Sustainable Cannabis Packaging: Don't Be Fooled by Biodegradable
Eco-Friendly Packaging with Sana PackagingIn a world where sustainability matters more ...

Eco-Friendly Packaging with Sana Packaging
In a world where sustainability matters more than ever, eco-friendly packaging is taking center stage, especially in the cannabis industry. As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, they seek products that align with their values. At Sana Packaging, we offer packaging solutions that not only meet these demands but also contribute to a healthier planet. According to McKinsey's insights, there is a clear shift toward sustainable packaging, influencing industries to adopt greener practices.
What is Eco-Friendly Cannabis Packaging?
Eco-friendly packaging is typically crafted from plant-based, reclaimed, or recycled materials. This type of packaging reduces waste and pollution, which is crucial for a sustainable future. Plant-based, reclaimed, and recycled materials have lower carbon emissions and conserve resources compared to virgin petroleum-based materials.
Unfortunately, the packaging industry is plagued by significant greenwashing, and consumers must be aware of misleading terms, such as "biodegradable" and "compostable."
Beware Biodegradable Cannabis Packaging
Let’s clarify two key terms: biodegradable and compostable—especially as they relate to single-use packaging.
According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, biodegradable means a material can “break down, safely and relatively quickly, by biological means, into the raw materials of nature.”
Compostable, on the other hand, refers to a material that breaks down in a composting environment within a relatively short time, producing usable compost.
However, when it comes to plastics, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation notes that biodegradable is a vague term—it doesn’t specify how long the process takes or under what conditions. One of our go-to examples to illustrate this point is a car in a junkyard. Technically, it’s biodegradable—but it can take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down entirely.
Furthermore, most cannabis packaging marketed as biodegradable is not 100% plant-based and contains petroleum-based polymers that ultimately break down into microplastics. We wrote an entire blog post outlining why we don't endorse biodegradable petroleum-based cannabis packaging.
Innovations in Eco-Friendly Cannabis Packaging
We believe the most effective way to tackle single-use packaging waste in the cannabis industry is by working with waste management systems to improve infrastructure and drive systemic change.
Our mission has always been to create packaging that supports the environment, not harms it.
That’s why we use plant-based, reclaimed, and recycled materials instead of virgin petroleum-based plastics or those with biodegradable additives.
Plant-Based Polymers: Derived from plant-based sources like corn, sugarcane, or hemp, these materials are made using rapidly renewable and regenerative resources.
Ocean-Bound Plastic: Ocean-bound plastic is waste within 50 kilometers of the coast that has escaped formal collection and entered the environment. We view ocean plastic—including ocean-bound plastic—as a stranded resource, and by using it, we help increase demand for reclaimed materials and support the systems needed to remove this waste from our ecosystems.
Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) Materials: Post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials are made from products that have been used, discarded by consumers, and then collected, cleaned, and reprocessed into new materials.
Sustainable Cannabis Packaging
In the cannabis industry, the shift towards sustainable practices is clear. Eco-friendly boxes and containers are at the forefront, offering practical solutions that meet eco-conscious goals. These containers are designed to work with our waste management systems, reducing the environmental impact of traditional packaging.
Incorporating eco-friendly boxes into your cannabis business not only supports the planet but also aligns with the values of modern consumers. At Sana Packaging, we're dedicated to providing solutions that meet these needs.
Conclusion: Embrace Sustainable Packaging
As the cannabis industry continues to grow, choosing eco-friendly packaging is increasingly essential. Sustainable practices benefit the environment and attract consumers who care about their impact.
At Sana Packaging, we offer a variety of sustainable options, including pre-roll tubes and jars & lids, tailored for the modern cannabis market. By choosing our products, you benefit from quick turnaround times, endless customization options, and a commitment to sustainability.
Quick Turnaround: Enjoy fast delivery, ensuring your products are always ready for the market. Products that require label printing & application have a 4-week lead time from proof approval. Blank products ship the next day.
Customization: Enhance your packaging to match your brand with our comprehensive customization services, which include label printing and application, direct printing, tamper-evident solutions, and more.
Environmental Responsibility: Our products, made from plant-based, reclaimed, and recycled materials, demonstrate our dedication to sustainability.
Explore our products today and make a positive environmental impact while boosting your brand's appeal. Together, let's work towards creating a sustainable future for the cannabis industry.