In the third part of our Earth Day series addressing cannabis sustainability, we interview Patrick Aylward of Yatz Solutions to look at ways that new companies like his are working to develop better ways to package the plant:
Environment-Friendly Packaging
MedicateOH recently interviewed Patrick Aylward, founder and owner of Yatz Solutions, to discuss sustainable cannabis packaging and how his business seeks to provide quality, recyclable or recycled packaging to cannabis businesses. Yatz Solutions provides packaging for hemp, CBD, Ohio Medical Marijuana Program, and out of state adult-use or medical marijuana businesses. Aylward has partnered with Sana, Tree Hugger Containers, Hemp Press, and Dura-pack to due to their leadership and their values regarding sustainability. For example, Aylward mentions that Sana provides sustainable packing to various cannabis competitions, including the Emerald Cup.
Recycle Day
In 2023, Yatz Solutions hosted a Recycle Day to recycle items like vape batteries, vape tubes, mylar pouches, dispensary exit bags, and containers made of metal, glass, and plastic. This Recycle Day also provided resources regarding Ohio's Medical Marijuana Program, legislation, and how to contact local politicians.
Yatz Solutions' Partners and what they are known for:
Sana
- Reclaimed ocean-bound plastic
- Hemp plastic
Tree Hugger Containers
Dura-pack
- Eco-tek recyclable PE pouches that can be recycled wherever you recycle plastic grocery bags
Hemp Press
- Hemp paper boxes
- Hemp paper marketing materials
- Hemp business cards
Cannabis Operators Packaging Options
Q: What would you like cannabis cultivators and processors to know about choosing more eco-conscious packaging?
A: "I think it's difficult because there's no right answer when it comes to the waste that we create as an industry and how we deal with it as a society. I have learned through this process that even despite the cannabis side of things, recycling and sustainability period is just a really hard conservation. If you are able to purchase sustainable options, they are oftentimes a bit more expensive because the infrastructure isn't necessarily there."
Aylward cites that recycling machines in Ohio are too large to process cannabis packaging and there is a niche market for hemp and other bioplastics. However, this doesn't stop people like Aylward and the purveyors he partners with from trying to find better solutions. He suggests that businesses try to incorporate sustainable practices whenever they can, whether they are just starting up or whether they have been in operation for a while. Throughout our interview he mentions the importance of research and collaboration to reduce the carbon footprint of the industry.
Q: Should there be more education for consumers about how to properly recycle or reuse packaging? If so, how?
A: "I definitely think that we have an uphill battle when it comes to the cannabis side of things because our regulations have already been put in place as far as the medical program is concerned. So collecting our waste at the site we purchase it at isn't an option at the moment in time. I am definitely a big advocate for being able to recycle at the dispensary."
Aylward suggests that you reach out to your local waste management to see what they are able to recycle and that you reach out to the Division of Cannabis Control to change the regulations. He also says, "Our advocacy can't necessarily just be within the dispensary wall or within the cultivation doors or within our classrooms. We definitely need to be emailing politicians and showing up to our local municipalities to voice our opinions towards it."
MedicateOH continues to report about sustainability in the cannabis industry as part of our commitment to build awareness of ways we can have a more eco-conscious planet. Email us at medicateOH@gmail.com to tell us about any projects you're working on toward this effort.
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