5 Critical Things to Consider When Choosing a Cannabis or CBD Packaging Provider

Cannabis and CBD product packaging is unique with a myriad of rules that change from one state to the next. Manufacturers and brands need to choose a packaging provider who understands the cannabis and CBD markets, has experience in their industry, and can provide help to create the best, compliant packaging possible.

To help you choose the right cannabis or CBD packaging provider for your products, following are five critical things to consider.

1. Sourcing

Where the materials and packaging you purchase come from has a direct effect on your success. That’s because expensive shipping and international shipping challenges can cause you to lose sales and revenue. Source matters – a lot!

The cannabis and CBD industries are new, and predicting demand is challenging. Therefore, you need a packaging provider who can meet your demand quickly without charging excessive shipping fees. They also need to offer low minimum order quantities.

Similarly, you don’t want to have to worry about long lead times for packaging that has to travel over long distances or go through customs to get to your destination. Overseas shipping creates a long list of problems and expenses that can cause unneeded delays and stress.

With that said, source your packaging from local providers and look for packaging that is made in the USA. If you do source packaging from overseas, make sure your packaging supplier works with a dedicated international shipping partner and has the necessary documentation filed with appropriate customs agencies.

2. Customization and Printing Options

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. 

Make sure you choose a packaging provider who has experience and expertise in the cannabis and/or CBD industry. They should have a team of experts who can help you with packaging design, prototyping, and every step of the customization and production process. 

Flexibility and exceptional customer service are key when it comes to choosing a packaging provider in the cannabis or CBD industry. 

3. Supply Chain Logistics and Labor

How long will it take to get your packaging? You need to work with a supplier who offers quick turnaround times and short lead times. 

For example, when you have to wait for shipments from overseas locations, your turnaround times and lead times will be longer. As discussed in #1, working with domestic providers can reduce delays.

In addition, consider labor delays and process/operational delays. How many employees are tasked with setting up your packaging and putting the product into the packaging? How many different employees or teams of employees are involved with the design and production of your packaging? Are some parts of the process outsourced to third parties?

The more people who are involved, the more complicated the logistics, labor, and processes that go into creating, producing, and delivering your packaging will be. Choose a provider who streamlines everything so there are fewer opportunities for problems, delays, and errors.

4. Sustainability

The cannabis culture is highly focused on people and the planet, so offering your products in sustainable packaging makes sense. This is especially true for single-use packaging that adds a massive amount of waste to landfills and our oceans.

Sustainable packaging doesn’t have to be extremely expensive, but it can help your brand stand out to consumers. If sustainability is important to your company, like it is to so many consumers, choose a packaging provider who has access to affordable sustainable packaging options. 

Don’t just take the provider’s word for it that their packaging is sustainable. Do your homework and make sure it’s made from truly reclaimed materials that are regenerative when recycled properly.

5. State Regulations

Packaging requirements for cannabis and CBD products vary from one state to another. It’s crucial that you work with a packaging provider who understands the laws your business must comply with and has systems in place to meet your needs now and in the future.

The key is ensuring the packaging company is agile enough to make changes to its own processes and operations, so it can adequately react when states modify cannabis and CBD packaging laws. The reality is these laws do change and will change in the future. Your packaging provider must be able to change too.

Key Takeaways to Choose Cannabis or CBD Product Packaging

Choosing the right cannabis or CBD product packaging provider is a critical decision that should not be made quickly. Talk to companies and verify their experience and expertise before you sign any contracts. 

Request samples and ask providers about their sourcing, customization, supply chain, labor, sustainability options, and state regulation knowledge. With that information, you can make an educated choice so your packaging arrives when you need it without incurring extra expenses that cut into your profit margin. 

Want to learn if New World Packaging is the right choice for your cannabis or CBD product packaging? Contact us to request samples and learn more about how you can mitigate delays, reduce costs, and get better service with the right team on your side!