MJBizCon Sustainability Q&A

What does a typical day at MJ Biz Con look like?

What are you most looking forward to this year?

In what ways does the cannabis industry intertwine with the topic of sustainability?

What sets GPA Global apart from other packaging suppliers at this trade show?

This industry is unique because it’s not federally legal in many countries. Do you think it’s still possible to conduct meaningful research around sustainability without government funding?

In what specific ways does GPA Global help its clients gather data and stay accountable?

What do you think is the biggest challenge when it comes to packaging in the cannabis industry?

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

The industry is growing rapidly—from $30 billion in global sales in 2021 to a projected $55 billion in 2026. While mature markets in Canada, California, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon are stabilizing, newer markets continue to emerge and boom.

While this is certainly an exciting time, the cannabis industry is no stranger to growing pains. Not only do many people still oppose the legalization of cannabis, but growers and distributors face increased scrutiny for its impact on the planet. They’re continuously called out for straining the electric grid with indoor grows, using too much water during outdoor grows in drought-prone regions, filling the air with odor and pollution, and generating huge amounts of waste through vaping devices, cartridges, and packaging.

It’s no secret that sustainability will be the center of conversation this year at MJBizCon, and we’re excited to represent the packaging industry and offer innovative, proven solutions that promote sustainability in this space.

To take a closer look at the industry’s current challenges, wins, and opportunities for growth surrounding sustainable packaging, we sat down for a Q+A with our Vice President of Strategic Packaging, Jesse Dixon.

With almost a decade of experience specializing in THC and CBD Packaging Development, Jesse shares his inside perspective on where the industry has been, where it’s going, and GPA Global’s essential role in the journey.

MJ Biz Con is the biggest B2B trade show for the cannabis industry. It’s a phenomenal opportunity for anyone in the sector to connect and explore. Whether you’re in operations and you’re looking for some new equipment, you’re a manufacturer showcasing new innovative products, you’re on the supply chain procurement side meeting your vendors, or you’re in marketing scoping out what other brands are doing—it’s a great chance to connect with your partners, collaborate with new people, get inspired, and share inspiration.

For GPA, it’s a great chance to see our clients and show the industry what we’ve been doing—what’s innovative and new. We’ve been quietly growing and doing extremely well in this sector, and our goal is to have a “coming home” party to say, “Hey, you know about us, and you’ve seen our product, you just might not know our name yet.”