THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CANNABIS PACKAGING Written by: Hunter Dublin
The cannabis industry, while booming, faces significant environmental challenges, particularly regarding packaging. This issue encompasses various aspects, from the production and transportation of packaging materials to the end-of-life management of these materials.
Upstream and Downstream Impacts The journey of packaging materials starts with sourcing raw materials and their production, which is referred to as the "upstream" impact. Common materials like plastic, metal, glass, and paperboard have different environmental footprints. For instance, glass and metal packaging, although seemingly more sustainable, can generate double the greenhouse gas emissions during production and transportation compared to plastic. Paperboard, while a popular choice, contributes to deforestation and requires significant water and energy for production. Conversely, the "downstream" impacts consider waste management and the environmental consequences when packaging materials are not properly disposed of. Less than 10% of plastics are recycled correctly, highlighting a significant issue in waste management infrastructure. Although metal, glass, and paperboard have higher recycling rates, their recycling processes are energy-intensive. Particularly, the recycling of paperboard, like its production, demands a substantial amount of water and energy.
Environmental Concerns with Cannabis Packaging The cannabis industry produces billions of units of single-use packaging annually. These include not only the primary packaging but also additional elements like vape cartridges and pens, leading to significant plastic waste. This waste contributes to landfills and ocean pollution, exacerbating the global issue of plastic pollution. In Canada alone, the cannabis industry is responsible for an estimated 12.7 to 14.1 million pounds of plastic waste annually. Moreover, the industry faces challenges related to transportation and cultivation practices. For instance, the requirement for cannabis to pass through multiple transportation stages within states adds to the carbon footprint and air pollution. Additionally, indoor cultivation facilities, often necessitated by state laws, demand high energy use, contributing further to environmental degradation.
thechronicmagazine.com
JANUARY 2024
08
