Reducing Waste In Cannabis: CEOs Explore Eco-Packaging For Consumer Ease And Sustainability

How can the cannabis industry promote waste management and a circular economy while meeting demand? At the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, CEOs Will Bowden of Grasshopper Farms and Barbara Fox of Cannabiz Supply shared their insights.

Sustainable Solutions and Environmental Stewardship in Cannabis

While Fox addressed the need for eco-friendly packaging to meet new regulations, offering cost-effective solutions, Bowden emphasized the energy consumption issue related to indoor cultivation.

"In 2024, many states will require 50% eco-friendly packaging, and this is a crucial solution for cultivators, operators, and distributors. There are costly options on the market, but I'm here with accessible materials to help solve this issue,” Fox said.

"Sustainability goes beyond materials; it's about sustaining your business and income. The challenge lies in varying state-by-state compliance requirements, from multiple labels to just a QR code. Standardizing automation is the key. Imagine a streamlined process like the beverage and food industries have, enhancing branding and consumer understanding. Let's dream of automating all our branding,” she added.

"We're currently focused on packaging, but our commitment to sustainability goes further. Grasshopper Farms is actively exploring environmentally friendly operations and educational initiatives. We're preparing to become regenerative and sustainable pioneers,” Bowden said.

Eco Impact: Reducing Carbon Footprint

The speakers recognized the importance of making it easy for consumers to recycle or properly dispose of packaging materials, acknowledging that single-use packaging remains a compliance requirement. They also stressed the need for more sustainable options in the industry.

Fox introduced the "Eco impact" concept, designed to provide genuinely sustainable materials like bamboo and sugarcane-based options. This initiative aims to reduce the industry's environmental impact, offering consumers eco-conscious choices while diminishing the overall carbon footprint.

"Nationally, only 10% of our home recycling gets recycled. And not everyone can compost at home. To reduce our massive carbon footprint, we need materials that benefit even if they end up in landfills,” Fox explained.

"We can't eliminate single-use packaging, so we need to create consumer-friendly materials. People shouldn't have to worry about saving or discarding packaging on the go. My message is that, as an industry, we can make sustainable options accessible. Let's simplify consumers' lives, encouraging repeat purchases through eco-conscious choices."

Photo by Jas Min on Unsplash.