Want greener cannabis packaging? Here are 8 options:
- Hemp-based materials
- Biodegradable plastics
- Recycled paper and cardboard
- Glass containers
- Compostable packaging
- Simple design
- Reusable packaging
- Plant-based inks and glues
These solutions cut waste, appeal to eco-conscious buyers, and often meet industry rules. Many cannabis companies are already using them to shrink their environmental footprint.
| Material | Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Hemp | Biodegradable, versatile | Can be pricey, complex rules |
| Biodegradable plastics | Break down naturally | Need proper disposal |
| Recycled paper/cardboard | Easy to recycle, customizable | Less durable than plastic |
| Glass | Reusable, keeps products fresh | Heavier, breakable |
| Compostable | Fully breaks down | Needs specific conditions |
| Simple design | Uses less material | Must still meet regulations |
| Reusable | Cuts long-term waste | Higher upfront costs |
| Plant-based inks/glues | Renewable resources | Need performance testing |
By using these eco-friendly options, cannabis companies can shrink their environmental impact while meeting demand for sustainable products.
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1. Hemp-Based Materials
Hemp’s becoming a hot choice for eco-friendly cannabis packaging. It grows fast, needs less water and fewer chemicals than other crops, and can be recycled or composted.
Why hemp packaging’s taking off:
- Biodegradable: Breaks down naturally, cutting landfill waste.
- Carbon-negative: Absorbs CO2 as it grows, fighting climate change.
- Versatile: Works for boxes, paper, and even bioplastics.
Some cannabis companies are already making the switch:
Tilray Brands is using hemp for some packaging parts. They’re using:
- Hemp tubes for pre-rolls and Pax Pods cartridges
- Hemp-composite mouthpieces for vape cartridges
This change is set to keep 131,000 kg of plastic out of landfills yearly.
Hempak‘s using a mix of 25% hemp plastic with virgin or recycled plastic for jars and trays. Ryan Zvibleman from Hempak says:
"Hemp is one of the greatest absorbers of carbon, and it’s one of the easiest plants to grow."
Hemp packaging’s promising, but it’s not perfect:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable | Can cost more |
| Absorbs CO2 | Limited infrastructure |
| Versatile | Complex rules |
Before jumping on hemp, cannabis companies should:
- Check if it meets local cannabis rules
- Think about costs
- Teach customers about hemp packaging benefits
As cannabis grows, hemp-based materials offer a way to package products responsibly. With more research and development, hemp could become a go-to for eco-friendly cannabis packaging.
2. Biodegradable Plastics
Biodegradable plastics are a promising option for cannabis packaging. They break down naturally, cutting long-term environmental impact.
Key perks of biodegradable plastics:
- Break down faster than regular plastics
- Make less greenhouse gas when breaking down
- Can sometimes be recycled
The global biodegradable plastic market’s booming. It’s set to jump from $17 billion this year to $44 billion in 2022.
Cannabis companies are noticing. Some are using biodegradable joint tubes made from plant-based polymers like starch, cellulose, and polylactic acid (PLA).
But it’s key to know the difference between biodegradable and compostable:
| Biodegradable | Compostable |
|---|---|
| Breaks down safely by biological means | Breaks down in composting environments |
| Can take months to years to decompose | Usually breaks down in a few months |
| Might not make usable compost | Makes usable compost |
When picking biodegradable plastics, cannabis companies should:
- Check if the packaging meets industry rules
- Make sure proper disposal instructions are included
- Be wary of misleading claims
"The term ‘biodegradable’ is not meaningful because it doesn’t say how long it takes to break down or what conditions it needs", says the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
To make the most of biodegradable plastics:
- Use certified materials from trusted suppliers
- Teach customers how to dispose of them properly
- Think about mixing biodegradable plastics with other eco-friendly materials
3. Recycled Paper and Cardboard
Recycled paper and cardboard are becoming popular for cannabis packaging. They’re easy to recycle, save resources, and show customers you care about the environment.
Why more cannabis companies are choosing recycled paper and cardboard:
- Saves resources: Using recycled materials cuts new resource use
- Easy to recycle: Customers can put these packages in their regular recycling bin
- Customizable: Paper and cardboard are easy to shape and print on
The numbers back this up. The global paper packaging market hit $202.46 billion in 2020 and is set to grow 2.30% yearly through 2028.
Some cannabis companies are already on board:
| Company | Product | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Elevate Packaging | Folding carton boxes | 100% recycled PCW, made with wind energy |
| Various | Pre-roll boxes | Childproof, recyclable cardboard |
When using recycled paper or cardboard, remember:
- Check that packaging meets safety and labeling rules
- Look for high recycled content (like 100% post-consumer waste)
- Think about using plant-based inks for extra eco-points
"The move towards sustainable packaging is driven by growing consumer awareness about plastic packaging’s impact on the environment."
Paper and cardboard aren’t just eco-friendly – they’re practical too. They protect cannabis from light and air, keeping it fresh. Plus, they break down quickly if they end up in landfills.
For cannabis companies looking to go green, recycled paper and cardboard offer a simple, effective packaging solution that customers can feel good about.
4. Glass Containers
Glass containers are a top pick for eco-friendly cannabis packaging. They last long, can be recycled, and make products look high-end. But there’s more to glass than meets the eye.
Why glass stands out:
- Keeps cannabis fresh by blocking air and moisture
- Child-resistant options meet packaging rules
- Customers can reuse glass jars after use
Real-world examples:
| Company | Product | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Green Rush Packaging | 1-5 oz Glass Jars | Various sizes, child-resistant caps |
| Roetell Glass | Eco-friendly Glass Options | Recyclable, sustainable production |
Glass jars come in different types:
- Clear jars show off the product
- Black jars block UV rays, protecting cannabis
"Glass is inert and non-reactive, making it compliant with industry regulations", says a report from Roetell Glass.
When using glass packaging:
- Pick the right size to limit air exposure
- Use UV-protected glass for light-sensitive products
- Make sure child-resistant features are in place
Pricing can vary. For example:
- 1oz Child Resistant Glass Jars (200 count): $162.00
- 4oz Child Resistant Glass Jars (100 count): $97.00
Glass isn’t just for flower. It works well for edibles and concentrates too. Some companies offer borosilicate glass jars for concentrates, which can handle heat without breaking.
For brands looking to stand out, glass offers custom options. You can add unique lids, labels, or printed designs to match your brand.
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5. Compostable Packaging
Compostable packaging is gaining ground in the cannabis industry. It cuts waste and appeals to eco-conscious buyers. Unlike regular plastics, these materials break down naturally, leaving only water and soil behind.
TIPA, a compostable packaging company, has jumped into the cannabis market. They’ve launched the 608 home compostable laminate for wrapping edibles and making pouches. This new material:
- Works on standard plastic packaging machines
- Fits most food products
- Breaks down within 6 months
Daphna Nissenbaum, CEO of TIPA, explains:
"Those packages … decompose and turn into fertilizer or compost within up to six months, instead of hundreds of years."
TIPA’s work with Wyld, a cannabis edibles company, shows real impact:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Units made for Wyld (2023) | 100 million |
| Plastic pieces saved from disposal | 7 million |
Other companies are joining in:
- Treeform offers compostable pouches with various finishes
- Some brands are making compostable "mylar" bags for cannabis
When picking compostable packaging:
1. Check certifications: Look for TÜV or similar certifications for safety and compostability standards.
2. Think about disposal: Teach customers how to compost properly, as these materials need specific conditions to break down.
3. Balance strength and compostability: Make sure the packaging passes child-resistance tests while still being able to decompose.
Compostable packaging fits with consumer values. A 2020 IBM report found that over 70% of consumers who care about sustainability would pay more for environmentally responsible brands.
As the cannabis industry grows, with the edibles market set to hit $37 billion by 2032, compostable packaging lets brands stand out and cut their environmental impact.
6. Simple Design
Simple packaging design in cannabis is catching on as a way to cut waste and appeal to eco-conscious buyers. By using less material and focusing on function, companies can make packaging that’s both green and cost-effective.
ebb, a cannabis company, has taken this approach with their paperboard containers. Brooks Allman, Founder and Head of Product at ebb, says:
"For every joint smoked, flower bought, or edible eaten, 99% of the time, single-use plastic packaging is used. The cannabis industry is known for this, and we wanted to change it."
Their custom containers are:
- Made from paperboard
- Tough
- Easy to recycle
- Decomposable
This simple design fits ebb’s brand values. Allman notes:
"We’re proud to watch the packaging decompose in real time, knowing it won’t sit in a landfill."
Other companies are also going minimalist:
| Company | Approach | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| IKEA | Matched packaging to product simplicity | Easier to pack and ship |
| Amazon | Frustration-free packaging | Uses fewer materials, makes customers happier |
When thinking about simple design for cannabis packaging:
1. Focus on core parts: Use neutral colors and clean lines to highlight the product.
2. Put function first: Make sure the packaging protects the product while using minimal material.
3. Think about recycling: Choose materials that are easy to recycle or compost.
4. Follow the rules: Simple designs must still meet all cannabis product regulations.
7. Reusable Packaging
Reusable packaging is a smart move for cannabis companies to cut waste and get customers involved in eco-friendly practices. By making containers that can be used many times, businesses can shrink their environmental impact and build brand loyalty.
Calyx Containers has taken this approach with their plastic drams and glass jars. These products are:
- Resealable
- Tough
- Food-safe
- Dishwasher-safe
This makes them perfect for long-term use, even after the original cannabis is gone. As Calyx says:
"Many consumers who buy cannabis in Calyx packaging end up using these containers long after the original product inside is gone."
Their glass jars are especially good for reuse. They’ve been tested to keep moisture in and control oxygen, even after being opened many times. This makes them great for storing cannabis or other items that need to stay fresh.
Some creative ways customers reuse Calyx containers:
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Home office | Storing paper clips, push pins |
| Kitchen | Keeping herbs, spices |
| Travel | Carrying pills, vitamins |
| Gardening | Plant propagation |
Another company, Green Valley Dispensary, offers the GVD Refillable Flower Jar. This product shows how cannabis businesses can make packaging specifically designed to be refilled, cutting down on single-use containers.
When making reusable packaging, cannabis companies should focus on:
- Safety: Use food-grade materials that won’t break down with multiple uses
- Toughness: Design containers to handle repeated use and cleaning
- Versatility: Make packaging useful for storing cannabis and other items
- Recyclability: Use materials that can be recycled at the end of their life
By offering reusable packaging, cannabis businesses can appeal to eco-conscious consumers and stand out in the market. As one customer said about ocean plastic pre-roll tubes:
"A retailer specifically bought our pre-rolls because they’re in ocean plastic tubes, so hooray for people who care!"
Reusable packaging is a win-win: it cuts waste and can create a lasting connection between customers and brands.
8. Plant-Based Inks and Glues
Cannabis companies looking to boost their eco-friendly packaging game should think about plant-based inks and glues. These materials offer a greener option to traditional petroleum-based choices, cutting harmful emissions and making packaging easier to recycle.
Plant-based inks are made from renewable resources like soybean oil and plant-derived resins. They offer several perks:
- Less reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels
- Fewer toxic chemicals and harmful substances
- Better color vibrancy and accuracy
Grow Cargo, a cannabis packaging company, has embraced plant-based inks as part of their commitment to sustainable solutions. Their approach shows how cannabis brands can use these eco-friendly materials in their packaging designs.
For adhesives, companies can turn to plant-based options made from starches like corn, wheat, and potato. These natural glues are both sustainable and biodegradable. LD Davis, for example, offers eco-friendly adhesives including liquid glue and glue for paper straws.
When choosing plant-based inks and glues, cannabis companies should keep these points in mind:
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Safety | Make sure materials meet food-grade standards |
| Performance | Test sticking power and toughness for specific uses |
| Recyclability | Check if they work with packaging disposal methods |
| Consumer appeal | Highlight use of sustainable materials in marketing |
The market for these eco-friendly options is growing. Industry projections say the bio-based ink market is expected to grow from $5.86 billion in 2021 to $8.57 billion in 2026.
Conclusion
The cannabis industry is going green with packaging, driven by consumer demand and environmental concerns. This shift benefits brands, customers, and the planet.
Why sustainable cannabis packaging matters:
- Cuts waste: Traditional plastic packaging takes centuries to break down. Eco-friendly options like hemp-based materials and biodegradable plastics help reduce landfill waste.
- Boosts brand image: Companies using green packaging show they care about the environment, appealing to eco-conscious buyers.
- Meets regulations: Many sustainable options satisfy child-resistance and tamper-evident rules while being environmentally friendly.
- Saves money: Some eco-friendly materials can cut manufacturing costs and shipping weights.
Cannabis companies are already making progress:
| Company | Green Initiative | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tilray Brands | Switching to hemp packaging | Keeps 288,805 pounds of plastic out of landfills yearly |
| Sana Packaging | Using hemp-based and reclaimed ocean plastic | Cuts virgin plastic use and ocean pollution |
| Soulshine Cannabis | 100% recyclable cardboard and vegetable-based ink | Significantly reduces waste |
The future of cannabis packaging is green. Brands that embrace sustainable options now will be ahead of the curve, meeting both consumer expectations and environmental needs.
