Purple Bin Project

As the legal cannabis industry grows in Canada, so too does its environmental footprint. Much of that comes down to regulations that necessitate over-packaging, as well as many missed opportunities to build environmental sustainability directly into the fabric of legalization as it was being stood up (and then, more recently, reviewed.) Instead, we have a new industry that is creating an entirely new subset of waste, continued reliance on non-renewable power sources to fuel indoor grows, and all the typical environmental knock-on effects of any large-scale farming.

And yet, as there always will be, some are choosing to do better than they are required to. From Licensed Producers who farm renewably, to those who choose to incur the added cost of biodegradable packaging, we see and cherish all those who are doing cannabis culture proud by doing their part to care for the Earth that blessed us with this plant in the first place. Our hope is to be able to more wholeheartedly celebrate the legalization of this plant we hold so dear - but for now, we celebrate any progress, companies that are going above and beyond, and we commit to doing what we can as we all stare down the barrel of a changing climate.

If you shop with us, you know we’ve had some form of recycling program since we were first able to find someone to take cannabis packaging. Recently, the fine folks who own and operate Purple Hills, a Licensed Producer based in Creemore and one of our most treasured connections in this industry, launched their own recycling program. Last month, we sat down virtually with Peter Miller, co-owner and operator of Purple Hills, and Alexa Roland, who manages communications for their team, to talk through their new recycling program. Please read on to hear more about the purple boxes you’ve seen at the shop and the thoughtful folks behind them.

On where and how your recycled materials get processed 

Peter and his team quite literally are responsible for managing the entire process of collecting, opening, processing and sorting all of the recyclable materials gathered through the Purple Bin program. Situated on the Agripharm property, their small yet efficient team comprises less than 10 team members who receive material from over 500 partner stores that have chosen to host their innovative bins. 

Upon reaching Agripharm, plastic items are sorted further into that which can be shredded, and other plastics that can be cleaned and reused for instance. The shredded plastics are then transformed into pellets, the building block components for all other plastic materials, by partners. 

On where the recycled material ends up 

Once the recycled materials are converted into small pellets, which serve as the raw materials for all plastic products, they become adaptable to manufacturing any plastic item.

From these tiny pellets, a world of possibilities opens up for creating various plastic products. These recycled materials can be moulded and shaped into anything from water bottles and food containers to toys and furniture. The versatility of these pellets allows manufacturers to produce a wide range of items while promoting environmental sustainability. By utilising recycled materials, we not only reduce waste but also lessen the demand for new plastics, ultimately contributing to a greener and more eco-friendly future.

On where the component parts go

The Purple Hills team manages all collection and sorting operations, collaborating with reliable partners who specialise in recycling specific products. While materials such as glass are easily recyclable, others like e-waste need specialised handling. Despite the challenges posed by mylar bags, the Purple Hills team strives to make a difference by forwarding that material to partners who operate  waste-to-energy systems, offering an offsetting solution to traditional fossil fuel energy sources.

Adhering to their highest and best use standards, Purple Hills prides themselves on having a “solution” for all waste. Through this process they strive to work with partners that are transparent, efficient and effective in their recycling or pelletized fuel operations. Although the nature of these relationships might evolve over time, their unwavering goal is to maximise positive impact. 

On the decision to get into the recycling game

It doesn’t take much looking around to see the cannabis industry’s wasteful practices and negative environmental impact. The Purple Hills team, committed to minimising their ecological footprint through regenerative farming and cultivation methods, introduced the Purple Bin program as a natural progression. 

The Purple Hills  dedication to a philosophy that we should “take care of the soil, take care of our people, and be a part of a flourishing community” shines through all their projects. This commitment is exemplified in their farm tours, offering the wider community a first hand experience of all things Purple Hills. 

On next steps and further sustainability actions 

In recent months, they have introduced new packaging for their pre-rolls and vape containers. The shift from mylar packaging, which is not biodegradable, to recyclable plastic is part of their Purple Bin initiative. As well, any recovered Purple Hills or Community product packaging returned to Agripharm through their recycling program will be set aside for cleaning  and reused whenever possible. 

Aside from their packaging efforts, Purple Hills stands out as one of very few cannabis companies adopting a regenerative farming approach to cultivation. Their regeneratively managed pastures are capable of  sequester about 1 ton of carbon dioxide per acre annually, helping  them work toward a fully carbon-neutral operation. They draw inspiration and resources from each part of their farm to support and enhance the entire operation. A recent illustration of this approach is the un-infused honey they have begun producing and selling. Leveraging their medical cannabis garden and rewilding zones, whose varied landscape fosters an ideal habitat for bees, has resulted in abundant golden honey production on the farm. This harmonious ecosystem not only supports community engagement and educational opportunities but also thrives in the picturesque setting of Purple Hills. 

On lessons learned through the recycling program 

The Purple Bin program serves as a valuable resource for research and development. With the project, Purple Hills collects waste from various brands in the Ontario market that land in one of their bins, offering insights into manufacturing designs, packaging strategies, failure rates and market share. 

Partnering with over 500 participating stores now, the Purple bin proves to be an effective marketing tool that generates positive discussion about the progression of the industry, as well as the company’s part in that forward movement. The Purple Hills team allocates a significant portion of their budget to community engagement initiatives aligned with their values, like this program and their farm tour experiences, rather than focusing solely on social media and traditional marketing tactics like banner ads and expensive sponsorships. The recycling program sparks optimistic conversations about positive changes in the industry, leading to discussions about other impactful projects by Purple Hills and beyond. Purple Hills provides a complementary local delivery and pickup service for stores in their region, facilitating direct interactions with budtenders, fostering relationships with local businesses, and gaining firsthand knowledge of their customer base.