How Cannabis Companies & Users Can Help Reduce Plastic Waste
Plastic waste in the cannabis industry is a big problem, and it’s one that’s made even more complicated by regulations that restrict the type of packaging that can be used. In 2020, the U.S. cannabis industry used almost one billion pieces of single-use plastic, much of which ended up in the landfill. And, as the legal adult-use market continues to expand around the country and the rest of the world, it may seem like an issue that’s near impossible to correct.
Fortunately, a handful of innovative companies are moving the needle on packaging waste. Additionally, there are ways the average cannabis user can upcycle and repurpose their packaging. In this blog, we’ll focus on the efforts of a few companies before discussing how cannabis users can reduce, reuse, and recycle their cannabis packaging.
Companies Moving the Needle on Cannabis Waste
CULTA, a vertically-integrated producer of craft cannabis in Maryland, joined the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition in 2022 as a part of our own sustainability roadmap.
“CULTA, like many other cannabis companies, has a long way to go,” said Renier Fee, senior marketing director at CULTA. “We’re part of the problem. Being aware of that and creating honest dialogue that helps inspire change is only one part of the complex journey towards greater sustainability.”
In the past few years, as waste has become a hot-button issue for individual consumers and entire countries alike, some notable organizations have sprung up who focus on recycling, regulation, and changing the way cannabis packaging, specifically pop tops (plastic one-piece jar and top units used for storing and selling cannabis) which are notoriously difficult to recycle, is made and recycled. From The High 5 Initiative to N2 Packaging, we’ll introduce you to just a couple of those companies below.
The High 5 Initiative
In 2021, CULTA partnered with the High 5 Initiative, a Maryland-based company that’s working to keep Polypropylene or “#5” plastics out of landfills. Through the partnership, our patients can bring their plastic packaging back to CULTA, where it will be recycled by The High 5 Initiative team. Here’s a short version of how the process works: patients bring their packaging to CULTA and the High 5 Initiative team hand sorts and separates each material. Then they grind and store the #5 and properly dispose of the other materials, keeping over 95% out of the landfills. After they’ve processed 5,000 pounds of #5, the material goes to one of the only secondary processing facilities in the US, where it’s made into a viable raw material for manufacturers called Post Consumer Resin or PCR.
“Through our recycling initiative, pop tops can enjoy a new life as a bumper, air conditioner, or some other non-food grade product,” said Phil Ash, Executive Director of The High 5 Initiative. “Ultimately, we hope to see plastic waste in the cannabis industry drastically reduced, if not eliminated.”
N2 Packaging Systems
N2 Packaging Systems is a fellow Sustainable Cannabis Coalition member that focuses on sustainable packaging in the cannabis industry. All N2 products are sourced and made from recycled or recyclable materials, and their core focus at this time is metal cans with biodegradable composite child-resistant lids. Not only are these cans and lids more eco-friendly than other options on the market, but they meet all federal safety standard regulations. Additionally, they’re child-resistant and senior-accessible.
“The centerpiece to our packaging offerings is our proprietary 2Can™ with N2 Nitro Inside™ - a nitrogen-infused packaging solution that hermetically seals product moisture while displacing the enemies of product freshness and the friends of microbial growth – light and oxygen,” said Thom Brodeur, CEO of N2 Packaging Systems. “Further, our packaging solution mitigates the toxic issue of terpene leaching commonly found to be prolific in glass and plastic packaging alternatives. We are patented in 12 countries for this innovation.”
The Price Dilemma
Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy for cannabis companies to transition to eco-friendly packaging options, especially as the COVID pandemic and subsequent supply chain and labor shortages have forced them to take a closer look at their bottom line.
“If CULTA were to make the switch from mylar bags to eco-friendly cellulose packaging, we’d be paying 10-15 cents more per bag,” said Arthur Hapner, director of procurement at CULTA. “This number might sound small to the average consumer, but, on a macro wholesale level, this pushes us out of the market for these bags.”
Additionally, many cellulose bags on the market are thinner and more pliable in nature. So, not only are they more expensive for cannabis companies to use but the end user may feel like they’re handling something of lesser quality.
Cannabis Users Can Help, Too
Climate change, which is caused in part by pollution and plastic waste, is an issue that affects everyone. If it hasn’t yet, it’s only a matter of time until it will. While industry regulations and supply chain changes are important, our individual actions really do make a difference. When it comes to moving the needle on waste in the cannabis industry, the efforts fall into three categories which you’re probably already familiar with: reduce, reuse, and recycle
Reduce
This may be the most difficult option on this list, particularly since many individuals use cannabis for medicinal reasons. And to be clear: we aren’t advising to reduce your cannabis use, rather, you can purchase cannabis in bulk or in larger sizes so you’re reducing the amount of jars and exit bags you’re using. There are plenty of tools and technology on the market that can help keep your cannabis fresh and, if you do decide to purchase in bulk to reduce waste, here’s a blog that can help.
Reuse
Now, to the easiest option on the list -- reusing your cannabis jars and packaging by giving them a second life around the house. We go into each of the items on this list more in-depth in this blog, but here’s a quick look at how you can reuse your cannabis packaging:
A starter home for plants
DIY candles (these make great gifts!)
Toolbox organization
Travel bags for toiletries and beauty products
Smell-proof storage for spices (nobody wants everything in their pantry to smell like cumin!)
Finally, cannabis jars make perfect stash jars for literally anything -- loose tea, earrings, paperclips, headphones, bobby pins, etc. If it fits, stash it!
Recycle
Finally, recycling -- a concept everyone should be familiar with by now. While recycling bottles and cans is super simple, recycling cannabis packaging is a little more complex. Most cannabis packaging uses #5 plastics (plus other types of plastics) which are notoriously difficult to recycle. Fortunately, companies like The High 5 Initiative do exist, so the next time you’re visiting a dispensary ask them if they participate in any recycling initiatives. If they don’t, consider speaking to the owner or manager and requesting that they do. Sometimes it just takes one person speaking up to make a difference!
Though this doesn’t exactly relate to reducing, reusing, or recycling, knowing how to properly and safely dispose of certain items is also key. The team over at GAIACA has helpful resources that can help you learn how to be better with how you dispose of certain products, like vape pen batteries.
We’re Better Together
We’re all in this together, and it’s up to each of us, from the largest companies to individual consumers, to reduce plastic waste in the cannabis industry. By reducing, reusing, recycling, and partnering with organizations committed to making a greener future, we can be better together and act as an example for other industries on how to move the needle and make a difference.
“At CULTA, we’ve made aggressive long-term goals to help fight climate change and reduce waste,” said Renier Fee. “We hope you’ll join us in that commitment too.”
*Medical cannabis is for certified/qualifying patients only. Must be at least 18 years old to view content.
