Fighting the Global Plastic Waste Crisis

The cannabis industry isn’t exactly known for its sustainability. Disposables, pods, cartridges, and packaging are big contributors to the global plastic waste crisis.

It’s not okay. So, we’re doing something about it.

We’re proud to announce a new program to reduce plastic waste in partnership with rePurpose Global, the world’s leading Plastic Action Platform.

Through this program, PAX is the first cannabis company to achieve Plastic Negative certification across all existing product lines.

For every PAX product we make that uses plastic, twice as much plastic waste will be removed from Colombia’s polluted Pacific coastline through rePurpose Global’s vetted impact project, Paraíso de Ballenas.

Through this project, we’re supporting the recovery of low-value ocean-bound plastic in Colombia — including transportation, sorting, and making sure it’s properly recycled. This helps to protect Colombia's Pacific coastline around Buenaventura, which includes national parks and whale breeding grounds. We’re also supporting local waste workers’ incomes and providing access to an inclusive, safe, and dignified work environment.

But that’s not all we’re doing. As part of this broader plastic action effort, we’re also launching PAX TRIP, our first all-in-one vape, and the industry’s first plastic negative* all-in-one, made from ocean bound plastic — offering consumers a more sustainable alternative to existing products on the market. 

You’ll also soon see some new packaging, made with post-consumer recycled materials.

“The cannabis industry faces significant sustainability challenges, due to regulation, market volatility, cultivation practices, and issues around social equity and justice. So to us, the urgency of this was impossible to ignore,” said Laura Fogelman, VP of Communications & Public Affairs at PAX.

This initiative is part of PEACE BY PAX, our impact platform for social reform, safe access, and sustainability. And while we know we’ve got a ways to go, we think this is a pretty strong start.