Each state has its own rules for cannabis and CBD product packaging. Manufacturers and brands need packaging suppliers who are familiar with the cannabis and CBD markets. It has experience in its industry and can help create optimal, compliant packaging.
To help you choose the right cannabis or CBD packaging supplier for your product, here are 6 key things to consider.
Sourcing
Where the materials and packaging you purchase come from has a direct impact on your success. This is because expensive shipping and international shipping challenges can result in lost sales and revenue for you. Sources matter – a lot!
The cannabis and CBD industries are new and forecasting demand is challenging. Therefore, you need a packaging supplier that can meet your needs quickly without charging excessive shipping costs. Low order minimums are also important.
Likewise, you don’t have to worry about long delivery times for packaging that must travel long distances or go through customs to reach its destination. Shipping overseas can create a long list of problems and costs that can lead to unnecessary delays and stress.
That said, source your packaging from local suppliers and look for packaging that is made in the USA. If you are sourcing packaging from overseas, make sure your packaging supplier works with a dedicated international shipping partner and has submitted the necessary documentation to the appropriate customs agencies.
Rigorous material selection
This is the primary requirement for any box you display to promote your products and business in the marketplace. If you use substandard materials for your CBD products, we guarantee you that your sales will be cut in half compared to your competitors. The reason for this is that CBD products are expensive, and if you do not display them effectively, customers will not notice buying them. Therefore, we recommend using only corrugated, eco-friendly kraft or card stock for CBD products
Customization and Printing Options
In order to win in the marketplace, your cannabis or CBD product packaging must use custom printing and labeling that reflects your brand, stands out to consumers, and meets all regulatory requirements.
Choose a packaging supplier who has experience and expertise in the cannabis and/or CBD industries. You should hire a company that has expertise in packaging design, prototyping, as well as every step of customization and production.
A packaging supplier for the cannabis or CBD industry must be flexible and offer excellent customer service.
Supply Chain Logistics and Labor
How long will it take for you to receive your package? You need to work with suppliers that offer fast turnaround times and short lead times.
For example, when you have to wait for shipments from overseas locations, your turnaround time and lead time will be longer. As mentioned in #1, working with a domestic supplier can reduce delays.
Also, consider labor delays and process/operational delays. How many employees are responsible for setting up your packaging and putting the product into the package? How many different employees or teams of employees are involved in the design and production of your packaging? Are certain parts of the process outsourced to third parties?
The more people involved, the more complex the logistics, labor and processes for creating, producing and delivering your packaging. Choose a provider that simplifies everything so there is less chance of problems, delays and errors.
Sustainability
Cannabis culture is highly concerned with people and the planet, so it makes sense to deliver your products in sustainable packaging. This is especially true for disposable packaging that adds significant waste to landfills and our oceans.
Sustainable packaging doesn’t have to be very expensive, but it can help your brand stand out to consumers. If sustainability is important to your company, as it is to many consumers, choose a packaging supplier that has access to affordable sustainable packaging options.
Don’t just take the supplier’s word that their packaging is sustainable. Do your homework and make sure it’s made from truly recycled materials that are renewable when properly recycled.
State regulations
Packaging requirements for cannabis and CBD products vary from state to state. It is imperative to work with a packaging company that understands the laws that apply to your business and has systems in place to meet your requirements now and in the future.
The key is to make sure the packaging company is flexible enough to change its processes and operations so they can adequately respond when states change their cannabis and CBD packaging laws. The reality is that these laws do change, and will change in the future. Your packaging supplier must be able to change as well.
Choosing the right packaging supplier for your cannabis or CBD products is a critical decision that should not be made quickly. By talking to the company and verifying their experience and expertise before signing any contract you can make an informed choice so that your packaging can be delivered when you need it, without incurring additional costs that will reduce your profit margin.
Conclusion
Product packaging is the most important thing you can do to increase brand awareness. Most customers who buy your products will remember your brand by the look of its packaging.
