Paper is having a moment in the cannabis industry. From ultra-thin sheets to innovative packaging solutions, paper has evolved rapidly to play a crucial role in the customer experience.
While headlines focus on rising cannabinoid content and a veritable explosion in product formats, a quiet revolution has been unfolding in how paper manufacturers are improving product performance and helping brands stand out on shelves. Because we manufacture paper products at Botani, I’ve had a front-row seat to emerging trends in the paper industry.
Here are four key developments to watch that could impact how you package and deliver your products in the coming years.
Less is more
When it comes to rolling papers, thin is in. The industry has seen a definitive shift toward lightweight wraps. For years, fourteen-gram paper was the industry standard. Now, we’re seeing more brands adopt thirteen-gram options.
Why? Less paper means consumers can more fully experience the flavor nuances of their flower. When paper manufacturers reduce the weight of the paper while maintaining proper rolling functionality, there’s less interference between the consumer and the pure essence of the flower.
Shift to organic
As consumers become increasingly conscious about what they put into their bodies, they’re also increasingly demanding more natural, less chemically processed papers. Wood pulp remains the material from which most rolling papers are made, but unbleached varieties are gaining traction.
By skipping the chemical whitening process, unbleached papers retain the natural characteristics of the fiber, giving papers a more organic look and feel. This shift is part of a broader movement toward transparency in ingredients and production methods.
Botanical engineering
The third big trend in paper production is the increasing use of botanical fibers like hemp instead of wood. Annual crops represent a more sustainable, biodiverse alternative to traditional wood pulp, which requires a multiyear growth cycle. Moreover, hemp’s carbon footprint is excellent. The plant sequesters so much carbon dioxide that it is considered carbon-negative.
In addition, hemp requires minimal chemicals to grow and process and generates minimal waste. As more consumers demand sustainable products, look for papers made from hemp and other wood alternatives to rise in popularity. For example, Botani recently introduced wrappers crafted from tea leaves. We chose tea leaves not only because they offer unique aroma and flavor profiles, but also because they’re fully biodegradable.
Future outlook
Beyond rolling papers, there’s a parallel evolution happening in packaging. Brands increasingly seek ecologically transparent packaging that will protect and seal freshness without adding material layers or incorporating single-use plastic.
One approach is to create packaging from lightweight papers similar to rolling papers but with added barrier properties. These papers can be as light as fourteen grams, allowing brands to show their products through the packaging. The papers also may be watermarked, adding branding without increasing weight or environmental impact. As an added bonus, the packages are biodegradable.
We are still in the early stages of paper innovation, but the future direction is clear. Paper will continue to evolve, playing a bigger role in both cannabis consumption and packaging. There’s still work to be done, but the possibilities ahead are exciting.
With the launch of Botani in 2018, Vice President and General Manager for Alternative Markets Alex Boone was instrumental in helping SWM International break into the cannabis space. Today, he serves as the division’s managing director. He possesses more than twenty years of experience in sales, marketing, and product development for North American and international markets.
