5 Sustainable cannabis packaging options for 2025

When you think about cannabis, the first associations that come to your mind are the chill vibes and natural roots. Among all the recreational products you can find in dispensaries, cannabis has the strongest connection to the Earth. However, the same can’t be said of packaging, as the industry pumps out tons of waste to produce single-use sachets, jars, and containers that are anything but eco-friendly.

For cannabis, sustainable packaging is a way to make the entire industry greener and reiterate how steadfast your brand is in protecting the environment. In 2025, it will become an even more pressing necessity than it is now. Don’t wait until next year to start putting your vapes, flowers, and oils in the eco-friendly, compostable skin to show off the green side of your products and your caring attitude toward nature. 

Why and how can you adopt sustainable packaging in the cannabis industry?

Because many cannabis consumers set their sights on natural goodness, brands should emphasize the organic nature of their products. With sustainable cannabis packaging, you can tell the world you are green to the core and doing your utmost for the eco-friendly reputation of your business and the satisfaction of your customers. A recyclable box or pouch is a huge step toward:

• Replacing single-use plastics and other wasteful designs with eco-friendly alternatives
• Reducing unnecessary waste, especially if you produce and sell hemp-based products in larger quantities
• Establishing your brand as environmentally friendly and one that keeps abreast of what’s going on in the industry

If you are eager to connect with consumers who care about the planet, check out these 5 options for sustainable packaging for cannabis products to implement this year.

Paper sachets

Paper has always been a great packaging material. It ticks all the boxes for sustainable packaging for cannabis products because it is lightweight, recyclable, and easy to print on, which means you have no limitations in showcasing your product designs. It is perfect for anything you put on the shelves, from fresh flowers to gummies.

Paper sachets are worth adopting as soon as possible if you still go with plastic. The #1 reason is the biodegradability of this package type, which enables you to give back to the planet. It’s easy to customize with any design elements, including minimalist branding and custom features. What’s more, you can use seed paper for your sachets to let customers plant what used to be the packaging and grow wildflowers.

Recyclable jars

Traditional plastic and glass jars are the pillars of cannabis storage, but their recyclable counterparts are in another league. Typically made of rPET, they are durable, safe, and easy to recycle.

To take sustainability to the next level, you can choose both pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled material designed for multiple uses. Add reusable lids, and your cannabis treats will not only be preserved in fresh condition but maximize eco-friendliness.

Biodegradable containers

For products like gummies, capsules, and concentrates, biodegradable containers are a game-changer. Made of cornstarch, hemp bioplastic, or PLA, they break down quickly and leave no trace of microplastics.

Hemp enthusiasts have an appreciation for these containers because they are lightweight and good-looking and double as a guilt-free choice that fits into the cannabis ethos of doing no harm to the surroundings. But the best part is that they can be reused after the initial serving of cannabis is gone.

Bamboo tubes

If you think bamboo is only good for pandas, you may be surprised to see it becoming a solid option for sustainable packaging for cannabis. This sturdy, biodegradable, and cool-looking material is a new superstar on the packaging scene. 

Bamboo tubes are a stellar choice for pre-rolls, vape pens, and elongated hemp accessories. Besides making your products stand out, they are all about eco-friendliness. Customers will love bamboo’s organic origin and premium touch, and you can customize your tubes to fit as many items as you want to sell.

Glass packaging

When it comes to premium hemp products, glass packaging is like the gold standard. It’s eco-friendly and reusable, which is a double win for your products. In addition, a custom-made glass jar or container stands out among dozens of non-reusable bags.

What can glass jars be used for? Anything. You can put buds, concentrates, oils, lotions, and even edibles there, locking in the freshness and appearance of the items. Also, you can add sustainable lids made of cork or bamboo instead of plastic ones for a more responsible touch-up.

How to choose the best sustainable packaging for cannabis goods

With such a variety of eco-friendly packaging options, how do you stick to the best one? Do you even have to settle on just one? Here’s what you need to keep in mind to present your hemp products:

• Your offerings. Depending on whether you offer joints, gummies, vapes, or the whole cannabis menu, you can go with a one-pack-to-bind-them-all approach to keep your brand consistent. Or, you can choose multiple eco-friendly solutions that best match each product type, like recyclable jars for fresh buds and bamboo tubes for blunts.
• Brand concept. Before wrapping your cannabis with sustainable packaging, think of what aspects of your brand it should reflect. Are you emphasizing recreational properties or the effects that can enhance the user’s well-being? The answer may affect your choice of packaging and material.

• Local regulations. Besides satisfying your customers’ and your own packaging needs, there are laws to adhere to. Although they differ by state, child-resistant features for cannabis treats are a priority everywhere. Depending on your budget and production volumes, it may be easier (or cheaper) to tick the compliance boxes in certain packaging types than in others.

Whether you choose to pack your cannabis into biodegradable containers, bamboo tubes, or paper pouches, you can take it up a notch and create head-turning packaging with MYLARMEN. Leading the charge in sustainable packaging, we consistently use materials that help the planet stay green while maximizing the commercial display of your products.