Cone Holders + Filters: Sustainable Smoking Accessories

Project Overview

Cone Holders + Filters is an innovative, dual-purpose solution addressing both hygiene concerns and filtration needs for pre-rolled cone users. Designed during the COVID-19 pandemic, this product enables safer sharing by eliminating direct contact with the cone while simultaneously providing effective smoke filtration through biodegradable plant cellulose filters—a combination not previously available in the market.

The Problem

My product development process identified multiple unaddressed needs in the pre-rolled cone market:

1. Hygiene concerns: The pandemic highlighted the risks of germ transmission when sharing pre-rolled cones among friends
2. Lack of filtration: Unlike cigarettes, which are typically filtered, 99% of pre-rolled cones offer no smoke filtration
3. Environmental impact: The few filters available in the market are primarily made from acetate tow (essentially plastic)
4. Health considerations: Health-conscious cannabis users had no practical option for filtered pre-rolled cones
5. Design limitations: The conical shape of pre-rolled cones created a technical challenge for implementing effective filters

The Solution

The Cone Holders + Filters system addresses these challenges through an integrated approach:

1. Hygienic sharing: Each person uses their own holder, which interfaces with the cone without direct lip contact
2. Effective filtration: Specially sourced biodegradable plant cellulose filters fit precisely in the holders
3. Sustainable materials: Both holders and filters use plant-based, biodegradable materials
4. Safety design: An engineered inner lip prevents the filter from being accidentally inhaled
5. Versatile compatibility: Precisely calculated dimensions work with both standard pre-rolled cones and 6mm filters

The visible change in filter color from white to black after just a few uses provides a tangible demonstration of the filtration effectiveness, while users report minimal impact on the desired effects of the plant material.

Technical Implementation

Sustainable Manufacturing

The cone holders are 3D printed using the same plant-based PLA plastic and manufacturing process as my packNpuff product. This approach enables:

• Resource efficiency: Utilizing excess filament when spools contain insufficient material for larger products
• Consistent quality: Leveraging existing manufacturing expertise and equipment
• Zero waste production: On-demand printing minimizes excess inventory

Precision Engineering

The holders required precise engineering to balance multiple requirements:

• Exact diameter calculations to accommodate both standard pre-rolled cones and 6mm filters
• Inner lip design that prevents filters from being accidentally inhaled
• Tolerance adjustments to account for slight variations in filter sizes while maintaining functionality

Sustainable Filtration

The biodegradable plant cellulose filters provide:

• Effective smoke filtration without significantly reducing desired effects
• Environmentally responsible alternative to plastic-based filters
• Visual feedback on filtration effectiveness as the filter changes color

Challenges and Solutions

Supply Chain Complexities

Challenge: Sourcing consistent biodegradable filters has proven difficult due to federal regulations and minimum order quantity requirements that exceed current sales volume.

Solution: I continue to research and establish relationships with potential suppliers while maintaining strict standards for biodegradability and performance.

Technical Design Balance

Challenge: Filters have slight variations in size, while pre-rolled cones require specific dimensions for proper fit.

Solution: Through extensive prototyping, I developed a holder diameter that accommodates these variations while maintaining functionality for both components.

Sustainable Packaging

Challenge: Finding suppliers who can package filters in sustainable materials without single-use plastics.

Solution: This remains an ongoing challenge that will be addressed as part of the scaling strategy, potentially through partnerships with specialized sustainable packaging providers.

Future Development

The roadmap for Cone Holders + Filters includes:

1. Material evolution to metal tubing for increased durability and customization potential
2. Brand customization options to enable wholesale opportunities with dispensary brands
3. Supply chain development to secure consistent sources of biodegradable filters
4. Packaging improvements to ensure the entire product ecosystem maintains zero single-use plastics
5. Education campaign about the benefits of filtered pre-rolled cones for health-conscious consumers

Technologies Used

• Manufacturing: FFF 3D Printing
• Materials: Plant-based PLA plastic for holders
• Filtration: Biodegradable plant cellulose filters
• Packaging: Focus on recycled materials and zero single-use plastics

This project demonstrates how pandemic-driven innovation can create sustainable solutions that address multiple consumer needs simultaneously. By combining hygiene concerns with environmental considerations and health benefits, Cone Holders + Filters represents a holistic approach to product development with long-term value beyond the initial pandemic use case.