Born from a graduate-school project, Sana Packaging has spent nearly a decade redefining sustainable cannabis packaging. Co-founders James Eichner and Ron Basak-Smith met while earning MBAs at the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business, where they bonded over shared interests in liberal arts, cannabis, and environmental stewardship. What began as a class project became a mission: reduce the cannabis industry’s massive packaging waste problem.
Rather than merely sourcing “greener” materials, Eichner and Basak-Smith developed an entirely new packaging paradigm — one that supports recycling infrastructure, prioritizes plant-based and post-consumer recycled content, and integrates seamlessly into cannabis supply chains.
A packaging mission rooted in sustainability and innovation
Sana Packaging is an outspoken advocate for reducing plastic waste. To date, the company has reclaimed more than 750,000 pounds of ocean-bound plastic, employed more than 260,000 pounds of plant-based hemp plastic, and incorporated high-content recycled glass and post-consumer recycled plastic into its product line.
While sustainability remains core to the company’s mission, performance matters, too. All materials are engineered to meet cannabis industry standards for freshness, durability, and compliance — without compromising environmental responsibility.
Plastic waste, meet your match: Hemp, glass, and recycled materials
Sana’s eco-conscious materials aren’t just environmentally friendly. They’re also built to perform. Whether it’s plant-based hemp plastic, ocean-bound plastic, high-content recycled glass, or post-consumer resin, every packaging solution is designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining compliance and product integrity.
This practical, scalable approach to sustainability helps cannabis businesses reduce their footprint without compromising quality or operational efficiency.
Domestic production matters in cannabis packaging
In today’s volatile global economy, Sana Packaging’s commitment to domestic manufacturing is a strategic advantage. All core products are produced in the United States, eliminating the risks of international shipping delays, surprise tariffs, and inflated costs.
“All of our core products are manufactured domestically,” Eichner said, which means the company can offer quick turnaround times and stable pricing. “No hidden fees. No long delays. Just fast, reliable service.”
Recently, the company reduced prices on its core Made in the USA offerings, reinforcing that sustainability and affordability can go hand in hand.
Startup service, enterprise scale
With just four employees, Sana Packaging still operates with the transparency and agility of a startup. Each customer is more than a database entry.
“If you call us, you’re speaking to Ron, Pete, or Shea,” Eichner said. “We know you, your business, and actually understand your needs. Our team is here to make sure you get exactly what you need, when you need it.”
That customer-first mindset shows in Sana’s flexible services. Low minimum order quantities make the company accessible for small farms and startups, while robust fulfillment capabilities support high-volume orders for multistate operators and established brands. Options like label printing, direct printing, and auto-shipments provide additional convenience.
With inventory warehoused on both coasts, Sana ensures products are always stocked and ready to ship.
More than green: A system-first approach to sustainability
Sana’s original focus on plant-based hemp plastics has evolved into a broader mission: make sustainability work within the existing waste management ecosystem.
“Recycling alone isn’t enough,” said Eichner. “There needs to be a secondary market for recycled materials. That’s why we focus on using reclaimed and recycled materials rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.”
As market needs shift, Sana continues to adapt. While sustainability remains a core pillar, the company has pivoted to emphasize speed, reliability, and U.S.-based supply advantages — critical concerns as tariffs loom and overseas disruptions persist.
“Tariffs and long overseas lead times are a major concern for operators,” Eichner said. “Sustainability is still our core, but we also focus on speed, reliability, and competitive pricing.”
Whether you’re a startup looking for low minimum order quantities and affordable solutions or an MSO needing custom, high-volume packaging, Sana delivers sustainable, dependable, and transparent service — without the delays or surprises.
