Contract Packaging, General, Innovation, Preformed Pouches, Sustainable Packaging / October 29, 2018
As the cannabis market expands across the country in response to medical and recreational use legislation, a growing number of entrepreneurs are setting up shop. The highly regulated cannabis market poses a number of challenges that can sink a seller if they aren’t careful to comply. Regulations aren’t limited to the product itself, but even cannabis packaging as well. In some product formulations, flexible packaging offers solutions ideal for compliance.
Cannabis products generally fit into 3 categories: flowers, concentrates, and edibles.
Flowers and flower products (dried or otherwise) are those that are smoked by a number of methods, include rolled as a joint or blunt, or smoked in a pipe or bong. Packaging requirements include:
While glass or Pyrex packaging are common, flexible packaging is an efficient and effective option for dispensaries and retailers, as it protects the product while helping to protect consumers and reduce misuse. Standup pouches are a common solution as they also protect the product from being crushed during shipping and storage.
Concentrates made by extraction from the cannabis plant have different product needs than flowers. The volatile oils and waxes need special protection from light, air, and heat. Depending on the viscosity and stickiness of the concentrate, special linings may be necessary so that the product isn’t difficult for the consumer to get out of the container. Flexible packaging may not be the best solution for this product category, but resealable, airtight, pourable, and multilayer features make it worth discussing with a packaging supplier.
As a rapidly growing segment encompassing a growing variety of formats, edibles offer the greatest opportunity alongside significant regulatory challenges. As edibles can look most like “regular” food items than any other cannabis product, packaging solutions must not only keep the product safe, but protect and inform consumers as well. Flexible packaging can meet the needs of edibles of many types and offers many benefits over other types of packaging, including cost and sustainability.
As a blossoming market with rapidly changing legal status and regulations, staying on top of the rules is of the highest importance. From production to handling to packaging, cannabis can be a challenging but rewarding business venture.
Looking for a flexible packaging partner for your cannabis business? Give us a call or contact us!