December 5, 2023
The increasing production of cannabis edibles presents unique challenges in packaging design. Edibles, of course, refers to a diverse range of cannabis products, including gummies, chocolates, cookies, and infused beverages.
Because of their nature, these edibles require tailored packaging solutions. Solutions that meet specific requirements while adhering to strict regulatory standards. In essence, the packaging design of edibles needs to focus on ensuring safety and consumer appeal.
How do you manage that?
In this article, you’ll learn the various design challenges facing custom cannabis packaging for edibles. But more importantly, you’ll learn how to tackle these issues innovatively.
Challenges in Custom Cannabis Packaging for Edibles
Packaging companies will likely face different challenges when designing custom cannabis packaging for edibles. Some of them include:
#1. Child-Resistant Packaging
Regulatory requirements mandate child-resistant packaging for cannabis edibles. The goal is to prevent accidental consumption by minors. As a result of this regulation, there’s the problem of designing packaging that’s both child-resistant and user-friendly. You’ll typically want to use bright-colored packaging and attractive images to create a unique brand.
However, doing so might be in contravention of the law. As per the regulations, you can’t design cannabis packages in a way that can attract children into consuming its content. As such, you’ll have to devise a means of standing out while ensuring your packaging doesn’t appeal to children.
#2. Balance Between Safety and Ease of Access
Another industry challenge is finding a way to strike a balance between safety and ease of access to cannabis products. Specifically, trying to create child-resistant packaging that’s also user-friendly poses a significant hurdle.
For instance, you need to create easy-to-use closures that are also child-resistant. Those that people with physical limitations can also open. This requires innovative solutions, which might increase production costs.
#3. Accurate Dosing and Labeling
Edible products must accurately indicate cannabinoid content and dosing information. Potential allergens and usage instructions must also be evident on the packaging. Ensuring clear and precise labeling on often small packaging areas without compromising readability presents a design challenge.
#4. Preservation of Freshness and Potency
Maintaining the freshness and potency of cannabis-infused edibles is crucial. Packaging must protect against air, light, and moisture while preserving the product’s taste, texture, and effectiveness over its shelf life. Consequently, designing a preservative packaging that stands out from the competition will require some innovation.
#5. Tamper-Proof Design
As a cannabis manufacturer, you want tamper-evident packaging that reassures consumers about product integrity. Such packaging also needs to have an appealing aesthetic without compromising functionality. Balancing all these can prove challenging.
#6. Eco-friendly Yet Potency Preserving
Cannabis packaging companies face the challenge of creating eco-friendly packaging that also ensures potency preservation. Eco-friendly materials like bioplastics or recycled materials may not offer the same barrier properties as traditional packaging. Consequently, this compromises the edibles’ freshness and potency.
Innovations and Solutions in Custom Cannabis Packaging for Edibles
Now, you understand the various challenges with creating cannabis packaging for edibles. However, there’s still the question of how to solve or get around these issues.
Fortunately, there are several innovations to help in the proper custom cannabis packaging of edibles. They include:
#1. Smart Packaging Technologies
Innovative packaging solutions, such as QR codes, RFID tags, or NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, allow consumers to access detailed product information. This includes dosage guidelines, cannabinoid profiles, and lab testing results.
By incorporating these systems, you can improve transparency and build consumer trust. All these are done while overcoming limited space on packaging for extensive information.
#2. Child-Resistant Features
Developing innovative closure systems, such as child-resistant zippers, push-and-turn caps, etc., ensures compliance with safety regulations. They also help maintain ease of use for adult consumers. Furthermore, creative designs like blister packs or sliding mechanisms add a layer of child-resistant protection.
#3. Barrier Packaging Materials
For custom cannabis packaging, you can use specialized barrier materials like foil-lined pouches, resealable bags, or opaque containers with UV protection. These prevent light and oxygen exposure. This, in turn, helps in preserving the freshness and potency of edibles. They’re also great for extending shelf life and maintaining product quality.
#4. Sustainable and Compliant Materials
Eco-friendly materials are another innovative kind of packaging. They include recyclable plastics, compostable films, and bio-based packaging. Recently, these sustainable packaging options are increasingly favored by environmentally conscious consumers. Better yet, suitable materials can also preserve the potency of a cannabis product.
#5. Clear and Informative Labeling
There are various innovative labeling techniques. Some examples are fold-out labels, multi-layer labels, or augmented reality-enabled labels. These labels provide enough space for comprehensive information while maintaining an attractive and concise design. As such, they allow for clear communication of dosing instructions, warnings, and nutritional information.
#6. Custom Shapes and Sizes
Designing custom shapes and sizes for packaging can enhance shelf presence while accommodating various edible forms. Innovative packaging shapes attract attention and optimize space for branding and compliance information.
Bottom Line
Custom cannabis packaging for edibles demands a delicate balance between safety, compliance, consumer appeal, and product integrity. As such, overcoming design challenges requires continuous innovation. Collaboration between cannabis packaging designers, regulatory experts, and producers is crucial in producing effective/compliant packaging.