Avoiding a Financial Disaster with a Sustainability Win
Sustainability is the ultimate cannabis packaging tariff solution.
Sweeping tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump are having a massive financial impact on the cannabis industry and forcing supply chain disruption across the planet. With many, if not most, cannabis companies sourcing their child-resistant containers, pre-roll tubes, and custom branding materials from global manufacturers, the hurt is real. People are scrambling to pivot in a business sector that relies heavily on a global supply chain outside the United States and primarily in China.
There is renewed interest in domestic suppliers in response to the Trump administration’s fluctuating tariff policies, which will increase duties and delays on imports from China, Canada, Mexico, the EU, and beyond. However, shifting production to the U.S. or other countries isn’t an easy win. Pre-roll packaging domestic production options are often more expensive, have limited production capacity, or lack the specialized designs required for compliance.
The obvious place to look for tariff-proof cannabis packaging is within the US, but domestic cannabis packaging manufacturers are largely unequipped to meet demand. That is, until we look more closely at sustainable cannabis packaging in the USA.
With more than 72% of consumers reporting that they prefer eco-friendly packaging, domestic manufacturers have been taking note and responding to this shift by making a greater investment in biodegradable materials including hemp-based plastics, compostable paper, reusable and refillable packaging, compostable pouches for edibles and flower, and soy-based inks and water-soluble adhesives that reduce environmental impact.
Domestic Solutions with Brand Benefits
Strengthen your supply chain and brand impact with intention.
As cannabis brands seek to sidestep volatile global trade conditions with a long-term vision, we could see a seismic shift toward domestic sustainable packaging in the industry. If companies use this moment not only to move away from global producers but to embrace domestic partners with regional material suppliers and eco-friendly packaging solutions, Trump tariffs could spark a lasting shift toward locally sourced, sustainable practices. U.S.-based innovators in sustainable packaging are poised to lead—and gain a competitive edge—in an increasingly values-driven market.
And the benefits for the planet don’t stop there.
Not only is overseas shipping a massive source of greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s also more challenging to ensure sustainable, ethical business practices with partner companies on the other side of the planet. Lax labor standards, loose environmental regulations, and delayed communication all contribute to greater environmental harm and human rights violations in overseas production.
Though Trump’s global trade war is not intended to bring about environmental or social justice, his tariffs may have some happy side effects.
Meeting the Moment with Sustainability
Beat tariffs by capitalizing on the green wave.
Despite rising costs, the environmental message is clear: consumer demand for sustainable packaging is growing. Consumers worldwide are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their products and actively seek sustainable alternatives. Research shows that eco-friendly shopping preferences among marijuana consumers continue to trend upward.
According to the 2023 “Buying Green Report” from Trivium Packaging, consumer support for sustainable packaging is growing, even amid global inflation. Overall, 82% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, up from 78% in 2022 and 74% in 2021. Gen Z consumers (18–24) lead this trend, with 90% expressing willingness to pay more.
Two-thirds of consumers identified as “environmentally conscious,” and 71% of consumers, especially younger and higher earners, listed “sustainable packaging” as a decisive factor.
Perhaps most notably, action aligns with intent. For sustainable packaging specifically, 71% of consumers are actively choosing products based on the sustainability of product packaging, and 80% expressed interest in refillable packaging. Likewise, 63% reported that they are less likely to buy products with environmentally harmful packaging, up six points from 2022.
Offset Costs with Consumer Benefit
Eco-friendly adds value.
Sustainability isn’t just a value—it IS added value. If you are making the switch, go all-in for bigger returns. Sustainable cannabis packaging from local suppliers may just be the ideal solution to today’s global trade challenges.
There’s never been a better time to take the leap toward greening your business. Amid volatile international trade conditions, the shift to domestic suppliers presents a strategic opportunity to avoid tariff-related disruptions and embrace sustainable packaging solutions that elevate your brand.
If you’ve been considering a move toward eco-friendly, child-resistant materials or recyclables, when you need to source alternatives, choose a new package source with new benefits for your brand. When you offset rising costs by aligning with socially responsible practices, you add value to your product.
Getting your pre-roll tubes American-made through local suppliers who use regionally sourced materials not only avoids tariff delays and rate hikes—it shortens transit times and reduces your carbon footprint. Further, adopting sustainable pre-roll packaging with domestic production not only enhances brand reputation but also helps meet new state-mandated environmental regulations.
Finding the Right Supplier
3 critical assessments for the best custom packaging solutions.
Like you, we are always adapting to meet our customers’ needs in new ways. Though Trump’s trade war has forced disruption that demands a response, we are always attuned to minimizing potential risks.
We apply a critical assessment to every partner in our supply network to ensure fast delivery, competitive pricing, and zero delays.
- We depend on our vendors and manufacturers to produce efficiently and effectively. To keep cannabis businesses running smoothly, we evaluate our manufacturing partners and suppliers based on three essential capabilities: product availability, cost, and production time.
- Product availability ensures a consistent and reliable supply of compliant, high-quality packaging, critical for businesses operating in a fast-paced, highly regulated market.
- Cost is pivotal in helping brands stay competitive, especially as they scale or navigate challenges like inflation or tariffs. Production time is equally vital—fast turnaround means faster time to market, fewer disruptions, and the agility to respond to evolving demand or regulatory changes.
When all three elements are met, these pillars allow us to build a resilient supply chain that supports cannabis companies’ growth, compliance, and success.
Shifts with Sustainable Intention
Don’t just make a change, have an impact.
From recyclable glass jars to innovative paper canisters, there are many cost-effective ways to upgrade your custom packaging with a sustainable domestic solution that avoids tariff costs and delays.
With a premium feel for customers that is easily recycled and reused, glass jars are a popular choice for preserving the freshness and potency of flower and concentrates. Glass is available in many shapes, sizes, and colors for every product in your line.
Our C-Series Concentrate Jar’s uniquely tapered inner bowl has even been optimized for minimum waste, the ideal solution for storing wax, shatter, budder, and crumble to deliver better value for your customers.
Our innovative ATID Paper-Based Containers make the ultimate sustainability statement for flower, edibles, and more. These premium biodegradable containers feature a sleek and professional design featuring our patented child-resistant flex-stretch pull top.
Likewise, with a durable paper construction, the PearlLoc System of tubes, slides, and boxes provides strong shelf-ready housing with a mindful, modern aesthetic. Like our timeless Pre-Roll Tins, PearlLoc is an elegant solution with the ideal blend of safety, compliance, and eco-consciousness for pre-rolls.
When life gives you lemons, or tariffs…
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When a trade war with China occurs, seize the opportunity with a value-added shift.
As a function of our forward-thinking ethos and determination to always look on the brighter side of life, we always find new opportunities where others may see obstacles.
We invite you to explore our many sustainable packaging solutions and environmentally responsible domestic suppliers. As leaders in sustainable cannabis packaging innovation, RXCco can make this time of transition a strategic shift for your business, reducing lead times, minimizing your carbon impact, elevating your brand, and strengthening supply chain resilience.
