I love learning about diverse people in the cannabis industry, and Jim Sanfilippo is such an interesting person. He has taken his inquisitive mind and pivoted into a technology-forward role within the cannabis industry. To say he is smart is a vast understatement. When I read that his specialty is aseptic packaging, I knew we had something in common. My own beverage uses aseptic technology, too! So, we have a starting point. And that is his bio to follow. I think Jim is very intriguing, and I hope you enjoy this interview. Cheers! WB
Jim Sanfilippo is a visionary leader with more than 30 years of experience in the packaging industry; Mr. Sanfillippo is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VIST™ Labs and VIST Franchise Systems. Mr. Sanfilippo is credited with developing more than 100 patents representing major advances in flexible and forming film packaging materials for fresh and processed foods, healthcare products, and other packaged goods. Under his leadership, VIST has developed proprietary technology designed to naturally clean cannabis and aseptically packaged cannabis products to ensure the preservation of cannabis quality.
Previously, he was President of Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based Sonoco Elk Grove, Inc. from Aug. 2017 until Jan. 2020 after its acquisition of Clear Lam Packaging, Inc. At Clear Lam, he served as President and CEO starting in 1999. He guided Clear Lam to become known as a front-runner in modified atmosphere packaging technologies, films, and structures that improve food safety and extend shelf life.
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about yourself. When did you discover cannabis? How old were you? Do you remember who you were with?
Jim Sanfilippo: I first encountered cannabis back in high school during the late 70s and early 80s. At the time, I didn’t give it much thought. However, as my career progressed and I became involved in high-tech packaging systems for the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries, I gained expertise in packaging, including extended shelf-life packaging. This led me to recognize the unique challenges and needs within the cannabis industry, specifically regarding pasteurization, decontamination, and long-term storage of the product. Addressing these challenges is crucial to meet future FTC and FDA labeling requirements.
WB: Please tell me about your company. What do you do that sets you apart from your competitors?
JS: Our approach to the cannabis industry is rooted in the high standards we’ve adhered to in the pharmaceutical and medical packaging sectors. We developed a platform technology called cryogenic pasteurization, which uses cryogenic vapor to sterilize cannabis with exceptionally high efficacy rates. When combined with our aseptic-modified atmosphere technologies, this creates a powerful solution for producing stable, pathogen-free cannabis.
WB: What are your six and twelve month goals? What obstacles do you face? How do you anticipate removing them?
JS: Our 12-month goal is to expand our footprint in North America into Europe and other geographies. This involves obtaining the necessary certifications to enter the European market. Additionally, we aim to continue expanding our service centers across the United States, giving smaller cultivators access to our cryogenic pasteurization and aseptic packaging technologies to ensure the stability and safety of their products.
One of the main obstacles we face is the ongoing challenge of inadequate capital available among many players in the cannabis industry. The inability for companies to not utilize banking channels to get debt and equity capital has significantly hampered investment in the cannabis space. This creates challenges for most companies in the industry and makes it difficult for cultivators to invest in effective yet expensive technology like ours.
WB: Tell me about the process you created.
JS: Cryogenic Pasteurization (CryoPasteurization) is a natural and effective decontamination process designed to ensure the purity and safety of cannabis. This pharmaceutical-grade protocol eliminates microbial contaminants to meet EU Pharmacopoeia 5.1.4 Compliance Standards while preserving the plant’s terpenes and cannabinoids without using irradiation or harmful chemicals. Our innovative cryogenic vapor technology, known as Vapor-Induced Sterilization Technology (VIST), allows us to precisely control exposure and prevent degradation during the pasteurization process. This unique approach purifies the product without compromising its integrity and is protected by several patents, making it a groundbreaking technology in the industry.
Follow online: https://vistlabs.com/
Photos credit: VIST™ Labs
Aseptic Modified Atmosphere Packaging Systems (AMAPS) is our proprietary high-barrier packaging solution that ensures the prolonged shelf life and enhanced quality of cannabis. This natural method preserves and protects cannabis by retaining terpene and cannabinoid levels, maintaining moisture content, and enhancing overall quality. AMAPS differs from conventional MAP packaging and is available in various formats, including bulk options (1lb, 5lbs, 10lbs, and 20lbs) and consumer retail options (pre-rolls, pouches, and portion control cups).
VIST Microbiology is a data-driven quality control process that screens and quantifies microbial contamination levels of yeast, mold, and bacteria on cannabis flower and in licensed facilities. This 48-hour screening kit provides cultivators with essential knowledge and data on their products’ microbial quality, allowing them to make informed, data-driven decisions to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.
WB: What is your passion?
JS: My passion lies in developing breakthrough technologies for the cannabis industry as well as the pharmaceutical, medical, and food industries. I am committed to applying the knowledge and expertise we’ve gained over the last 30 years in the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries to ensure cannabis products are safe, clean, and organically stable throughout their shelf life. Just as we’ve achieved in other industries, we aim to bring the same level of innovation and reliability to the cannabis sector.
