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Sustainable Cannabis Packaging

Through the recent expansion of legalized marijuana, the demand for packaging is at an all time high. Proper packaging for marijuana is crucial – as it maintains the freshness of a product, provides information for consumers, and is a valuable opportunity for branding and marketing. 

Unfortunately, packaging is incredibly harmful towards the environment, as it requires a significant amount of materials and transportation fuels. In this article, we will discuss how to sustainably package cannabis products and why it’s important.

Material Circulation 

In theory, consumers could reuse packaging materials over and over again, allowing it to never end up in landfill – but that is not the case just yet. Until then, manufacturers should be sure to use recycled and recyclable materials when packaging their products.

While plastic materials are not always ideal, there are some that are better than others. For example, colored and opaque plastics are not recyclable, but polyethylene terephthalate (also known as PET) is a plastic that is 100% recyclable. PET plastic is clear, strong, and lightweight – it is a versatile plastic that is designed to be reused. 

Utilizing materials that have already been recycled and are recyclable will save production and energy costs, as well as reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

U.S. Manufacturing

While the initial cost to manufacture overseas is cheaper, there are other factors to consider that make manufacturing in the United States much more beneficial. 

Manufacturing in the United States ensures less mistakes, which ultimately produces high quality products. Also, the environmental standards in the United States have prioritized increasing environmental standards by calling for localized and sustainable packaging trends.

Additionally, having packaging operations based in the United States will reduce the need to ship from overseas, which will dramatically reduce freight costs and the environmental impact from shipping large containers overseas. Companies will also be able to sourcing packaging materials from the United States, which will reduce their carbon footprint.

Sustainable Solutions

Sustainable packaging may be more expensive, but it is a worthwhile investment for manufacturers. Consumers want to purchase products from companies that support the environment and actively integrate sustainable methods into their company. 

Cannabis comes in various different forms, from flower and wax concentrate to pre-rolls and edibles. When packaging cannabis, the materials used will vary based on the form of cannabis. With that being said, there are plenty of different sustainable options when packaging cannabis. For example, glass tubes with a cork or biodegradable tubes are an efficient option when packaging pre-rolled joints.

Minimalistic Packaging 

Packaging is the first thing a customer will notice about a product and sometimes less is more. Sleek and efficient designs not only grab a consumer's attention, but also reduce the amount of waste. For example, eliminating elements such as outer wraps and neck seals, as well as reducing the weight of packaging (aka lightweighting), are an efficient start to solving a bigger problem.

Additionally, packaging should provide consumer’s basic information on how a product is sustainable, as well as how it should be properly disposed of. For example, displaying the chosen sustainable materials on the product’s label will inform consumers they are purchasing from a company who supports their values.

We Can Help You Explore Sustainable Cannabis Packaging

The growing cannabis industry presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges when it comes to packaging.

While the demand for cannabis products is soaring, we must not overlook the environmental consequences of packaging materials and practices. Sustainable packaging is not merely a trend; it's an imperative for responsible and forward-thinking manufacturers. By prioritizing material circulation through the use of recycled and recyclable materials, embracing U.S. manufacturing for quality and eco-friendliness, exploring innovative sustainable solutions, and adopting minimalistic packaging designs, we can minimize our ecological footprint and meet the demands of conscientious consumers. 

Together, we can ensure that the cannabis industry continues to thrive while also protecting the planet we all call home. Contact Group O at 866-476-8761 today to discover how sustainable packaging solutions can benefit your cannabis business and contribute to a greener future.