Sustainability and the Pre-roll Marketplace

In a world where your munchies can be organic, why should your pre-rolls lag behind in the sustainability race?

Although cannabis products may not get a little green “Certified Organic” sticker anytime soon, the community has an opportunity to form deep connections with consumers, encourage adoption, and avoid repeating catastrophes other industries have inflicted on the world. As we look out at the kingdom that is the pre-roll sector, it’s hard not to evoke (and shake a grumpy fist at) others, including big tobacco. Realistically, that’s really what this article is about. Shaking our fists…while learning.

Why you should care about sustainable cannabis practices?

Browsing the local dispensary, you’ll notice businesses that use and market practices that support ecological, human, and economic health all the time. The more we see, the more we’re convinced that sustainability isn’t just beneficial, but becoming a necessity for business viability. Well, beyond even the various regulatory requirements amongst states. You should care because your customers care.

How can pre-roll operators be more sustainable?

Some of the biggest perpetrators of waste we see today come in the form of a cone, and we chatted about some of the great things going on in the space with another blog post titled, “How Green is Your Pre-roll Process?” That being said, here are some other great ways pre-roll operators can up their sustainability game.

Why: The production of a lot of pre-rolls can consume a lot of power, particularly in facilities using intensive machinery. In addition to environmental benefits, minimizing an organization’s carbon footprint can easily lead to significant cuts in operational costs.

How: The easiest way to begin saving energy is by taking stock of how you’re using it now. How much does a pre-roll machine consume to operate? How long does it need to be run for? What time are the lights turning off on the production floor? All of these questions are important, but according to a report by Harsh Choudhry et al., “…while operational improvements can reduce energy consumption by 10 to 20 percent, investment in energy-efficiency technologies can boost that to 50 percent or more.”

Why: We’ve seen from the outset the environmental issues pre-rolls have spurred on via their packaging. In the few short years of recreational sales across the country, millions of pounds of plastic from cannabis products are likely to have already hit our landfills. In many cases, it’s a matter of both volume and material. Our Blackbird automated rolling machines alone have produced over 65 million joints, and we don’t want to picture a world where every one of them came with their own little plastic tube. 

How: We’ve mentioned this before, but multipacks can be a great opportunity to illustrate sustainability while cashing in on a very popular product. More specifically – one of the most popular product types on the pre-roll market. Couple multipacks with a strategy to implement reusable or compostable plastic-alternatives, and pre-roll operators can expect both increased sales and a decrease to their environmental impact.

Why: Getting smart about shipping isn’t purely about shaving costs, we know that it’s added value when it comes to customers. The whole process of getting supplies and machinery from overseas can be a real headache, costing too much and leaving a heavier environmental footprint. Consider how goods get to you to save money and tap into the growing market of eco-conscious consumers (who love supporting more sustainable brands).

How: Here are a few hands-on tips to tighten up your supply chain.

    • Consolidated shipments: Talk to your suppliers about sending bigger shipments less often. It’s like carpooling for your goods – it saves on costs and cuts down on pollution.
    • Nearshoring: Think about bringing some of your production closer to home. It could shorten travel distances for your supplies, slash emissions, and keep things moving faster. This can include your material, machinery, or tooling.
    • Supply Chain Transparency: Keep a clear view of your supply chain. More sophisticated tracking or technologies can help you see where inefficiencies exist.
    • Lean Inventory Management: Use predictive analytics or tools to align your stock levels with actual demand. This is much easier done in conjunction with the other “how’s” in this list!
Implement energy-efficient production techniques

Why: The production of a lot of pre-rolls can consume a lot of power, particularly in facilities using intensive machinery. In addition to environmental benefits, minimizing an organization’s carbon footprint can easily lead to significant cuts in operational costs.

How: The easiest way to begin saving energy is by taking stock of how you’re using it now. How much does a pre-roll machine consume to operate? How long does it need to be run for? What time are the lights turning off on the production floor? All of these questions are important, but according to a report by Harsh Choudhry et al., “…while operational improvements can reduce energy consumption by 10 to 20 percent, investment in energy-efficiency technologies can boost that to 50 percent or more.”

Adopt multipacks and reusable packaging

Why: We’ve seen from the outset the environmental issues pre-rolls have spurred on via their packaging. In the few short years of recreational sales across the country, millions of pounds of plastic from cannabis products are likely to have already hit our landfills. In many cases, it’s a matter of both volume and material. Our Blackbird automated rolling machines alone have produced over 65 million joints, and we don’t want to picture a world where every one of them came with their own little plastic tube. 

How: We’ve mentioned this before, but multipacks can be a great opportunity to illustrate sustainability while cashing in on a very popular product. More specifically – one of the most popular product types on the pre-roll market. Couple multipacks with a strategy to implement reusable or compostable plastic-alternatives, and pre-roll operators can expect both increased sales and a decrease to their environmental impact.

Ship smarter

Why: Getting smart about shipping isn’t purely about shaving costs, we know that it’s added value when it comes to customers. The whole process of getting supplies and machinery from overseas can be a real headache, costing too much and leaving a heavier environmental footprint. Consider how goods get to you to save money and tap into the growing market of eco-conscious consumers (who love supporting more sustainable brands).

How: Here are a few hands-on tips to tighten up your supply chain.

    • Consolidated shipments: Talk to your suppliers about sending bigger shipments less often. It’s like carpooling for your goods – it saves on costs and cuts down on pollution.
    • Nearshoring: Think about bringing some of your production closer to home. It could shorten travel distances for your supplies, slash emissions, and keep things moving faster. This can include your material, machinery, or tooling.
    • Supply Chain Transparency: Keep a clear view of your supply chain. More sophisticated tracking or technologies can help you see where inefficiencies exist.
    • Lean Inventory Management: Use predictive analytics or tools to align your stock levels with actual demand. This is much easier done in conjunction with the other “how’s” in this list!

Yes, sustainability is marketable

Sustainability doesn’t just mean adopting greener practices, it also involves being transparent with consumers about the journey. Pre-rolls might sound like a product with minimal environmental impact compared to other industries (or even within the cannabis space), but we’d note that so many functions are already booming industries in and of themselves, with players up and down the production chain. 

Through the adoption of practices like carefully considering your pre-roll packaging, energy consumption, or reliance on cones, businesses can illustrate a commitment to sustainability while dramatically reducing the sector’s footprint. Sharing these stories through a blog, posts, newsletters, social media, or product packaging create touchpoints that keep customers engaged and informed.

Being clear with customers about sustainability efforts invites them into the process, fostering a sense of partnership that not only helps customers make informed choices, but humanizes your brand. The only thing that beats an informed customer is an informed and loyal customer.