X-Rays, Microwaves And Now What? This Company Freezes Weed At -320°F To Kill Mold And Save A Ton
With over 100 patents and 30 years of experience in food, pharmaceutical, and cannabis packaging, Jim Sanfilippo is transforming cannabis safety.
His groundbreaking cryogenic pasteurization technology at VIST Labs is solving one of the industry’s dirtiest secrets: microbial contamination.
Operating in a $35 billion market, Sanfilippo’s innovations are crucial for cannabis brands striving to maintain product integrity while navigating complex regulatory challenges.
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From Nuts To Frozen Nuggs
Sanfilippo’s expertise in packaging dates back to his family’s food business, where his innovations in oxygen-free packaging for nuts led to breakthroughs in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. He has spent decades optimizing shelf life and safety. In 2017, after selling two divisions of his business to packing behemoth Sonoco, he turned his attention to cannabis.
“Cannabis is a $35 billion industry in the U.S.,” Sanfilippo said, noting that its microbial contamination issues are particularly concerning.
Cryogenic Pasteurization: The Cannabis Industry’s Dirty Little Secret
At the heart of VIST Labs’ breakthrough is the cryogenic pasteurization process, which leverages medical-grade cryogenic vapor to sterilize cannabis products while preserving their natural properties. “Cannabis is heavily contaminated with yeast, mold, and pathogens like Aspergillus,” Sanfilippo explained.
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