Meet James Eichner | Co-founder & CSO

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Eichner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Ron and I started Sana Packaging as a class project when we were pursuing our MBAs at CU-Boulder because along with all the positivity we saw legalization bring to the world of cannabis, we were frustrated at the amount of packaging waste the legal industry was producing. We knew there had to be a better way. Our goal is to transition cannabis packaging away from the linear “take-make-dispose” economic model and towards a circular economic model that’s meant to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate our natural systems.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Sana Packaging is a sustainable packaging brand that designs and develops cannabis packaging for a circular economy using plant-based hemp plastic, reclaimed ocean plastic, and other innovative materials. Most packaging companies in the cannabis space are either manufacturers or distributors, and we’re neither. Sana Packaging is a brand with a very clear mission and set of values, and that is why people choose to work with us – whether it’s a supplier, like Oceanworks, one of the most reputable sources of reclaimed ocean plastic in the country; a manufacturer, like Omega Packaging, the premier manufacturer of screw-top closures in the country; a customer, like Verde Natural, one of the most reputable cannabis brands in Colorado; or a strategic partner, like Cultivation Classic, the most scientifically rigorous cannabis competition in the country. With the help of our customers, we’ve already removed more than 55 tons of plastic waste from our oceans and used more than 54 tons of plant-based hemp plastic. For reference, the average car weighs just two tons. And our customers are truly incredible and together, we’re changing the way we think about sustainability, disposable products, and waste management.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In pre-COVID times, the itinerary would be simple. Head to the mountains for the day, maybe somewhere around Nederland. Hike to Diamond Lake or climb in Boulder Canyon. Eat at James Peak Brewery & Smokehouse in Nederland. Stop at Verde Natural in Boulder to pick up some pot. Maybe stop at Lolita’s Market & Deli for a road snack. Head back to Denver and catch a show at Cervantes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to our team – Pete, Jill, and Galen, y’all are the best! Ron and I were a two-person for so long and it feels incredible to have been able to grow from a two-person team to a five-person team. Our team is so dedicated and it’s been extremely rewarding to help guide them and watch them succeed in their new roles with Sana Packaging.

Website: https://sanapackaging.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanapackaging/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sana-packaging
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sanapackaging
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanapackaging/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFlH6EDYGLG2AQChiM8D7g