5 ways to solve cannabis packaging challenges with digital printing!

5 ways to solve cannabis packaging challenges with digital printing!

The cannabis market is rapidly expanding. About one-third of U.S. residents live in a state that allows recreational marijuana use, and 37 states allow medical marijuana use. Marijuana is legal nationwide for both medical and recreational use in Canada and Mexico, and other countries are following suit. Mordor Intelligence values the global cannabis market at more than $22 billion in 2020 and forecasts double-digit annual growth through 2026.

Suppliers of recreational and medical cannabis face similar packaging challenges faced by other agricultural producers, such as ensuring adequate oxygen barrier properties. However, some challenges can vary widely due to regional regulations and different consumer uses. However, digital printing is uniquely positioned to meet the diverse needs of the cannabis packaging industry.

Cannabis labeling presents unique challenges and opportunities. For those new to the unique packaging needs of the cannabis industry, there are several questions to consider.

First, cannabis labeling requirements, which vary by region and use, preclude mass production of labels. In Canada, cannabis labels must be simple and clear so as not to be appealing or unappealing to children. In the U.S., marijuana chews are available in brightly colored packaging, but the labeling requirements in states like California may not match those in the rest of the country.

Consumer expectations also differ: Packaging designs that appeal to recreational cannabis users are less likely to inspire an appropriate level of trust among medical users. Depending on where and why, each product may require several different label styles, making it difficult for packagers to achieve economies of scale with traditional printing methods.

To complicate matters, different cannabis strains have different levels of active ingredients that must be noted on the label. In Canada, packers may process alfalfa flowers with custom labels listing their THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) levels. After filling a few hundred packs, the packer may change the product to Panama Red, which has its own level of the active ingredient, necessitating a label change. Even though the products will be sold in the U.S., the benefits of each product will vary, suggesting the need for differentiated labelling in small batches rather than mass-produced labels that mask the uniqueness of each product.

This diverse set of requirements and opportunities makes it difficult to use traditional printing processes for cannabis labels and packaging. Standard set-up times for packaging or labeling equipment, which can vary from hours to days, eat into profit margins and slow the delivery of new products. Cannabis packaging requires a printing solution that can grow at the speed of this emerging market.

Digital printing addresses many cannabis packaging needs. Digital printing offers features tailored to the cannabis industry's needs for quick setup, short runs, easy label modification, and clear, vivid label content.

Variable data content: One of the advantages of digital printing is that it can accommodate variable data. In Canada, variable data is already included in cannabis labels, such as listing cannabis type, THC levels and CBD levels, while the label design template remains the same. Customers using the inkjet system can print a total of 5,000 labels at a time, but can print each design as precisely as needed, each customized to a different cannabis type and level to meet regulatory requirements and educate consumers.

No Machine Setup Required: Digital printing eliminates machine setup, reducing the time and labor required to complete each print run. Graphic designs can be sent to print and put into production immediately. When new products are required, new designs can be submitted while the machine continues to operate. Customers can change packaging information to comply with local regulations or to reflect different plant varieties and benefits, all without losing days or weeks to reconfiguring equipment.

Superior Graphics Quality: Digital printing is comparable in quality to offset printing, evident in smooth vignettes, attractive natural tones and beautiful botanical images. But while highly skilled print technicians may be required to create plates and setup tools for mass production, digital presses can be operated by any employee familiar with the software. This lower labor cost results in high-quality graphics for low-volume producers.

Targeted Marketing: With quick set-ups and short runs, digital printing makes it cost-effective to print any packaging design required for recreational and medical users in every intended distribution area. With no need for large bag inventories, long lead times or one-size-fits-all express packaging, and inventories can be kept small, packers can quickly adapt to tomorrow’s regulations and marketing opportunities while using time and supply efficiently.

Packaging replaces labels: Since digital presses can be retrofitted to existing processing equipment, packers can produce package sizes with as many different label designs as needed without interruption. This means that investments in existing processing systems can produce new types of products. As the cannabis market continues to grow and expand, packaging requirements across markets will not be standardized for the foreseeable future.

Digital printing supports sustainability and efficiency goals. As the world becomes more concerned about climate change and waste management, digital printing on flexible packaging brings benefits to the entire packaging industry. Flexible packaging is lighter, requires less material and takes up less space in a truck than rigid packaging. Digital printing can be done in small batches as needed, and the digital inks are water-based, reducing waste and water pollution.

In addition, digital printing presses emit less carbon dioxide than conventional printing presses and do not require printing plates. Industry experts continue to make progress in recyclable and compostable flexible packaging materials to continuously improve waste stream management. Packagers who can demonstrate concern and action on environmental impact become partners of choice. All of these benefits can be highlighted to attract customers and consumers who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Digital printing is designed for short runs, diverse products, different regulatory requirements and different consumers, making cannabis a challenging packaging market. Equipment can be used to retrofit traditional packaging equipment with digital printing capabilities. Most importantly, digital printing helps to produce a variety of packaging solutions in the next year and beyond.