Percussion Plus and Percussion Workshop classroom packs are hugely popular with schools – and it’s easy to see why. They offer a convenient, cost-effective way to introduce a variety of instruments into the classroom, with a wide range to suit different needs and age groups.
Each pack showcases percussion instruments that celebrate a diverse range of musical cultures, offering pupils the chance to explore an array of sounds and playing styles. For instance, the Indian percussion pack features dholaks, khartals and a pocket-sized damru monkey drum. The African pack includes an array of different shakers including maracas, cabasas, and seed shakers, while the South American pack combines pan pipes monkey drums, rain sticks, Inca flutes and more.
There are packs for “small hands”, music therapy, and sensory activities – plus bespoke selections focusing on wood and metal instruments – ensuring there’s something for every primary classroom.
Sustainable storage solutions
In the past, Percussion Plus has used matching plastic boxes as a smart way of shipping the packs, also providing a convenient storage solution for schools to keep the instruments safe and together.
However, as part of the ongoing push towards Sustainable Development Goals, Percussion Plus has developed sustainable cardboard containers to replace these boxes. At 30 litres in volume, these new containers are large enough to fit many of their percussion packs, and can be seen as a direct replacement for the PP696 plastic boxes over which they enjoy several advantages.
Environmental impact
Perhaps the most obvious improvement is in their environmental impact. Made from recyclable materials, these boxes offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic storage containers. They not only reduce our reliance on plastics but also minimise environmental harm throughout their entire lifecycle. Additionally, their lighter weight makes transportation more fuel-efficient, reducing emissions. With thousands of percussion packs shipped each year, the switch to carboard storage boxes will make a meaningful difference in cutting back on plastic waste and carbon emissions. By reducing the plastic we use, we're actively reducing the volume of non-biodegradable waste, which contributes to a cleaner, healthier planet.
Improved features, better value
These cardboard boxes with detached lids are durable, rigid, stackable and designed for easy storage, making them both practical and environmentally friendly. Softer and with rounded corners, they are more child-friendly and safe to carry around a classroom or through crowded school corridors. Better still, despite their double-walled construction, decreased likelihood of cracking, lighter weight and similar stacking features, the cardboard containers are actually cheaper than the plastic ones!
How buy the cardboard containers
Cardboard containers are supplied as standard with the PP620 world rhythm pack, the PP693 class percussion pack and the PW695-PK 30 player pack.
However, if you are purchasing the African percussion pack, the PP698 essentials kit, PP750 music therapy kit, or the sensory pack, you can simply write a note on your order to request that you receive it with one of the cardboard containers instead of a plastic box. This way, if a department has particular sustainability goals or green targets of their own to meet, we can help them to do so. Whilst we are still shipping some packs with the remaining plastic boxes (no use letting them go to waste!), going forward we plan to roll out the cardboard containers across the board!
Tying into wider sustainability goals
You may notice that a number of the Percussion Plus classroom packs feature the Honestly Made range: instruments from developing countries in Africa, Asia, and South America, representing ethical practices, environmental awareness, and cultural diversity. Although the instruments are manufactured in independent family workshops that are often too small to join Fair Trade groups or located in countries that do not have such organisations, our suppliers and their subsidiaries all follow Fair Trade principles.
These Honestly Made packs do not come in the cardboard containers (although some are supplied with delightful woven baskets), but rest assured that in purchasing them, you are supporting a sustainable cause. You can find out more about Honestly Made – and the ethical ideals behind it – in this Teacher Hub article.
In conclusion…
Whether you’re refreshing your classroom kit, looking for stronger, more sustainable ways to store instruments, or simply keen to explore new sounds with your pupils, these percussion packs and eco-friendly containers make it easy. They offer a simple way to bring diverse music-making into your lessons while supporting a more environmentally responsible future.
