With about 8 million tons of plastic ending up in the ocean annually, waste is a big issue in today’s world. The cannabis industry seems to be contributing to this problem by utilizing single-use plastics as packaging materials. This comes as no surprise seeing as most state regulations require cannabis packaging to be child-resistant.
As a result of these stipulations, it can be challenging for cannabis to find packaging that’s both compliant and sustainable. Challenging but not impossible.
So, if you’re looking for ways to reduce your cannabis packaging waste, this is the article for you. We’ve put together 4 tips to help you achieve this goal.
#1. Go for Reusable Packaging
Plastic containers are the most common cannabis packaging around. But they also contribute to waste the most. So, instead of throwing away these containers, you can encourage your customers to reuse them for other purposes.
You can also create a system where customers return used packaging. You can provide an incentive such as discounts, coupons, etc., to encourage the practice. Not only will this save you the cost of buying new packaging, you’ll also be saving the environment.
Just remember to properly clean and disinfect the containers before reusing them.
#2. Sell and Buy in Bulk
As a business, you can encourage your customers to buy your products in bulk. You can do this by giving incentives like lower prices per unit for bulk orders.
Buying in larger quantities reduces the amount of packaging waste generated by cannabis consumption. That’s because bulk purchases eliminate the need for individually packaged items. That way, you can save an immense quantity of bottles, jars, cans, and paperboard.
#3. Opt for Biodegradable Packaging
Using biodegradable packaging can help to reduce waste. Examples of this type of packaging include paper, corn starch, water soluble plastic, organic fabric and bamboo. You can use any of these to make unique yet sustainable packaging for your brand. Just ensure that, if you’re using bamboo and timber, they come from responsibly managed forests.
Other sustainable alternatives are hemp, casein, sugarcane bagasse, cotton and post-consumer recycled paper. Cotton and hemp may require a small degree of paper filler to help them become sturdy enough to fold. Consult with your packaging partner to choose the best sustainable packaging materials that suit your needs.
#4. Recycle!
As a sustainable cannabis brand, you can join an existing recycling program or create your own. That way, your used plastic packaging can be shredded to create new items made from the recycled plastic.
There are many NGOs who are committed to sustainable packaging because of the positive environmental impact. You can partner with any of them. This proves that not only do you care about the environment, but you also care about the values of your eco-conscious consumers.
Bottom Line
The cannabis industry has contributed to virgin plastic manufacturing, consumption, and waste. This is a serious environmental issue that poses a risk for public health and safety.
By going for sustainable cannabis packaging solutions, you show that your brand is committed to protecting the environment. But that’s not the only thing you stand to gain.
Sustainable cannabis packaging will also help to differentiate your brand in a saturated market. This can, in turn, lead to more sales. That’s because your customers will see you as a credible and unique brand that cares about them and the environment.