by Scott Katz | Jun 26, 2023 | Compliant Cannabis Packaging, Sustainable Cannabis Packaging
As the cannabis industry expands, businesses must understand the importance of compliant packaging. Ensuring compliance with state and local regulations is crucial to avoid fines and protect your brand’s reputation.
In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting cannabis packaging to remain compliant and safeguard your business. We will cover the various types of packaging, child-resistant packaging requirements, labeling requirements, and environmental considerations.
Types of Cannabis Packaging
There are several types of packaging available for cannabis products. Understanding the differences between these options is essential for selecting the appropriate packaging to meet regulatory requirements. Here are some of the most common options:
- Barrier Bags: Barrier bags are a popular choice due to their low cost and ability to keep products fresh. These bags are made from various materials, including Mylar and polyethylene. They can also be heat-sealed to create an airtight container.
- Plastic Containers: Plastic jars are another common choice. They offer a sturdy and durable container for various products, such as edibles and concentrates. Many plastic jars come with child-resistant lids to meet regulatory requirements.
- Glass Jars: Glass jars provide an upscale, high-quality appearance for cannabis products. They’re often for premium flower products and incorporate child-resistant lids.
- Pre-Roll Tubes:Pre-roll tubes are specifically for cannabis pre-rolls, providing an airtight container to maintain product freshness. These tubes can be made from various materials, including plastic and glass, and may feature child-resistant caps.
Child-Resistant Packaging Requirements
One of the most critical factors to consider when selecting cannabis packaging is ensuring it meets child-resistant (CR) packaging requirements. These regulations are designed to prevent children from accessing cannabis products accidentally.
CR packaging must meet specific standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), including being difficult for children under five years old to open but easily accessible for adults. Some common CR packaging solutions include:
- Push-and-Turn Caps: These caps require users to push down and turn the cap simultaneously to open the container, making it difficult for children to access the contents.
- Squeeze-and-Turn Caps: Similar to push-and-turn caps, squeeze-and-turn caps require users to apply pressure to the sides of the cap while turning it to open the container.
- CR Zipper Bags: These bags feature a specialty zipper that must be engaged from the inside to open the bag, providing a child-resistant solution for barrier bags.
Labeling Requirements
Properly labeling cannabis products is essential to ensure compliance with state and local regulations. Labeling requirements can vary by jurisdiction, but some common elements include:
- Product Identification: The product’s name, strain, and type should be displayed on the label.
- Cannabinoid Content: Labels must indicate the product’s THC and CBD content, typically expressed as a percentage or in milligrams.
- Warning Statements: Most jurisdictions require specific warning statements to be included on cannabis product labels, such as “For use by adults 21 and older” or “Keep out of reach of children.” And the state-specific warning icons.
- Batch and Lot Numbers: Including batch and lot numbers on labels allows for traceability and product recall if necessary. Some states will also require state licensing numbers.
- Manufacturing and Expiration Dates: Listing the manufacturing and expiration dates on labels helps consumers determine the product’s freshness and shelf life.
Environmental Considerations
As the cannabis industry grows, so does its impact on the environment. Many businesses are choosing eco-friendly packaging options to reduce their environmental footprint. Some sustainable cannabis packaging solutions include:
- Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging: Some packaging materials, such as PLA (polylactic acid), are biodegradable and compostable, breaking down naturally over time and reducing the impact on landfills.
- Recyclable Packaging: Packaging made from recyclable materials, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic, can help reduce waste and promote a circular economy.
- Reusable Packaging: Encouraging customers to reuse packaging, such as glass jars, can help reduce the amount of single-use packaging waste.
- Sustainable Sourcing: Selecting packaging materials from sustainably managed resources, such as paper or hemp-based plastics, can reduce the environmental impact of cannabis packaging.
Final Word
In conclusion, selecting compliant cannabis packaging involves considering various factors, including the type of packaging, child-resistant packaging requirements, labeling requirements, and environmental considerations. By carefully evaluating these factors, cannabis businesses can ensure that their cannabis packaging meets state regulations while also reducing their environmental impact and promoting a sustainable industry.
by Scott Katz | Jun 8, 2023 | Custom Mylar Bags, Sustainable Cannabis Packaging
Custom mylar bags have gained immense popularity in the cannabis industry for packaging purposes. This article explores the reasons behind using custom mylar bags for wholesale and highlights their benefits, from preserving freshness to maintaining the quality of cannabis products.
While the concept of using Mylar bags for cannabis flower is not for everyone, there are a multitude of reasons businesses seek them out as a wholesale option. Overall, custom mylar bags have proven to be one of the most cost-effective packaging options. Easy to store, ship, and sell – they’ve proved they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
With the introduction of trays to prevent crushing and biodegradable options, a Mylar resurgence has begun. Or did it ever leave? Let’s see why so many companies have built their packaging around Mylar bags.
Benefits of Using Mylar Bags for Cannabis Packaging
When you incorporate wholesale custom Mylar bags into your cannabis business, you get a few benefits:
Mylar bags provide an excellent barrier against external factors, such as moisture, oxygen, and light. This helps to keep cannabis products fresh for extended periods.
2.) Moisture and Oxygen Protection
Mylar bags prevent mold, mildew, and degradation by sealing out moisture and oxygen. This ensures the longevity of products, especially when healed above the zipper.
Mylar bags are opaque, preventing harmful UV rays from degrading the quality of cannabis flower and other light-sensitive products.
These bags offer airtight seals and effectively contain the distinct aroma of cannabis. This also prevents it from permeating the environment.
How to Implement Mylar Bags for Cannabis Packaging
If you want to use Mylar bags for your cannabis operation, you’ll need to consider the following:
1.) Choose the Right Size
Select Mylar bags that accommodate your specific product sizes. This ensures a snug fit without excess air. Even add a plastic tray inside to prevent potential crushing.
2.) Consider Additional Features
You may come across custom Mylar ziplock bags wholesale. Or, those with child-resistant locks or tamper-evident seals. Assess your packaging requirements and state compliance regulations. Make sure you follow local laws and opt for suitable options.
3.) Labeling and Branding
Direct print is ideal for Mylar. However, if direct printing isn’t in your budget, you can design custom labels for your Mylar bags in other ways. These are essential as they enhance brand visibility and compliance with legal requirements.
Utilize heat sealing equipment for more secure Mylar bags. This maintains their airtight properties and increases the shelf life of the cannabis inside.
Store filled Mylar bags in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to further extend the shelf life of the cannabis products.
6.) Compliance with Regulations
Ensure your chosen Mylar bags comply with local regulations for cannabis packaging. Beyond maintaining legal standards, it will also improve customer trust. A standard child-resistant zipper is a common requirement for most legal cannabis brands.
In conclusion, Mylar bags have become highly popular for cannabis packaging because they preserve freshness, protect against moisture and oxygen, resist light, and contain odors.
By following the recommended steps for implementing Mylar bags effectively, businesses can maintain the quality and integrity of their products while meeting regulatory requirements.
Not sure where to purchase custom Mylar bags for wholesale? Custom 420 has you covered with a variety of options. For more information, reach out to us through our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon discontinuing Mylar bags?
As of August 5th, 2022, Amazon removed all Mylar bags that are not clear or single-colored due to changes in regulatory requirements.
Can any printer print on Mylar bags?
In short, no. You cannot use any printer to print on a Mylar bag. You need a printer that can incorporate non-porous and thicker material.
What cannot be stored in Mylar bags?
Food high in moisture (i.e. fruits and vegetables) and in fat (i.e. meats, nuts, legumes) should not be stored in Mylar bags as they will go bad quicker.
by Scott Katz | Apr 20, 2021 | Cannabis Packaging Design, Custom Cannabis Labels, Custom Mylar Bags, Custom Vape Cartridges
Welcome to the Custom 420 Supply custom cannabis packaging blog! We’ve set out to help change the stigma of this amazing crop and how its packaged! The days of using zip-lock bags are no longer acceptable. If you want your brand to stand out from the rest it takes more than growing or producing the best products. Now people want to see how it looks on a retail shelf or behind a glass case.
When it comes to custom cannabis packaging, it can be overwhelming to determine where to start and what’s the right fit for your brand. However, that’s why we started this business and this blog. We want to help those getting started or fine-tuning a coordinated line for an established brand. Navigating your way through this world can be confusing and costly and we’re here to help! We pride ourselves on customer service and building long-term partnerships for years to come. Our main goal is to help you Brand Your Grow and Grow Your Brand!
In this blog, you can find tips and tricks, easy workarounds, the latest packaging trends, compliance updates, child-resistant packaging info, what to use for the following:
We set out to keep all of our brand imagining down to earth and realistic. Helping our clients understand the process and allowing them to be hands-on to bring visions to life. We’ve seen many of the suits at various trade shows offering cosmetic and food packaging as “cannabis packaging.” While packaging can be repurposed, don’t be fooled by said “Cannabis packaging specialists” who have not smoked a joint since the 70s. They’re out of tune with your customer base.
Stay tuned for informative and fun videos, articles, demos, and much more from a team that truly lives on both sides of the industry. Also, all videos will be certified 100% ego-free! Sure, we see organic and natural products all over… but ego-free? That can be hard to come by these days in the cannabis industry. So hopefully we can help you find success without rubbing it in others’ faces. But if that is how you get down, ultimately you can still steal ideas from our blog and rub them in people’s faces! (But not recommended by us!)
by Scott Katz | Mar 2, 2021 | Cannabis Packaging Design, Custom Cannabis Labels, Custom Mylar Bags
This is a multipronged question with multiple answers. The correct way to package your products will differ from company to company. Ultimately, the best cannabis packaging coincides with your brand’s identity and product quality. You might still ask, “What the hell does that mean?”
Let me explain. The old Lamborghini salesman’s sweatpants scenario comes into play here. If you’re not familiar, it’s in essence to portray your brand in line with the quality of your product. For instance, if you were going to buy a Lamborghini and the salesman is wearing stained sweatpants, no matter how much you want the car you’ll most likely consider taking your business elsewhere. The reason? You’re afraid to purchase that kind with a poor upfront presentation.
Comparing Cannabis Packaging to Product Quality
I’m here to say that the same goes for cannabis packaging. Let’s discuss a scenario with two companies:
You’re Company A and think you have the best live resin cartridge on the market. You have a great product and it tests well. You spend a good money to refine your product and can command top dollar for it. When most companies reach this point, they run into the dilemma of not wanting to add any other major costs.
You package it in a plastic blister pack with a paper insert printed at Staples. It makes its way into the shop and you get a few very enthusiastic/educated connoisseurs who rave about the product. Still, being sold as a high-end product, its shelf appeal is not apparent in the cheaper packaging. At first glance, customers will think it’s just an overpriced lower-end product. If you get it in people’s hands, it speaks for itself. However, getting it in the right hands, or enough hands, can be the hardest part.
Now let’s take the example of someone with a middle-of-the-road product, Company B. It is not bottom of the barrel nor is it being sold that way. But its cannabis packaging is in a magnetic box with foil and sharp colors. The type of box someone would hold on to after the purchase.
Some of the high-end customers buy it based on the packaging. The true connoisseurs will appreciate Company A as they’re not fooled by packaging or the cost difference. A few of the lower-end customers buy it as a special purchase. However, as company B, you have now found your sweet spot in the middle. The everyday consumer loves that it’s a quality product for the price and looks higher-end. Despite having a lower-cost product, Company B ends up with a much larger percentage of the market share and continues to grow faster.
You might say, “So what company A has crap packaging? The product is better and the customers must be sheep!” While that might be the case, packaging will continue to play an integral role in marketing as this industry continues to grow.
Customers will lean on the brands that jump out at them. Again, with great products, you’ll likely always have a core following. But if you want to take that next step in growth, your packaging has to coincide with your brand.
The last comparison we will make is a cost vs selling price analysis. Company A sells their carts for $80 – they have a $50 profit margin and it costs them $0.30 per package. They sell 1000 in the first 3 months, netting them: $49,700 (minus all the fees, etc.).
Now let’s look at Company B. Company B sells their carts for $65 each – they have a $40 profit margin and go all out and spend $2 per package. But with the packaging appeal, they sell 1750 units in the first three months, netting them: $66,500.
You can see that despite having a profit margin of nearly $15 more and a better product, by avoiding packaging costs, Company A limited its reach. Their core customer group will grow exponentially slower. So, even though they still have a good reputation, their sales are not on par with it.
Lastly, this isn’t a pitch to promote BAD PRODUCT IN EXPENSIVE PACKAGING. If that’s what you took from this, then you have missed the point. At the end of the day, a product’s quality will speak for itself regardless of the packaging and you’ll have a level of success or failure based on this ALONE.
Still, packaging is the second piece of the puzzle. If you have a terrible product in a nice package in an attempt to charge more, customers will eventually see through it. Then word of mouth of your overpriced and poor-quality product will bury you in due time. Customers might overpay the first time, but will not be fooled again by the tricks!
