Sustainable Cannabis Packaging Strategy

Sustainable packaging refers to developing or utilizing recycled packaging materials to reduce our impact on mother nature. It aims to reduce our carbon footprint, dependence on virgin natural resources and prevents waste from accumulating in the ocean or landfill. Simply put, sustainable packaging is environmentally-friendly and biodegradable. It is high time that cannabis companies realize their products’ impact on the environment and develop innovative solutions to minimize this impact. 

The Three R's of Sustainability

The three R's rule was introduced to protect the environment and generate a minimum amount of waste. It stands for:

Reduce: Reduce means utilizing thinner or more rigid materials that can serve the same purpose with fewer materials.

Reuse: Reuse focuses on making containers that can be reutilized for the same purpose( for example, storing cannabis flower) or different purposes (storing knick-knacks). 

Recycle: Products are being manufactured with recycled materials like plastic, paper, and so on. Most cannabis packaging companies opt for this as it allows them to minimize the impact of price increases on new or virgin materials.

What are the benefits of Sustainable Cannabis Packaging?

Did you know about 70% of recyclable plastics end up in the ocean and landfill? The increased amount of waste has raised many concerns regarding the earth's safety and sustainability. Even consumers are becoming more vocal regarding the same. A 2018 Neilson Survey found that "Millennial consumers have driven the shift and are twice as likely to make choices based on environmental impact." As a result, it is now more critical than ever for companies to adopt sustainable packaging solutions; here's why:

1. Sustainable packages are affordable: Traditional packaging uses a lot of energy and resources to manufacture packaging products. Going green reduces the amount of plastic in the world and the cost of technology and raw materials.

2. Sustainable packaging offers a safer alternative for edibles: Most plastic packages contain toxic chemicals or allergens that may lead to contamination. Thus, sustainable packages are safe not only for the environment but also for your products. 

3. Sustainable packaging can help you attract more customers: According to a report, "More than 80% of survey participants said they felt it was important or essential" for companies to design environmentally conscious products." The demand for eco-friendly products is growing each day. Sustainability will help to expand your customer base and create brand loyalty.

4. Sustainable packaging can improve your brand image: When you take a step towards sustainability, it shows that you care about nature and projects a positive image for your customers. An article published in environment + Energy Leader in 2020 indicates that "75% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging."

5. Sustainable packaging helps protect the Environment: Lastly, it goes without saying that sustainability helps lessen your impacts on nature. As a company, along with your financial goal, you should also think about your environmental plan. 

Sustainable Packaging Strategies

Here are the top four strategies that you can adopt to make the right choices for your company:

1. Opt for recycling best practices: Educate your customers on the best ways to recycle or discard the packaging materials. Clearly label reusable or recyclable packaging so that customers know what kind of material is used and dispose of them accordingly. This is an excellent strategy to build your social responsibility as a brand and increase customer loyalty.

2. Deliver in smaller packages: Using small boxes, containers, and packaging bags for your products can help you reduce shipping costs, material costs, and resources. Try to use the least amount of packaging while making sure your products are delivered safely and securely. Providing customization options is also a great strategy to limit the use of excessive packaging.

3. Utilizing recycled material for packaging: Incorporate more and more recycled materials for packaging purposes. For example, recycled papers or cardboards are lightweight, cost-effective, and sturdy. In addition, recycling plastics helps keep plastics out of the ocean while reducing the dependence on virgin natural resources.

4. Using biodegradable plastic alternatives: Did you know plastic can take 10 to 100 years to degrade in landfills? These plastics can leach harmful chemicals that can spread into our groundwater. Packaging companies should advocate innovative ways to introduce biodegradable alternatives that can break down in compost. 

Getting sustainable packaging while complying with US and Canadian packaging laws can be pretty challenging. This is where CRATIV Packaging comes in. They offer sustainable child-resistant packaging containers and inserts for pre-rolls, vapes, and edibles. All products are recyclable, designed for multiple uses, and treated with additives that speed up the process of degradation in landfills. Flaunt your products with compliant cannabis containers made under ISO quality system control from FDA-approved food-grade materials. They are safe for the environment and child-resistant, so it is difficult for children under five years of age to open within a reasonable time. Moreover, you can customize your cannabis packaging with their range of inserts and label offerings, helping you grab more eyeballs and reach your marketing goals significantly.