Cardboard’s Role Beyond Packaging: The New Frontier in Conservation

For many, cardboard is simply the material that holds our deliveries. But in Victoria’s Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, cardboard is playing a surprising and vital role in protecting endangered wildlife after devastating bushfires burned nearly 80% of the park.

In response to this crisis, more than 350 biodegradable cardboard habitat pods have been assembled by volunteers and local community groups and deployed across the fire-affected area as part of the Grampians Ark conservation program. These teepee-shaped shelters provide crucial refuge for small ground-dwelling animals like the critically endangered brush-tailed rock-wallaby, long-nosed potoroo, southern brown bandicoot, and other native mammals. They shield these vulnerable species from invasive predators such as foxes and feral cats that quickly move into burnt landscapes searching for easy prey.

Unlike traditional shelters made from plastic or metal, these cardboard pods naturally break down and compost back into the environment as native vegetation recovers. With an expected lifespan of around two years, they offer vital temporary protection without leaving a lasting footprint, fitting seamlessly within circular economy principles.

The pods complement other emergency conservation efforts, including food drops by drones and helicopters to 17 monitored feeding stations, helping support wildlife survival across more than 110 kilometres of escarpment. Remote cameras have even captured encouraging signs of recovery including sightings of potoroos, smoky mice, and brush-tailed rock-wallabies with joeys underscoring the pods’ effectiveness.

In this way, cardboard is stepping far beyond its familiar role as packaging. It’s becoming a frontline ally in protecting biodiversity and supporting ecosystem resilience showcasing how creative, sustainable materials can play a critical role in environmental protection.

This breakthrough use of cardboard inspires us to rethink how we design for both human and ecological needs, proving that with imagination and care, everyday materials can become powerful tools for positive change.