Eco-friendly pre-roll packaging: 7 Powerful Benefits in 2025
The Sustainable Revolution in Cannabis Packaging
Walking through our Astoria dispensary, I often catch customers doing a double-take at our pre-roll display. “Wait, this tube is made from hemp?” they ask, turning the container in their hands with genuine curiosity. That moment of findy is exactly why we at Terp Bros have adopted eco-friendly pre-roll packaging as more than just a trend—it’s our responsibility.
Eco-friendly pre-roll packaging simply means containers for your joints that don’t trash the planet. Instead of conventional plastics that stick around for centuries, these alternatives use materials that either break down naturally or can be endlessly recycled.
When we first opened Terp Bros, I was shocked to learn that Canada alone sent nearly 6 million kilograms of plastic cannabis packaging to landfills in just their first year of legalization. That’s when I knew we had to do better in New York.
The sustainable options we’ve explored have been game-changers. Hemp-based plastics actually remove carbon from the atmosphere—about 1.5 tons of carbon gets sequestered for every ton of hemp grown. Our customers love knowing their pre-roll tube once helped clean the air!
We’ve also experimented with ocean-bound plastics, which takes waste that would otherwise end up choking marine life and transforms it into something useful. The post-consumer recycled (PCR) options we stock contain at least 25% previously used materials—which isn’t just environmentally friendly, it’s actually required now under New York State regulations.
For our premium lines, we’ve found that glass and metal options create an liftd unboxing experience while being infinitely recyclable. And our paper-based solutions offer biodegradable alternatives that still meet child-resistance requirements.
“While continued growth in the cannabis industry is exciting, we have to consider how this expansion will impact the environment,” industry expert Jacob Dooley told me recently at a packaging conference. His concern mirrors what I hear from our Queens customers every day.
The cannabis industry stands at a crossroads. We’re finally experiencing the freedom of legalization, but with it comes responsibility. Those child-resistant plastic tubes and multilayer pouches that dominate the market are creating an environmental nightmare, ending up in landfills, waterways, and eventually, our oceans.
As owner of Terp Bros, New York’s community-focused cannabis dispensary, I’ve made eco-friendly pre-roll packaging a cornerstone of our business model. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because our customers genuinely care. When someone picks up a pre-roll in sustainable packaging, they’re not just buying cannabis—they’re voting for the future they want to see.
The beautiful thing? Making this switch hasn’t hurt our bottom line. If anything, it’s strengthened our connection with the Astoria community we serve. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just selling pre-rolls—we’re building a more sustainable cannabis culture, one package at a time.
Why the Cannabis Industry Must Rethink Packaging
Let’s talk numbers for a moment—and they’re not pretty. In Canada’s first year of legalization alone, an estimated 5.8 to 6.4 million kilograms of plastic cannabis packaging ended up in landfills. That’s just one country in one year. As a cannabis business owner here in Queens, this statistic keeps me up at night. If we don’t change course soon, this mountain of waste will only grow higher as more states accept legalization.
Walk into almost any dispensary and you’ll see the problem firsthand: single-use plastic dominates pre-roll packaging. Those little tubes and containers might only serve their purpose for days or weeks before getting tossed, yet they’ll outlive all of us by centuries. Most are made from virgin petroleum-based plastics, which means more fossil fuel extraction and a bigger carbon footprint for our industry.
What’s particularly frustrating is how much of this packaging is completely excessive. I’ve seen single pre-rolls housed in a plastic tube, inside a cardboard box, wrapped in plastic film—all that waste for a product that might be enjoyed for just 15 minutes! Yes, we need child-resistant packaging and tamper-evidence, but the current approach has gone overboard.
Thankfully, change is happening right here in New York. Our state now requires that cannabis packaging made of plastic must contain a minimum of 25% post-consumer recycled content. At Terp Bros, we’re proud to exceed this standard—it’s just the right thing to do for our Queens community and beyond.
Vermont has taken an even bolder step by launching their adult-use market with a complete ban on plastic packaging for cannabis products. Everything must be sold in glass, metal, or cardboard containers—proving that regulation can drive meaningful innovation when done right.
What’s Driving the Shift?
The move toward eco-friendly pre-roll packaging isn’t just happening because it feels good—powerful market forces are making it inevitable:
First and foremost, our customers are demanding it. When I chat with folks at our Astoria dispensary, especially those between 21-35, sustainability consistently comes up as a major consideration. These Gen Z and Millennial consumers aren’t just talking—they’re willing to pay more for products that align with their environmental values.
Beyond consumer preferences, regulatory tailwinds are pushing the industry forward. New York and Vermont are just the beginning—many states are considering similar legislation. Getting ahead of these requirements just makes good business sense.
In an increasingly crowded cannabis market, sustainable packaging helps brands stand out. We’ve found that our eco-packaging initiatives have become a genuine selling point. Customers specifically mention it when they return to our shop, often bringing friends who share their environmental concerns.
“Honestly, we believe the time is now to make a change and redefine how the cannabis industry thinks about packaging products,” says Jacob Dooley, echoing sentiments we hear daily from our community in Queens and throughout New York City.
The Hidden Costs of Traditional Plastic
When we talk about plastic packaging costs, we need to look beyond the price tag. The true cost is far more extensive—and we’re all paying for it whether we realize it or not.
Microplastics might be the most insidious consequence. As plastic breaks down (but never fully disappears), it fragments into tiny particles that contaminate soil, water, and eventually enter our food chain. Scientists have now found these microplastics in human blood, placenta, and organs. That pre-roll tube you tossed last year? Parts of it might literally be inside you now.
Our industry’s fossil fuel dependence is another hidden cost. Traditional plastic production is deeply tied to petroleum extraction, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. With indoor cannabis grows already having a significant carbon footprint, adding petroleum-based packaging compounds the problem.
With recycling rates for plastic hovering around a dismal 9% in the US, the vast majority of cannabis packaging ends up in landfill overload. What’s worse, an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste enters our oceans annually, creating vast garbage patches and harming marine life.
Compliance overpackaging has become the norm in many markets—multiple layers of plastic and other materials that far exceed what’s needed for product protection. We understand the need for safety, but surely there’s a more sustainable way to achieve it.
Finally, there’s the brand reputation risk. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, brands that cling to unsustainable packaging risk alienating their customer base. At Terp Bros, we’ve found the opposite to be true—our commitment to sustainable practices has strengthened our relationship with our community.
The Materials Revolution: From Hemp Plastic to Tin
The good news? The cannabis industry is experiencing a materials revolution, with innovative eco-friendly pre-roll packaging options popping up everywhere. Let’s explore these exciting alternatives that are helping dispensaries like ours reduce our environmental footprint.
Hemp Bioplastic
What could be more fitting for cannabis packaging than hemp-derived plastic? It’s like poetry—packaging made from the same plant family as what’s inside. Hemp grows quickly without pesticides, needs less water than many crops, and actually cleans the soil through phytoremediation.
The environmental upside is huge: every ton of hemp grown pulls about 1.5 tons of carbon from the atmosphere. That makes hemp plastic a carbon-negative choice—something rare and special in the packaging world.
At Terp Bros, we’ve started using hemp plastic tubes for our premium pre-rolls, and our Queens customers love them. There’s something special about that natural look and feel that connects people to the plant-based product inside.
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastics
PCR plastics give existing materials a second life. These are made from the stuff consumers have already used, which gets collected, processed, and transformed into new products. The most common types we see in pre-roll packaging include:
PET (#1) – Perfect for clear pre-roll tubes, this is the most widely recycled plastic
HDPE (#2) – Slightly more flexible and opaque, often used for caps and bases
PP (#5) – Heat-resistant and durable, commonly used in child-resistant mechanisms
Using PCR creates a ripple effect of good: it keeps waste out of landfills, reduces the need for new plastic production, and creates market demand for recycled materials—which in turn supports better recycling infrastructure.
Reclaimed Ocean Plastic
One of my personal favorites is ocean-bound plastic. This innovative material is collected from coastal communities where it would otherwise wash into our oceans.
With over 8 million tons of plastic entering our oceans every year, marine life is suffering. By creating value for this waste, ocean plastic programs address this crisis while providing us with a packaging material that comes with a powerful story.
These reclaimed plastics get sorted by type to ensure they perform consistently in packaging applications. The result? Material that works just like conventional plastic but carries a much more positive environmental impact.
Glass
There’s something premium about glass pre-roll tubes and jars. Beyond looking great, glass is infinitely recyclable without losing quality. It’s made from abundant natural materials (mostly sand), contains no harmful chemicals, and fits perfectly into existing recycling systems.
Yes, glass weighs more than plastic—which means higher shipping emissions—but its durability often leads to reuse. Our customers in Astoria tell us they keep our glass tubes for all sorts of purposes, extending their life well beyond a single use.
Metal Tin
Tin containers offer excellent protection while being infinitely recyclable. Though metal production requires significant energy initially, recycling tin uses 95% less energy than making new tin. Like glass, it can be recycled repeatedly without quality loss.
The durability of tin makes it perfect for multi-pack pre-roll containers and premium presentations. Many of our Terp Bros customers keep these tins long after they’ve enjoyed the pre-rolls inside—using them to store everything from jewelry to sewing supplies.
FSC-Certified Paperboard
Paper-based solutions certified by the Forest Stewardship Council ensure responsible forestry practices. These materials break down naturally and can be cleverly engineered to provide good protection while meeting child-resistance requirements through smart structural design rather than plastic components.
Paper-based push-packs and slide boxes offer a clean, premium feel while being significantly more earth-friendly than plastic alternatives.
Omnidegradable Films
Some packaging suppliers now offer films and coatings they describe as “omnidegradable”—designed to break down in various environments including landfills, compost facilities, and even marine settings. These materials require careful vetting to avoid greenwashing, but represent an exciting frontier in sustainable packaging innovation.
Why Eco-friendly pre-roll packaging Beats Virgin Plastic
The advantages of sustainable materials over conventional virgin plastic are compelling:
| Material | Environmental Benefits | Performance | End-of-Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemp Plastic | Carbon sequestration (1.5t CO₂/1t hemp), soil remediation, pesticide-free | Comparable to conventional plastic, slightly more brittle | Currently landfilled, acts as carbon trap |
| PCR Plastic | Reduces virgin plastic demand, supports recycling infrastructure | Identical to virgin plastic | Recyclable in existing systems |
| Ocean Plastic | Prevents marine pollution, creates incentive for cleanup | Comparable to virgin plastic | Recyclable in existing systems |
| Glass | Made from abundant materials, no chemicals | Superior protection, premium feel | Infinitely recyclable |
| Tin Metal | Reduced mining impact | Excellent protection, premium feel | Infinitely recyclable |
| Paperboard | Renewable resource, biodegradable | Good for secondary packaging | Recyclable, biodegradable |
For cannabis businesses in New York, the choice is increasingly clear. As one supplier puts it, “There is absolutely no reason to ever use virgin petroleum resin for single-use products like packaging.” At Terp Bros, we couldn’t agree more.
Compostable & Omnidegradable—Fact or Fiction?
Terms like “biodegradable,” “compostable,” and “omnidegradable” show up all over packaging marketing, but what’s the real story?
Compostable materials must meet specific standards, such as ASTM D6400, requiring them to break down into non-toxic components within a specific timeframe in commercial composting facilities. Important note: “compostable” doesn’t mean something will decompose in your backyard compost pile or in a landfill—it specifically refers to industrial composting conditions.
Biodegradable is a broader, less regulated term indicating that microorganisms can break down a material. Without time specifications or environmental conditions, this term can be misleading. Many “biodegradable” plastics simply fragment into microplastics rather than truly biodegrading.
Omnidegradable suggests materials will break down in various environments. This newer term lacks standardized testing protocols, making verification challenging.
The reality is that most bioplastics, including hemp plastic, currently end up in landfills where they act as carbon traps—locking away the carbon absorbed during plant growth. While this is better than petroleum plastic, it’s not ideal.
The best approach? Prioritize materials with established recycling streams (glass, metal, paper, PET) while supporting the development of better end-of-life infrastructure for bioplastics. That’s the strategy we’re pursuing at Terp Bros as we continue to evolve our packaging solutions.
Eco-friendly pre-roll packaging Options: Tubes, Tins & Beyond
Now that we understand the materials, let’s explore the specific eco-friendly pre-roll packaging formats available to cannabis brands:
Pop-Top PCR Tubes
These familiar cylindrical containers now come in post-consumer recycled versions that maintain the same functionality while reducing environmental impact. Available in 78mm (mini) and 110-116mm (king size) options, these tubes can accommodate standard pre-rolls, infused products, and even vape cartridges.
The child-resistant pop-top mechanism meets regulatory requirements while being intuitive for adult users. PCR plastic versions are virtually indistinguishable from virgin plastic in appearance and performance.
Glass Tubes with Cork or Screw-Top Lids
For premium pre-roll presentations, glass tubes with cork stoppers or screw-top lids offer sophisticated protection. These containers create an airtight seal that preserves freshness while showcasing the product inside.
Glass tubes typically come in 115-120mm lengths and provide excellent moisture and odor barriers. The natural cork stoppers add an artisanal touch, while metal screw-tops offer more secure closure.
Slider Tins
Metal tins with sliding mechanisms provide excellent protection for multiple pre-rolls. These containers can be configured to hold pre-rolls horizontally or vertically, with custom inserts to prevent movement during transport.
The sliding mechanism offers satisfying tactile feedback and can incorporate child-resistant features. Tins are particularly popular for multi-pack gift sets and limited edition releases.
Multipack Jars
Glass jars with metal or PCR plastic lids offer excellent protection for multiple pre-rolls while creating a premium unboxing experience. These containers are often reused by consumers for storing other items, extending their useful life.
Jars can incorporate humidity control elements to maintain optimal moisture levels and preserve terpene profiles. Their wide openings make accessing products easy for consumers with dexterity limitations.
Child-Resistant Paper Push-Packs
Innovative paper-based solutions now offer child-resistance through structural design rather than plastic components. These push-packs use thick paperboard with specialized folding and locking mechanisms to create secure but accessible packaging.
The ergonomic shape limits consumer frustration when opening while maintaining compliance with regulations. Full-color printing on paperboard creates vibrant branding opportunities.
Reusable Containers
Some forward-thinking dispensaries, including our Terp Bros locations in Queens, are exploring reusable container programs. Customers purchase pre-rolls in durable containers that can be returned, sanitized, and refilled—similar to growler programs at breweries.
While these systems require more operational complexity, they dramatically reduce packaging waste and build customer loyalty through discount incentives for container returns.
Choosing Eco-friendly pre-roll packaging for Multipacks
Multi-packs present unique challenges and opportunities for sustainable packaging:
5-Pack Tins: Metal tins with custom inserts can hold five standard pre-rolls securely while offering premium presentation and infinite recyclability. These containers often become keepsakes, extending their useful life.
7-Day Kits: Week-supply packages can use paper-based book box designs with individual compartments for each day. These clever structures combine child-resistance with sustainability through structural design.
Paperboard Book Boxes: These neat folding containers open like a book to reveal pre-rolls nestled in custom inserts. The thick paperboard provides protection while being fully recyclable and biodegradable.
Odor-Control Liners: For multi-packs, maintaining freshness is crucial. Aluminum foil liners and special coatings can provide odor barriers while still allowing the primary packaging to be recyclable.
At Terp Bros, we’ve found that customers particularly appreciate our multi-pack options that use minimal materials while maintaining product integrity. Our paperboard book boxes have become signature items that customers specifically request.
For those interested in exploring our pre-roll offerings in eco-friendly packaging, visit our Pre-Rolls page.
Single-Serve Solutions That Sell
For individual pre-rolls, several sustainable options stand out:
78mm Hemp Tubes: These compact tubes made from hemp plastic are perfect for half-gram pre-rolls and standard vape cartridges. Their plant-based composition resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.
Glass Vials: Small glass tubes with cork or metal caps offer premium protection for individual pre-rolls while being infinitely recyclable. Their transparency showcases product quality.
Recyclable Foil Pouches: Aluminum-based pouches provide excellent odor and moisture barriers while being recyclable in existing infrastructure. These lightweight options minimize shipping emissions.
Tamper Bands: Paper-based tamper-evident bands can replace plastic shrink wrap, providing security while being more easily recyclable or compostable.
Innovative Examples on the Market
The cannabis industry is seeing remarkable innovation in sustainable packaging:
Ocean-Bound Plastic Sliders: Multi-pack containers made from plastic collected from coastal areas that would otherwise enter marine ecosystems. These products tell a powerful environmental story while functioning like conventional packaging.
Hemp-Paper CR Cartons: Child-resistant cartons made from hemp paper combine compliance with sustainability. The natural variations in hemp paper create distinctive visual textures that improve shelf appeal.
Push-Pack Systems: Paper-based push-packs use clever structural design to achieve child-resistance without plastic components. The ergonomic shape limits frustration when opening while maintaining compliance.
As Jacob Dooley notes in his article “Why should you use eco-friendly cannabis pre-roll packaging?“: “Eco-friendly packaging meets consumer demand, differentiates your brand, and can be implemented without sacrificing regulatory compliance.”
Switching Smart: Costs, Compliance & Supply Chain Realities
Transitioning to eco-friendly pre-roll packaging requires careful planning. Here’s what cannabis businesses should consider:
Child-Resistant Testing and Compliance
All cannabis packaging, including sustainable options, must meet child-resistance requirements. This typically means compliance with ASTM D3475, which requires testing with both children and seniors to ensure packages are difficult for children to open but accessible for adults.
Certification testing can cost $7,000-$10,000 per package design, so working with suppliers who have already certified their sustainable packaging can save significant costs. At Terp Bros, we partner with suppliers who maintain current certifications for their eco-friendly options.
New York’s regulations require specific performance standards for child-resistance while allowing flexibility in materials. This enables innovation in sustainable design while maintaining safety.
Per-Unit Cost Trends
Sustainable materials typically cost more than conventional plastics—at least initially. Here’s what to expect:
- PCR Plastic: 10-25% premium over virgin plastic
- Hemp Plastic: 30-50% premium over virgin plastic
- Ocean Plastic: 25-40% premium over virgin plastic
- Glass: 50-100% premium over plastic tubes
- Metal Tin: 75-150% premium over plastic multipacks
- Paper Solutions: Varies widely based on design complexity
However, these premiums are decreasing as scale increases. Many cannabis brands find they can absorb these costs through slight price adjustments or offset them through marketing benefits and customer loyalty.
At Terp Bros, we’ve found that our customers in Astoria, Jackson Heights, and throughout Queens are willing to pay a small premium for products in sustainable packaging, particularly when we communicate the environmental benefits clearly.
Minimum Order Quantity Challenges
One significant hurdle for smaller cannabis businesses is minimum order quantities (MOQs). Sustainable packaging often requires larger minimum orders:
- Custom PCR Tubes: 5,000-10,000 units
- Hemp Plastic: 3,000-5,000 units
- Custom Tins: 5,000-10,000 units
- Custom Paper Solutions: 1,000-3,000 units
This can create cash flow challenges for smaller operations. Solutions include:
- Pooling Orders: Partner with other small brands to meet minimums
- Stock Programs: Some suppliers now offer stock (non-custom) sustainable options with lower minimums
- Phased Implementation: Start with one product line, then expand
- Local Partnerships: Work with local packaging suppliers who may offer lower MOQs
Domestic vs. Overseas Manufacturing
The environmental impact of packaging includes transportation emissions. Overseas manufacturing may offer lower unit costs but comes with:
- Higher carbon footprint from shipping
- Longer lead times (8-12 weeks vs. 2-4 weeks domestic)
- More complex quality control
- Potential communication challenges
Many sustainable packaging suppliers emphasize domestic manufacturing to reduce transportation emissions and support local economies. As one supplier states, “Investing in local resilience by sourcing Made in USA packaging is crucial now more than ever.”
Customization Lead Times
Custom branding on sustainable packaging typically adds time to production schedules:
- Direct Printing: 2-3 weeks additional
- Label Application: 1-2 weeks additional
- Custom Molds/Tooling: 4-8 weeks additional
Planning for these extended timelines is essential, particularly for seasonal promotions or product launches. Working with suppliers who offer digital proofing can help streamline the approval process.
Balancing Budget with Purpose
For cannabis businesses with limited budgets, several strategies can make sustainable packaging more accessible:
Bulk PCR Pricing: Ordering larger quantities of post-consumer recycled packaging can bring per-unit costs closer to virgin plastic. While this requires more upfront capital, the long-term savings can be substantial.
Freight Emission Reduction: Consolidating orders and choosing packaging designs that nest efficiently can reduce shipping volume and associated emissions. Some suppliers offer carbon offset programs for shipping.
Made-in-USA Incentives: Some states offer tax incentives for businesses using domestically manufactured packaging. These programs can help offset the premium for sustainable materials.
Hybrid Approaches: Starting with PCR plastic (the most affordable sustainable option) while planning a transition to bioplastics or other materials as volumes increase can make the shift more financially manageable.
At Terp Bros, we began with PCR plastic tubes for our pre-rolls, then gradually introduced hemp plastic and paper-based options as our volumes increased. This phased approach allowed us to manage costs while continuously improving our environmental footprint.
Staying Fresh, Safe & Legal
Sustainable packaging must still maintain product freshness, safety, and compliance:
Humidity Control: Integrating humidity packs into sustainable packaging helps maintain optimal moisture levels for pre-rolls. These small sachets are compatible with all packaging types and can be made from biodegradable materials.
Light-Proof Coatings: UV protection is crucial for preserving cannabinoids and terpenes. Sustainable packaging can incorporate light-blocking properties through tinting (for PCR and bioplastics) or opaque materials (for paper solutions).
Odor Barriers: Cannabis products require effective odor containment. Aluminum foil liners, special coatings, and proper sealing mechanisms ensure discretion while maintaining sustainability.
New York Compliance: NY regulations require child-resistance, tamper-evidence, and opaque packaging. All sustainable options must meet these requirements while also satisfying the 25% PCR minimum for plastic components.
The good news is that suppliers have developed sustainable options that satisfy all these requirements without compromising environmental benefits.
How Eco-Friendly Packaging Builds Brand & Community Impact
At Terp Bros, we’ve found that eco-friendly pre-roll packaging does more than protect products—it tells our story and strengthens our community connections.
The Circular Economy Opportunity
Sustainable packaging supports a circular economy where materials remain in use rather than becoming waste. This approach:
- Reduces Resource Extraction: Using recycled and plant-based materials decreases demand for virgin resources
- Minimizes Waste: Recyclable and compostable materials can be processed into new products
- Creates Green Jobs: Recycling and bioplastic production generate more jobs than landfill management
Some dispensaries, including our Terp Bros locations, have implemented refill incentives where customers receive discounts for returning packaging for reuse or proper recycling. These programs build loyalty while reducing waste.
Social Equity Through Sustainability
Environmental justice and social equity are deeply interconnected. Landfills, incinerators, and plastic production facilities disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color.
By reducing waste and pollution, sustainable packaging supports environmental justice. This aligns perfectly with Terp Bros’ commitment to social equity and the CAURD program, which supports justice-involved individuals entering the cannabis industry.
In our Astoria community, we’ve sponsored clean-up events where we collect and properly recycle cannabis packaging (from any dispensary) while educating consumers about sustainable options. These events strengthen community bonds while addressing a practical environmental concern.
Storytelling Through Sustainable Design
Packaging is a powerful communication tool. Sustainable materials provide opportunities to tell compelling brand stories:
Custom Art: Eco-friendly materials provide excellent printing surfaces for local artists’ work, connecting products to community culture. At Terp Bros, we feature Queens-based artists on our paper-based packaging.
QR Codes: Adding QR codes to tubes and containers can direct consumers to detailed information about environmental initiatives, material sourcing, and proper disposal.
Impact Stats on Labels: Including simple statistics (e.g., “This package contains 100% recycled material” or “Made from hemp that sequestered X lbs of carbon”) helps consumers understand the difference they’re making.
Minimalist Design: Sustainable packaging often accepts a “less is more” aesthetic that resonates with contemporary consumers seeking authenticity and transparency.
For our pre-roll products, we use packaging that communicates our values through both materials and messaging. Check out our Pre-Rolls to see these principles in action.
Verifying Supplier Claims
With growing concern about “greenwashing,” cannabis brands must verify sustainability claims:
Third-Party Lifecycle Assessments (LCA): These comprehensive analyses measure environmental impacts throughout a product’s lifecycle. Reputable packaging suppliers should provide LCA data for their materials.
Certifications: Look for recognized certifications like:
- BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) for compostable materials
- USDA Biobased for plant-derived content
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for paper products
- PCR content verification from SCS Global or similar
Supply Chain Audits: Some cannabis brands conduct their own audits of packaging suppliers to verify environmental claims and labor practices.
At Terp Bros, we request documentation for all environmental claims and prioritize suppliers who provide transparent information about their materials and processes. This due diligence ensures our sustainable packaging truly delivers on its promises.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eco-Friendly Pre-Roll Packaging
How does eco-friendly packaging stay child-resistant?
One of the biggest concerns I hear from dispensary visitors is whether sustainable packaging can truly be child-resistant. The good news? Eco-friendly pre-roll packaging absolutely can meet safety standards while being kind to our planet.
When we first explored sustainable options at Terp Bros, we were impressed by the innovative approaches manufacturers have developed. Paper-based push-packs use cleverly designed folding patterns that require adult cognitive skills to open. These complex structures frustrate children but are intuitive for adults once shown.
For our glass tubes, specially engineered cork stoppers require a specific pressure and twisting motion that small hands can’t easily replicate. And our recycled plastic options incorporate the same reliable push-and-turn mechanisms you’re familiar with from traditional packaging.
Rest assured, every child-resistant package—sustainable or not—undergoes identical ASTM D3475 testing. This rigorous protocol ensures 80% of children cannot open the package while 90% of adults can do so correctly. We never compromise on safety, even as we improve sustainability.
Is hemp plastic really compostable?
This question comes up almost daily in our Astoria shop, and the answer requires some nuance. Most hemp plastic currently available is a blend of PLA (a plant-based plastic) with hemp fibers. These materials need industrial composting facilities to break down properly—they won’t decompose in your backyard compost bin or in landfills anytime soon.
The newer, purer hemp bioplastics show more promise for biodegradability, but they still need specific conditions to break down completely. The reality is that most hemp plastic in New York ends up in landfills where it acts as a carbon trap, locking away the carbon that the hemp absorbed during growth.
While not ideal, this is still environmentally preferable to petroleum plastic. The real environmental win with hemp plastic comes from its renewable source material and impressive carbon sequestration during growth—each ton of hemp grown pulls about 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
At Terp Bros, we see hemp plastic as an important transitional material while we work toward truly circular solutions. As industrial composting becomes more widespread, these materials will become even more beneficial.
Will switching to eco-friendly packaging raise my production costs long-term?
When we first switched to sustainable packaging at our Queens dispensary, we definitely saw higher upfront costs. PCR plastic ran us about 15% more than virgin plastic, and our hemp plastic options cost nearly 40% more initially.
But here’s what we’ve learned over time: these cost differences are shrinking fast. As more cannabis businesses demand sustainable materials, production is scaling up and prices are coming down. When New York implemented the 25% recycled content requirement, we actually saw PCR prices stabilize while virgin plastic costs increased.
Many of our customers tell us they’re happy to pay a dollar or two more for products in earth-friendly packaging. This willingness to support sustainability has offset our increased costs through higher sales volume and customer loyalty.
Perhaps most importantly, investing in sustainable packaging now is future-proofing our business. As regulations tighten—and they will—companies scrambling to comply will face higher costs and disruption than those of us who made the transition early.
The long view suggests sustainable packaging may eventually become more economical than conventional options, especially as petroleum prices rise and recycling infrastructure improves. It’s an investment that makes both environmental and business sense.
How can I verify that packaging is truly sustainable?
In a market flooded with vague “green” claims, due diligence is essential. When we evaluate new packaging suppliers at Terp Bros, we always request specific documentation—third-party certifications, test results, and detailed material composition.
Look for recognized standards like ASTM D6400 for compostability claims, verified percentages of PCR content, or FSC certification for paper products. Be wary of vague terms like “eco-friendly” or “biodegradable” without specific conditions or timeframes attached.
We’ve learned to consider the full lifecycle impact. Some materials might be plant-based but require more energy to produce or transport than alternatives. Ask suppliers for lifecycle assessment data comparing their products to conventional options.
When possible, visit manufacturing facilities or request virtual tours. We’ve found that transparent suppliers welcome these questions and readily provide documentation. Those who get defensive or vague about their claims often don’t have substance to back them up.
Trust your instincts—if something sounds too good to be true environmentally, it probably is.
What’s the most affordable way to start using eco-friendly packaging?
Starting small and scaling up has worked well for us at Terp Bros. If you’re looking to begin your sustainability journey without breaking the bank, consider these practical approaches:
Start with post-consumer recycled plastic, which typically carries the smallest price premium (10-25%) while satisfying New York’s 25% recycled content requirement. This simple switch makes a real environmental difference with minimal cost impact.
Many suppliers now offer non-custom sustainable options with lower minimum order quantities. These stock programs let you test materials before committing to large custom orders.
We focused first on converting our bestselling pre-rolls to sustainable packaging, maximizing environmental impact while managing costs. This allowed us to tell our sustainability story while learning what worked best for our products.
Consider partnering with other small dispensaries to meet minimum order quantities for custom sustainable packaging. We’ve collaborated with other Queens businesses to share costs and reach minimums that would be challenging individually.
The phased approach we’ve taken—starting with PCR tubes, then expanding to hemp plastic and paper-based options—has allowed us to improve our environmental footprint steadily while keeping our business healthy.
How do I educate my customers about sustainable packaging?
When we first introduced eco-friendly pre-roll packaging at Terp Bros, we quickly realized that customer education was crucial to its success. Our budtenders became sustainability ambassadors, able to explain not just the environmental benefits but also how to properly recycle or dispose of different materials.
Simple, clear labeling has been incredibly effective. Rather than vague claims, we use specific statements like “Made from 100% recycled plastic” or “This hemp plastic saved 0.5 pounds of CO₂.” Customers appreciate straightforward information they can understand at a glance.
In-store displays showcase our packaging journey, comparing conventional options with our sustainable alternatives. These visual aids help customers grasp the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions.
QR codes on our packaging link to detailed sustainability information for those who want to dig deeper. We share both our achievements and our ongoing challenges—this authenticity resonates more than perfect “green” marketing.
Perhaps our most successful education tool has been our container return program, where customers receive discounts for bringing back packaging for proper recycling. This hands-on participation in the circular economy has created enthusiastic advocates among our regular customers.
Can eco-friendly packaging keep pre-rolls as fresh as plastic tubes?
This was one of our biggest concerns when transitioning to sustainable packaging, and we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the results. After extensive testing, we’ve found that well-designed sustainable packaging maintains freshness just as effectively as conventional options—sometimes better.
Our glass tubes with cork stoppers actually outperform plastic in preserving terpene profiles over extended periods. The natural cork creates an exceptional seal while allowing minimal air exchange to prevent mold issues.
For our PCR and hemp plastic options, we’ve incorporated the same reliable airtight seals used in conventional packaging. Combined with humidity control packs, these solutions maintain optimal moisture levels for weeks.
The key is thoughtful design that considers closure systems, seals, and moisture barriers—not just material substitution. Working with experienced sustainable packaging suppliers ensures performance isn’t compromised.
For UV protection, our tinted glass and colored bioplastics shield cannabinoids from degradation, while our paper-based solutions use opaque materials to block light completely.
After a year of selling pre-rolls in various sustainable packaging options, customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with no increase in freshness complaints. The myth that eco-friendly means lower quality has been thoroughly debunked in our experience.
At Terp Bros, we’ve found that eco-friendly pre-roll packaging represents the future of our industry—a future where we can protect both our products and our planet without compromise. From our Astoria dispensary to deliveries throughout Queens, we’re proud to be part of this important transition toward sustainability.
Stop by our shop to see these packaging innovations firsthand, and join us in building a cannabis industry that’s as good for the earth as it is for its customers.
