by Scott Katz | Oct 25, 2023 | Cannabis Branding, Cannabis Packaging
Marijuana packaging types (or cannabis packaging) have witnessed tremendous transformations over the years. Beyond its growth, use, and legal status, an often overlooked but pivotal facet of its journey has been the evolution of marijuana packaging.
As industries mature, the sophistication and functionality of their packaging evolve, and the cannabis industry is no exception. Let’s journey to understand this evolution from then to now!
Historical Roots: Simple and Stealthy
Historically, marijuana packaging types were rudimentary, often prioritizing stealth and discretion. During the times when cannabis was frowned upon or illegal in many regions, the primary objective was to mask its scent and make its transport and storage inconspicuous. The most common forms were:
- Brown paper packages
- Glass jars
- Zip-lock bags
These methods were efficient in keeping the herb dry. However, they did little to preserve its potency or aroma over time.
Rise of Legalization: Emphasis on Compliance and Safety
As countries and states began legalizing medicinal and recreational marijuana, a surge in demand led to the industry scaling rapidly. With legalization came the need for regulation and standardization.
Packaging evolved to meet stringent guidelines that require child-resistant containers, opaque materials, and clear labeling indicating tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content and other relevant information. The days of packaging in dime baggies were officially over.
Moreover, as marijuana products diversified (with edibles, tinctures, and concentrates), specialized packaging solutions arose. For instance, edibles require a package that keeps products fresh and communicates dosage.
Branding and Market Differentiation
In recent years, as the stigma surrounding marijuana continues to wane and the market becomes saturated, brands have recognized the need to differentiate themselves from competitors. This brought about a new era in marijuana packaging design, where aesthetic appeal, branding, and user experience became paramount.
Now, brands vie for consumer attention with innovative packaging designs that convey their ethos, story, and product quality. From eco-friendly materials to intricate designs and luxury finishes, marijuana packaging has become an art form in and of itself.
Sustainability: A Shift Towards Eco-Friendly Packaging
The global push towards sustainability has also made its mark on marijuana packaging. Brands now opt for biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable materials to reduce their carbon footprint. This shift caters to environmentally conscious consumers and aligns with many regulatory bodies advocating for sustainable packaging solutions.
The Future: Smart Packaging and Tech Integration
Looking ahead, marijuana packaging is set to embrace technology integration. With the advent of smart packaging, brands can include QR codes for consumers to verify product authenticity, access strain-specific information, or even get personalized consumption recommendations.
Additionally, tech-driven solutions like humidity control and UV protection promise to keep marijuana products fresh for longer. This enhances the overall consumer experience.
Conclusion: A Reflection of Broader Industry Trends
The evolution of marijuana packaging mirrors the broader shifts in the cannabis industry and society at large. From simple, clandestine methods to sophisticated, branded, and sustainable solutions, marijuana packaging has come a long way.
As the industry grows and matures, we can anticipate further innovations that prioritize user experience and environmental responsibility. If you have needs for specific packaging types or need help staying compliant, contact us today!
by Scott Katz | Jun 7, 2023 | Cannabis Branding, Cannabis Packaging Design
The term ‘product packaging’ often conjures up images of boxes, bags, labels, and wrappers. It’s easy to overlook the significance of packaging alignment, relegating it to a practical necessity. However, cannabis packaging isn’t merely a vessel that safeguards a product; it’s a powerful branding tool that creates a comprehensive and cohesive narrative about your brand.
First Impressions Matter
As the first physical touch point between your brand and your customers, cannabis product packaging has the critical role of making a strong first impression. It offers a unique opportunity to convey your brand’s identity and values before a customer interacts with the product. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. With the right packaging, that impression could be a lasting one.
The Merge Between Brand Identity and Packaging
Incorporating your brand’s personality into your cannabis product packaging strengthens your brand identity and differentiates you in a competitive marketplace. Your packaging alignment should echo your brand’s color scheme, typography, and overall aesthetic. This consistency extends to the product, forming a clear and cohesive brand image that is easily recognizable and memorable to your audience.
Translate Brand Values into Tangible Experiences
Your cannabis product packaging can serve as an extension of your brand’s story and values.
Are you an eco-friendly brand? Use sustainable materials and minimalist designs to underscore your commitment to the environment.
Is your brand luxury-oriented? Use high-quality, tactile materials that evoke a sense of exclusivity.
By aligning your packaging design with your brand’s ethos, you offer customers a tangible experience that resonates with your company’s values.
Communicate Quality and Value
Quality product packaging signals a quality product. Investing in thoughtful, well-designed packaging communicates your brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and quality. This implicit promise helps build trust with your audience and encourages customer loyalty. It’s not just about protecting what’s inside, but also about promoting the product’s worth.
The Power of the Unboxing Experiences
The “unboxing” phenomenon has become a significant experience in the consumer journey. A memorable unboxing has the potential to generate customer excitement and deepen their emotional connection with your brand. Custom inserts, handwritten notes, or unique opening mechanisms can all contribute to a satisfying unboxing experience that aligns with your brand image and amplifies your brand’s appeal.
Driving Consumer Decisions
Packaging influences consumer decisions. Eye-catching design, clear messaging, and easy-to-understand instructions can help your product stand out on crowded store shelves or online product listings. By effectively communicating your product’s unique selling proposition through packaging, you can influence buying decisions and drive sales.
In conclusion, aligning your cannabis product packaging with your brand is not just an added extra. It’s a must-have in today’s consumer-centric market. It shapes perceptions, drives purchase decisions, and strengthens brand recognition.
So, next time you evaluate your brand strategy, remember to look beyond the product itself. Consider the role your packaging plays in telling your brand’s story.
by Scott Katz | Apr 24, 2023 | Cannabis Packaging Design
Pantone colors are a system of standardized color matching widely used across various industries, including fashion, graphic design, printing, and product manufacturing. Pantone colors are known for their precision and consistency. They’ve become an essential tool for designers and manufacturers to communicate color choices accurately. And we’ve found them extremely important when developing cannabis packaging.
What is the Pantone Matching System?
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) was developed in the 1960s by Lawrence Herbert, who noticed the lack of a standardized color system in the printing industry. The PMS is a color reproduction system that allows designers and manufacturers to match colors accurately regardless of the equipment used to produce them.
The Pantone color system is based on a standardized color numbering system, with each color identified by a unique number or code. This numbering system allows designers and manufacturers to communicate color choices accurately, ensuring consistency in the final product.
Pantone colors matter because they help ensure consistency in color reproduction across different materials and media. For example, let’s say a designer chooses a particular shade of blue for a company’s logo. Through the Pantone color system, that color can be replicated on various materials, such as business cards, brochures, and signage.
In addition, Pantone colors have become an essential tool for brand identity and recognition. Many companies have specific Pantone colors associated with their brand, which helps them stand out. It also creates a consistent brand image across different media and products.
Pantone colors are also widely apparent in the fashion industry. Designers use the Pantone color system to communicate color choices to manufacturers. This helps ensure that the final product matches the designer’s vision and that colors are consistent across different materials, such as fabrics and accessories.
Final Word
Overall, the Pantone color system has become an essential tool for designers and manufacturers across various industries. Its precision and consistency ensure that color choices communicate accurately and that the final product matches the designer’s vision.
If you are a brand looking to ensure consistency and accuracy in your color choices, consider using the Pantone color system. With its standardized numbering system and wide range of colors, the Pantone system is a reliable tool to help you create a consistent and recognizable brand image. Reach out to us about picking Pantone colors or visit the official website.
by Scott Katz | Mar 14, 2023 | Cannabis Packaging Design
Choosing the right custom cannabis packaging design is critical to the success of a product. You can have the best products in the world, but if the package is stale, there’s a good chance it’ll struggle to take off. Finding the right fit for your cannabis brand identity can make all the difference in the long run!
Why is Cannabis Packaging Design Important?
- Attractiveness: Packaging design can make a product stand out on store shelves and catch the attention of potential customers. You can make a product more appealing by using vibrant colors, bold typography, and innovative shapes.
- Branding: Package design can help to create a strong brand identity. You can reinforce brand recognition and customer loyalty by using colors, logos, and imagery consistent with your identity.
- Information: Package design provides important information to consumers, including product details, nutritional information, and usage instructions. This information helps customers make informed purchasing decisions.
- Protection: Package design protects the product from damage during transportation and storage. The right packaging materials can help to prevent product spoilage, breakage, and other types of damage.
- Sustainability: Package design can also help to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact. You can reduce waste and carbon footprint by using recyclable and biodegradable materials, and minimal packaging.
- Compliance: Packaging design is important to meet cannabis compliance and legal standards. It’s important to design packaging per all local laws with clear warning signs and verbiage.
In summary, determining the right cannabis packaging design is critical to the success of a product. It helps to attract customers, reinforce branding, provide important information, protect the product, and promote sustainability.
We have a full team of custom cannabis packaging designers who can help take your ideas and products to the next level! Find out more about Custom Cannabis Packaging Design here.
by Scott Katz | Mar 6, 2023 | Custom Mylar Bags
When it comes to custom cannabis packaging, it can be overwhelming to determine the right option for your brand. While the look is important and might take precedence for some people, performance matters most. This is where mylar bags made custom come in.
Your reputation will suffer if your products deteriorate before the customer buys or finishes them. For this reason, we’ve devised the top reasons your cannabis brand should incorporate custom mylar bags.
8 Key Reasons Why Your Cannabis Business Needs Custom Mylar Bags
1.) Keeps Your Cannabis Fresh
Mylar bags are one of the most effective means to keep a cannabis product fresh. In more detail, Mylar bags provide:
- Moisture Barrier – This means they’re resistant to the passage of moisture. Mylar bags help to keep food items or other stored contents free of mold, mildew, and other moisture damage.
- Oxygen Barrier – This means they’re effective at preventing the passage of oxygen. Mylar bags prevent oxidation of stored items, which can lead to spoilage, off-flavors, and reduced nutritional value.
- Light Barrier – Mylar bags are also effective at blocking out light. This is important as light can cause food items to degrade and lose their nutritional value over time. Mylar bags help preserve the quality and flavor.
- Puncture Resistance – Mylar bags are made from a durable polyester film that’s resistant to punctures and tears. This helps protect stored items from physical damage and contamination.
- Long-Term Storage – Because of their barriers, Mylar bags are ideal for long-term food storage or other contents. They can help preserve the quality and flavor of stored items for months or even years. This makes them a great option for emergency preparedness or storage of bulk food purchases.
2.) The Identity of Your Brand
Mylar bags are a blank canvas that’s 100% customizable. With that, you can design them to match your brand identity. How so?
- Stunning Visuals – You can develop high-definition printing for bold, captivating designs.
- Brand Consistency – You can ensure tailored packaging that showcases your brand’s identity.
- Enhanced Shelf Appeal – You’re more likely to attract and engage customers with eye-catching packaging.
3.) Meets Regulations
Naturally, each state has a boatload of regulations for its cannabis industry. Luckily, Mylar bags made custom are practically designed to meet compliance. How so? Each Mylar bag can have:
- Child-Resistant – Engineered to comply with strict safety regulations.
- Detailed Labels – Ample room for essential legal information, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content and warnings.
- Tamper-Proof – Provides extra security, assuring customers your products are sealed and safe.
4.) Can Be Used for Different Product Types
The beauty of the cannabis industry is the amount of options customers have. Mylar bags provide a versatile solution if your business has multiple product types (i.e. flower, edibles, concentrates, etc.). How so?
- Variety of Sizes – Options from small samples to bulk quantities.
- Versatile Use – Ideal for various products, ensuring uniform packaging.
- Budget-Friendly – Simplify your packaging with an affordable, all-in-one solution.
5.) Eco-Friendly
While not all custom-printed Mylar bags are eco-friendly, you have sustainable packaging options. How so?
- Recyclable Wonders – Eco-conscious options that help minimize your environmental impact, such as post-consumer recycled (PCR).
- Sustainable Solutions – Planet-friendly inks and materials that reflect your green values.
- Eco Appeal – Attract environmentally-conscious customers with sustainable packaging.
6.) They Stand-Out
The cannabis industry is saturated and requires you to stand out among the competition. How can you do so? By developing custom direct print Mylar bags tailored to your brand. Here are some customization options you’ll find with this packaging:
- Unique Shapes – Through the die-cut process, you can develop eye-catching designs that stand out on the shelf.
- Brand Narrative – Leverage your packaging to share your brand’s story and engage customers.
- Competitive Edge – Distinguish your products with unforgettable, one-of-a-kind packaging.
7.) Customer Satisfaction
Beyond their sharp designs, Mylar bags are also a convenient option for customers. They provide:
- Resealable Zippers – Conveniently open and close to maintain product freshness.
- Tear Notches – Effortless opening that doesn’t require scissors.
- Customer-Friendly – Thoughtful features that enhance convenience and encourage repeat business.
8.) Can Handle Transport
Depending on your state, cannabis products may be required to travel long distances before hitting store shelves. As such, your products will need protection. Mylar bags made custom can provide with:
- Sturdy Build – Tear- and puncture-resistant for lasting durability.
- Protective Seal – Shields products from contaminants during transit.
- Customer Assurance – This guarantees that your customers will receive premium, undamaged goods.
Worried about your products being crushed in transportation? Custom 420 also offers insert trays that affordably and effectively prevent crushing.
Final Word
As you can see, customized Mylar bags can be the perfect way to market your brand and ensure product protection. Still, it can be a doozy trying to find the right company to purchase from.
Not sure where to begin? Contact us today to learn more or request some samples!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to customize Mylar bags? Through Custom 420, you can fully customize your Mylar bags and get them shipped directly to you. Not sure where to begin? Our in-house design team can get you started!
How to print custom Mylar bags? For this process, you’ll need a custom Mylar bag printing machine. Since most businesses don’t have one, we recommend sourcing your cannabis packaging through a third-party.
How to make your own custom Mylar bags? If you’d like to design your own Mylar bags, you can receive blank packaging and directly print on it yourself. This isn’t a bad option if you have a small business. However, for larger operations, Custom 420 can streamline the process by customizing and directly printing Mylar bags for you.