Don't throw it away! Who invented the cardboard packaging for eggs and how it can be used in the household

Eggs are a product that we buy regularly, and as a result, we often have leftover trays. To avoid contributing to waste every time, there are various ways to repurpose these trays at home.

The FoodOboz editorial team will share several versatile ways to reuse egg trays, along with information about the inventor of such a packaging solution.

The first egg carton was invented in 1906 by Thomas Peter Bethel. It was constructed from intertwined cardboard strips.

The era of traditional egg packaging began in 1911 when Joseph Coyle, a newspaper publisher from British Columbia, invented a paper tray enabling local farmers to safely deliver eggs to hotels. Initially, the production of egg cartons was a hobby for the inventor and was done manually. In 1919, D. Coyle developed a mechanism to automate the process.

What are the trays made of?

Egg trays are constructed from cardboard, making them an environmentally friendly option. While many people assume such packaging can be recycled, these trays are not suitable for waste paper recycling since they are already made from recycled materials.

Compost

Egg trays are excellent for composting. Chop up the cardboard and combine it with grass and vegetable scraps. When you add this mixture to the soil, it will become very loose.

Seedlings

Egg trays are great for storing seedlings. The cardboard retains moisture well, and when you plant the sprouts in the garden, you won't need to remove them from the cardboard. If you cut off the pot and place it in the ground, the cardboard will also act as a fertilizer.

Tray paths

If you have a lot of packages, you can use them to make paths for your garden. This way, your shoes will be less dirty.

Trays in the home

There are many ways to use litter boxes in your apartment. For example, you can make a bird feeder and hang it on the balcony. Just thread a rope around the edges and pour seeds into the recesses. Trays can also be used for needlework. They are convenient for storing buttons, beads, needles, and other small items.