A total of 38 classes with 1,034 pupils took part in the competition. The competition, organized by the City of Bonn, the DHL Group and the tropical forest foundation "OroVerde", raises children's awareness of the importance of recycled paper and the Blue Angel eco-label.
From story posters to puzzle postcards: paper and climate explained in a fun way
The competition materials, including a poster with exciting stories and tricky puzzles on animal postcards, not only gave the children an informative but also entertaining introduction to the topic. David Baier, Head of the City of Bonn's Office for the Environment and Urban Greenery, praised the commitment of the participants: "It's great to see the children working with so much heart and curiosity on the topic of resource conservation. They show us all that small actions - such as using recycled paper - can have a big impact. Bonn can be proud of these young paper angels."
Award ceremony in the Post Tower: creativity is rewarded
At the award ceremony in Bonn's Post Tower, six winning classes each received 150 euros for their class fund, sponsored by DHL Group, for their creative contributions. The students impressed with short presentations, short films, posters and other creative contributions.
The winning classes 2025 are:
- Hardtberg Gymnasium, class 5a
- Helmholtz-Gymnasium, class 5b
- Königin-Juliana-Schule, class M1
- Karl-Simrock-Schule, class 5a
- Bertolt-Brecht-Gesamtschule, class 5b
- Margot-Barnard-Realschule, class 5b
Forest activities as a special highlight
In addition, the Office for the Environment and Urban Green has raffled off two forest activities in the Kottenforst among the participating classes.
The winning classes are:
- Emilia-Heyermann-Realschule, class 5b
- Elisabeth-Selbert-Gesamtschule, class 5c
Sarah Wylegalla, education officer at the tropical forest foundation "OroVerde", explains: "Our forests are the green treasure troves of the earth. It is wonderful that the children not only learn through the competition how important recycled paper is and that it protects forests, but also experience how alive and valuable nature is. They are the little guardians of our forests - and that inspires me anew every year."
Recycled paper as active climate protection
DHL Group, a long-standing partner of the competition, is supporting the campaign with its own ambitious climate targets. Pedro Muñoz from Corporate Communications and Sustainability at DHL Group emphasizes: "Recycled paper is an important contribution to protecting our resources - and a step towards living sustainability. I find it impressive how much knowledge our children already have on the subject of sustainability and the creative ways in which they communicate it. If we all - big or small - stand up for the environment, we can shape a better future together."
Bonn and partners as role models
Die Stadt Bonn setzt seit Jahren auf Recyclingpapier: Die Initiative Pro Recyclingpapier hat die Bundesstadt im Papieratlas-Städtewettbewerb im Jahr 2024 zum 15. Mal in Folge als „Mehrfachsieger“ ausgezeichnet. Auch die DHL Group verfolgt mit ihrer Konzernpapierrichtlinie und der „Mission 2050“ ambitionierte Nachhaltigkeitsziele. Erst im April hat die Deutsche Post ihre erste Briefmarke auf Recyclingpapier herausgebracht. Die Tropenwaldstiftung „OroVerde“ setzt sich seit mehr als 30 Jahren mit Projekten und Unterrichtsmaterialien dafür ein, Recyclingpapier in Schulen und Alltag zu etablieren.