by Scott Katz | Nov 5, 2024 | Cannabis Packaging, Custom Mylar Bags
Do you own a cannabis business in need of packaging solutions? Have you stopped and asked yourself, “How do I find custom Mylar bags near me?”
The difficulty with answering this question is it depends a lot on your location. Admittedly, brands located in metropolitan areas with long-defined cannabis regulations (i.e. Los Angeles, California) will have more access to local custom packaging options.
However, even if your area doesn’t have local options, this doesn’t mean your selection is limited. Most cannabis brands source their packaging from out-of-state through an online retailer. For this reason, this article will look into the top 4 qualities you should expect from purchasing custom-printed Mylar bags.
1.) Does Your Supplier Have Experience in the Cannabis Packaging Industry?
If you’re sourcing cannabis packaging, you’ll want to ensure your supplier has experience within this industry. With that in mind, take note of the following:
- What is their cannabis industry expertise? Question if the supplier knows of the industry and its versatile selection of products, from flower to concentrates to edibles. This familiarization will save you time when addressing your brand’s needs.
- Are they aware of cannabis regulations? While it depends on where you live, all cannabis state regulations are strict. Many require key design features (i.e. child-resistant packaging, tamper-evident, etc.). A knowledgeable supplier will ensure you won’t run into any legal issues.
- What is their client’s success rate? You’ll want to vet whether or not your supplier has a proven track record with other clients. This will ensure they can provide you with effective and innovative Mylar bags for wholesale.
2.) Does Your Supplier Effectively Communicate and Align with Your Values?
The best cannabis packaging supplier will deliver on the following points:
- Prompt Communication – You should receive responses from a reputable supplier promptly. This communication should be clear and proactive, preventing avoidable delays and miscommunications.
- Aligned Vision and Values – All cannabis brands must develop a brand identity. More often than not, this goes hand-in-hand with your company’s values. You must ask yourself if your supplier can provide packaging that aligns with this identity.
- Custom Solutions – All cannabis brands have their own specific needs that must be met. Therefore, you need a supplier that can match your ideas and adjust their services to your requirements. This may mean incorporating an eco-friendly solution or using a specific finish type.
Addressing these points will benefit you for long-term collaboration. You want a cannabis packaging supplier you can rely on and build with as your business and vision continue to grow.
3.) Is Your Supplier Well-Versed in Custom Cannabis Packaging?
Custom packaging can be tricky as there are so many elements at play. The right supplier will ensure all these elements can be addressed for their clients. These may include:
- Packaging Types – Can your supplier provide customized Mylar bags, boxes, or other containers?
- Distinctive Features – Unique elements you may require, such as child-resistant designs or custom label options.
- Materials and Finishes – Choices that elevate your brand design, from sustainable materials to high-end finishes.
4.) Can You Trust Your Supplier for a Long-Term Partnership?
With the above points in mind, you ultimately want a long-term partnership. Imagine choosing a supplier only to find you’re unsatisfied with their delivery. You want a reliable, effective communicator that can meet your brand’s needs and elevate your company.
Not sure where to begin? At Custom 420, we provide custom packaging solutions for brands across the United States. Since we’re located in New England, we may be able to provide custom Mylar bags near you.
We invite you to reach out through our contact form to learn more.
Custom Mylar Bags Near Me FAQs
What should you not store in Mylar bags? In Mylar bags, you only want to store products with low moisture content. So, unless dehydrated, you’ll want to avoid nuts, meat, or beans.
How long will dry goods last in Mylar bags? This depends on the product itself. Cannabis flower (and other products) tend to last months to years. However, dried foods (i.e. beans and grain) can last 20 to 30 years.
Can you put too many oxygen absorbers in Mylar bags? No, you cannot harm a product by putting too many oxygen absorbers into a Mylar bag. If there are extra absorbers, it will simply go unused and have no effect on the product.
by Scott Katz | Nov 1, 2024 | Cannabis Packaging, Custom Mylar Bags
There are more than just your traditional Ziplock options for mylar bag closure. Finding the right mylar bag closure can make all the difference in preserving your bag contents or dialing in the right look for your brand. The type of mylar bag closure you chose can also have an important regulatory impact on cannabis compliance laws.
Heat Seal
Heat-seal bag closures are the least complex and most cost-effective option. This closure type doesn’t use a zipper. Instead, it relies on a heat-sealing machine to crimp the end of the bag by combining heat and pressure.
To open the bag the user must rip open the top above the heat-sealed line. Most often utilizing tear notches on the edges. The only downside to heat-sealed bags is once they’re opened, they cannot be closed again.
This option is ideal for one-time-use items. However, depending on your location, it might not meet state and local laws.
Smell-Proof Zipper
Smell-proof zippers may be seen as a traditional ziplock option. However, with the inherited barrier properties of our mylar bags and traditional ziplock zippers, we can produce a fully smell-proof mylar bag solution.
While your contents are within this bag, they will not omit any odors as long as the bag remains sealed. However, these must be per state and local laws.
EZ Tear
Maintaining the properties of our smell-proof zipper, the EZ tear zipper features a tear-away option from the corner of the bag. This adds an extra layer of protection by making the bags tamper evident and confirming to the end user that they have never been opened.
While EZ tear zippers have been a popular option for coffee pouches, they’ve become more popular in the cannabis industry recently.
Child-Resistant Zipper
While there are a variety of child-resistant (CR) zippers on the market, our team at Custom 420 Supply has developed our own Se-Cure Seal Child Resistant zipper option. This zipper option is ASTM Child Resistant certified and provides an easier-to-open solution than many of the other CR zippers on the market.
These zippers are paramount in helping your company stay compliant with all state and local laws. They also maintain the properties of our smell-proof zipper while adding an extra layer of security and preventing access to children.
Bottom Heat Seal with Smell-Proof Top Zipper
A unique solution that combines our traditional smell-proof zipper and requires heat sealing the bottom of bags with no gusset.
This solution is ideal for companies with heat-sealing conveyor belt machines. It allows the company filling the Mylar bags to receive the smell-proof or CR zipper pre-sealed, then fill with the contents from the bottom opening and permanently heat seal the bottom opening.
The caveat is that once you heat-seal a bag, there is no option to open it from the bottom. Still, companies can save on labor costs by using this method combined with automated machines.
Final Word
Not sure what the best Mylar bag closure option is for you? Custom 420 is here to help! We invite you to reach out through our contact form to learn more.
by Scott Katz | Oct 1, 2024 | Cannabis Packaging
The simple answer is yes, marijuana can be cured in Mylar bags. However, this cannabis packaging option may not be an ideal solution for everyone. That ultimately depends on the size of your harvest and how much money you want to put into your curing process.
What is Curing?
In simple terms, curing is the preservation of cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis buds. It protects the flavor, aroma, and potency of your product.
This process involves placing them in an airtight container once the flower is harvested and dried. You have a few options when it comes to curing weed, including:
- Mason jar
- Ceramic
- Metal
- Wood
However, plastics should be avoided since they absorb tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). You’ll naturally lose the potency of a product through this absorption.
Regardless of your container choice, you must maintain humidity between 55-65% and place it in a dark room. This environment protects your cannabis from UV light, which can break down cannabinoids and terpenes.
Once or twice a day within the first week, you’ll need to open your jar for a few minutes. After the first week, you’ll want to do this every few days. This process allows moisture to leave your container and oxygen to replenish.
The curing process takes between two weeks and a month. However, you can cure buds for longer.
What are Mylar Bags?
Mylar bags are a type of packaging designed from a polyester film. They’re used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Food Storage – Mylar has played an essential role in long-term food storage as it protects contents from light, air, and moisture. Common foods include pasta, beans, rice, jerky, and dried fruits.
- Pharmaceuticals – Since medication, tissue samples, and seeds can be sensitive to changes in moisture and oxygen, Mylar has helped to preserve such contents.
- Other Uses – Other products used in Mylar include camping meals, emergency food, gardening products, household cleaners, and cosmetics.
Part of what makes Mylar so effective is it can be heat sealable, have tear notches, and come in various sizes and styles (i.e. zipper bags). These varieties have made it an adaptable packaging solution in the cannabis industry, often meeting state compliance laws.
Can Marijuana Be Cured in a Mylar Bag?
Yes! You can cure cannabis in a Mylar bag. Mylar prevents cannabis from degrading thanks to its protection from light, oxygen, and moisture. As such, it can cure your product after a harvest.
Still, you want to consider whether or not Mylar is the right option for you. Admittedly, most of this packaging is small and made for personal use (i.e. 3.5 Mylar bags for weed). While larger options (i.e. 1 pound Mylar bags) are available, you need to consider:
- The size of your harvest
- Whether or not this is the most cost-effective option
If you only grow marijuana for personal use, Mylar is a great choice. However, if you have a business operation, there may be better fits for you.
Other Curing Options
To cure weed, you simply need an airtight container. You want to ensure this container is filled to 75% capacity and contains a small hygrometer (or humidity pack) to monitor levels.
The most common cannabis curing option is jars. However, other options exist, including curing machines and containers. These options may speed up the process but are also more expensive.
Final Word
Mylar weed bags are an option for curing, but they may not be the option for you. Your decision here ultimately comes down to the size of your operation and how much money you want to invest in the curing process.
If you decide to go with Mylar bags for weed curing, Custom 420 has various options to choose from. We invite you to reach out through our contact form to learn more.
Weed Mylar Bags FAQs
How long is weed good for in Mylar weed bags? Cannabis can stay fresh in a Mylar bag for many months or even years.
How to seal Mylar weed bags? If you want to seal weed in a Mylar bag for curing purposes, you’ll want to use a heat seal. You can do this with a(n):
– Iron (or hair-straightening apparatus)
– Sealer machine
– Sealing strip
To further the curing process, you can also add Oxygen Absorbers to the package.
by Scott Katz | Apr 30, 2024 | Cannabis Branding, Cannabis Packaging
Die-cut boxes are a popular choice in the world of packaging as they offer a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and functional design. However, you may wonder if they’re the right packaging solution for your cannabis brand.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can get creative with die-cut, enhancing both the unboxing experience and the visual branding of your products.
What is a Die-Cut Box?
Die-cut boxes are custom-made packaging solutions, tailored to fit specific dimensions and protection needs.
These boxes are cut from flat sheets of material using a die; a specialized tool crafted to cut and score cardboard in a predefined design. This process allows for intricate cutouts, windows, and unique box shapes that are unachievable with standard box-making techniques.
Benefits of the Die-Cut Box
A die-cut box template offers several compelling advantages for businesses and designers alike:
- Customization – The ability to fully customize a box’s shape, size, and features.
- Protection – Enhanced protection due to the precise fit around the product.
- Aesthetics – Attractive and distinctive designs that stand out on shelves and in customers’ hands.
Designing Your Die-Cut Box
Creating a die-cut box design that perfectly matches your vision involves several steps:
- Understanding Your Needs – Start by defining your box’s purpose. Consider the product’s dimensions and weight and how the box will be used during shipping and retail display.
- Choose the Right Material – Select materials that will protect your product and align with your brand’s sustainability ethos. Cardboard, corrugated fiberboard, and recyclable plastics are popular choices.
- Customization Techniques – Leverage techniques (i.e. digital or offset printing, embossing, debossing, and window patching) to add branding elements and decorative features.
- Add Unique Features – Think beyond the box. Literally. Add handles for easy carrying, innovative closures for repeated use, or die-cut window patterns that give a peek of the product inside.
Creative Uses of Die-Cut Boxes
Custom die-cut boxes are adaptable for a multitude of applications across various industries:
- Retail Packaging – Create packages that protect merchandise and enhance shelf presence with custom shapes and designs.
- Wholesale Boxes – Easily create wholesale master boxes to coordinate branding between retail and wholesale packaging.
- Subscription Boxes – Offer subscribers a unique unboxing experience every time, with designs that evolve with themes or seasons.
- Eco-Friendly Solutions – Design your boxes with sustainable materials and processes to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Marketing Benefits
Innovative packaging can significantly boost your product’s visibility and brand recognition. They make your product stand out in a crowded market, and the unique design can turn ordinary packaging into a powerful marketing tool.
Die-cut boxes are more than just containers; they’re critical to product presentation and brand perception. Furthermore, by getting creative with your design, you can deliver an unforgettable unboxing experience and establish a strong visual identity.
Not sure where to begin? Custom 420 has a die-cut box machine for the purpose of offering such solutions to brands like yours. We invite you to reach out through our contact form to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to assemble a die-cut box? The process of assembling a die-cut box is easy. Die-cut boxes are produced as flat cardboard with all the fold and score lines intact after production. The most popular style of die-cut box is a fold-and-tuck box which is easily assembled by folding and tucking the cardboard in the shape of the die lines to form your box.
How much do die-cut boxes cost? Die-cut boxes are one of the most cost-effective box options on the market. The price of your die-cut box will be determined by the size, thickness, and quantity of your box. Other factors that help determine the cost are the need for features like glue strips or windows.
How to layout a die-cut box in Illustrator? To make die-cut lines in Illustrator, you’ll want to follow these steps:
1.) Open your design in Illustrator.
2.) Go to Select > All.
3.) Go to Object > Group.
4.) Go to Edit > Copy and then to Edit > Paste in Place.
5.) Go to Window > Pathfinder and press the “unite” icon.
6.) Go to Object > Path > Offset Path.
7.) Choose the initial shape and remove it.
8.) Select the offset path you just created and in the Swatches panel (Window > Swatches), set the fill to “none.”
9.) Click on the Stroke icon to activate the stroke color, then set it to “CMYK Cyan” (or another color).
by Scott Katz | Apr 15, 2024 | Cannabis Packaging, Sustainable Cannabis Packaging
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) Mylar bags are a significant stride in the sustainable packaging industry. Once these bags are used and discarded by consumers, they’re collected, processed, and remanufactured into new products. This article explores the concept, process, benefits, and challenges of PCR Mylar bags.
What is Mylar?
Mylar is a form of polyester resin used to make heat-resistant plastic films and sheets. It’s lightweight, flexible, and highly durable, which makes it an excellent choice for various packaging needs.
Properties of Mylar
The key properties of Mylar include its strength, transparency, and resistance to moisture, chemicals, and temperature changes. These attributes make it highly valued in both consumer and industrial applications.
Understanding Post-Consumer Recycling
Simply put, PCR is the process of recycling materials that have been used and discarded by consumers. This is different from pre-consumer recycling, which deals with manufacturing scraps.
Benefits of PCR
Using PCR materials helps reduce the need for virgin resources, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and lessens landfill waste. It’s a critical component of a circular economy where materials are reused to their fullest extent.
The Lifecycle of PCR Mylar Bags
The process of transforming used Mylar into new bags involves several steps, each critical to ensuring the quality and usability of the final product. These include:
1.) Collection and Sorting
This initial phase involves collecting used Mylar products and sorting them based on quality and type. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the recycled material.
2.) Cleaning and Processing
Once sorted, the Mylar is cleaned to remove impurities. It is then melted down and reformed into pellets that can be used to manufacture new Mylar sheets and bags.
3.) Manufacturing of New Products
These pellets are then transformed into new Mylar bags through a series of manufacturing processes that ensure the bags meet all necessary quality standards.
Benefits of PCR Mylar Bags
These Mylar bags offer several advantages over their non-recycled counterparts. More specifically:
Environmental Impact
By reusing Mylar, PCR bags significantly reduce the environmental footprint of producing new materials and disposing of old ones.
Economic Benefits
Recycling Mylar also offers economic advantages by reducing the costs associated with raw material extraction and waste disposal.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite their benefits, PCR Mylar bags face several challenges that affect their quality and market acceptance. These include:
Quality Concerns
Recycled Mylar may not always meet the high standards required for certain applications, leading to concerns about the performance of PCR products. Some properties of PCR bags do not provide the long-term shelf life of traditional mylar bags.
Market Demand
The demand for recycled products fluctuates based on consumer awareness, regulatory pressures, and economic factors, which can impact the viability of recycling programs. Some states require PCR materials for their cannabis packaging.
Conclusion
The future of PCR Mylar bags looks promising with ongoing advances in recycling technologies and increased consumer sustainability awareness.
PCR Mylar bags are a practical solution to the pressing need for sustainable packaging options. While they present certain challenges, their benefits make them an invaluable component of modern waste management strategies. As they continue to progress they will become more and more prevalent with many states requiring them to comply with laws.
Does your state require PCR packaging? Contact us now for a free consultation and quote on PCR cannabis packaging options!
by Scott Katz | Mar 18, 2024 | Cannabis Branding, Cannabis Packaging, Compliant Cannabis Packaging, Sustainable Cannabis Packaging
In today’s market, product packaging is not just a means of protection. It’s a significant aspect of marketing strategy that influences consumer perception and purchase decisions. Correlating packaging with price is an art that requires understanding the nuances of consumer behavior, material costs, and the psychological impact of design elements. Let’s dive deep into how businesses can master product price points to enhance their brand value and market positioning.
Understanding the Essence of Packaging
The Role of Packaging in Marketing
Packaging serves multiple purposes: it protects the product, provides essential information, and most importantly, it communicates the brand’s message. It’s the first thing a consumer interacts with, making it a critical touchpoint in the marketing funnel. The consumer’s first impression could make or break a sale.
Perceived Value and Packaging
The design, quality, and innovation of a package can significantly affect the perceived value of a product. A well-designed package can command a higher price, as it suggests superior quality and enhances the unboxing experience. But selling a high-end product in cheap packaging could be a death sentence.
Correlating Packaging with Price
Material Matters
Selecting the right packaging material is crucial. Sustainable, high-quality materials may cost more but can justify a higher price point and attract eco-conscious consumers. Add foils and special finishes to help the packaging stand out and utilize materials effectively.
Design and Complexity
The complexity of the design also plays a role. Intricate designs with unique opening mechanisms or personalized touches can make the product stand out on the shelves, allowing for a premium pricing strategy. Unique designs are sure to catch a potential customer’s eye.
Brand Consistency
Ensuring the packaging aligns with the brand’s overall image and values is essential. Consistency across products reinforces brand recognition and loyalty, supporting a higher price range. This also helps with brand recognition and repeat sales.
Cost-Effective Packaging Strategies
Balancing Quality with Cost
While aiming for high-quality packaging, you need to balance costs to avoid pricing your product out of the market. Economies of scale and smart design choices can help maintain this balance. When selling a high-end product, your packaging should follow suit. The goal is to create an experience for the user from the initial opening until the product is finished.
Leveraging Technology
Advancements in packaging technology, such as digital printing and utilizing mixed print runs, can reduce costs and allow for small-batch customization without a significant price hike.
Sustainability as a Value Proposition
Sustainable packaging is ethical and a selling point that can justify a higher price. Consumers are willing to pay more for products that align with their values, especially if you position your brand messaging this way.
Case Studies: Success Stories of Effective Packaging
Analyzing successful brands can provide valuable insights into effective packaging strategies. From luxury brands that use packaging to enhance exclusivity to eco-friendly brands that use minimal, sustainable packaging to appeal to their target audience, there is much to learn from the market leaders. Think beyond the cannabis packaging realm and look at high-end cosmetics and food items. Products with high price points in their respective category often have packaging that correlates with product cost.
Future Trends in Packaging
Innovations to Watch
The future of packaging lies in smart, interactive packaging that enhances user experience and sustainability efforts that reduce environmental impact. Incorporating QR codes and augmented reality can help create a deeper experience.
Customization and Personalization
As technology advances, personalized packaging will become more accessible, allowing brands to offer unique experiences without a hefty price tag. Tailoring items focused on local trends and preferences could help lead to greater sales.
Conclusion
Mastering the correlation between packaging and price is essential for cannabis businesses aiming to position their products effectively in the market. By focusing on material quality, design innovation, and brand consistency, your business can create packaging that justifies the price and appeals to its target audience. Remember, packaging is not just a container; it’s a critical marketing tool that communicates your brand’s value proposition.
