems that increase the use of renewably sourced materials as well as looking at ways to increase waste recovery. 
• Chardboard would qualify on both counts because Biochar can be made from a range of organic waste materials including typical waste products from the pulp and paper industry.  Not only is chardboard highly sustainable, but Biochar based packaging could also offer a wider range of functional properties.  For example, Biochar could provide insulating properties to cardboard, inhibit ripening in produce, keep produce dryer and even protect electronics from electromagnetic fluxes.
• Biochar can replace synthetic inputs currently used in the packaging industry and best of all: chardboard packaging will continue to benefit the environment long after the box is no longer in use even if it ends up in the landfill.
• Customized paper blended with Biochar is not a new technology. Japanese companies have already invented a charcoal based tissue material called 'umezumi' made from plum pits (seeds) which has deodorizing and vapor absorption properties. Experience in Japan with Biochar tissue paper products shows that Biochar's ability to adsorb odors is retained when blended with paper pulp. Uses for this paper include shoe soles, drawer or refrigerator liners, and mattress pads amongst other possibilities.

Biochar used as a filler has the potential to provide a variety of different properties of value to industries as diverse as food production, horticulture and electronics.

• Compatible with beneficial bacteria – Municipalities are struggling to divert more food wastes from landfills and into composting where nutrients can be recovered and used to grow food, but they are challenged by the odor problem of decaying food waste. Food waste can be disposed of in chardboard containers inoculated with efficient degraders which would reduce odor and prevent nutrient loss.
• Low thermal conductivity - An interesting property of hardboard is its low thermal conductivity. Initial testing of chardboard shows that heat transmission is reduced (the product will be undergoing testing to measure conductivity more accurately).  This is an ideal characteristic for hot or cold food packaging, for instance, insulating sleeves for hot or cold beverages, or pizza boxes that retain heat.
• Extend produce shelf life – certain fruits and flowers are highly susceptible to premature ripening due to ethylene, a natural plant hormone that promotes cell degradation.  As biochar can sorb ethylene, (Abe & Watada, 1991) biochar added to packaging for fruits such as bananas or kiwis could help increase their longevity.
• Anti-static agent - Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage electronics components during shipment.  Biochar produced at higher temperatures is conductive so chardboard could dissipate static as well as protect electronics from mechanical damage thereby eliminating the need for multiple packaging elements.
• Moisture absorption – the porous nature of biochar allows for easy absorption of moisture and vapors which can help keep products fresher longer and in other applications could provide resistance to fungi or mold formation.
• Cradle to Cradle® - At the end of its initial use chardboard continues to be useful and restorative by adding carbon back to the soil.  Ideally those with access to gardens could toss it in their compost bin or garden after they have used it as a litter liner. Since many urban dwellers don't have that option, it is likely that a significant portion may end up being landfilled.  Even if it does end up in a landfill, chardboard will likely be 'bio-beneficial' as it can help reduce odors and toxic leaching as well as inhibit methane emissions (Reddy, Yargicoglu, Yue & Yaghoubi, 2014).  Recycling chardboard is an area that requires more research to understand the impact of Biochar during the recovery and recycling process.