Packaging is a critical aspect of marketing, but the search for the perfect way to present your products will frequently take work. From the intricacies of an effective design to creating packaging that will protect the product and everything else, the game of trial and error is natural in the cannabis industry.
However, the most significant factor to look at is compliance regulations. Since the feds haven’t legalized cannabis, each state is responsible for creating the framework for selling marijuana. Packaging remains a significant factor in compliance regulations. The dos-and don’ts of cannabis packaging continue to change, but often, you’ll see that tamper-evident packaging remains a top priority.
Tamper-evident packaging intends to create additional security around your product to ensure its safety. Though it won’t prevent anyone from getting into it, tamper-evident packaging indicates if someone’s tampered with or opened your product.
Companies use tamper-evident technology to ensure their products are safe, from leaving the cultivator to the second it’s in the patient’s hands. However, tamper-evident packaging has been a standard in retail to provide trust and comfort to products. You’ll commonly see them in shrink bands or cap liners, similar to what you’d find on condiments available at grocery stores.
What Defines Tamper-Evident Packaging?
By the FDA’s definition, tamper-evident packaging is one barrier or more to the entry that can “provide visible evidence” to customers that the package has been tampered with. For example, if you purchase tubed lip balm with tears on the blister packaging, you’d be well aware of some tampering.
However, tamper-evident packaging comes in many forms. As mentioned, all industries use shrink bands and cap liners, from food and beverages to cosmetic and housecleaning supplies. Then, there’s the use of blister packaging, which is also common in every single industry.
What Type Of Tamper Evident Packaging Is Available?
Blister Packaging
Blister packaging relies on plastic materials molded to fit specific products. The pockets, created through heating, are then backed with cardboard. In the medicinal field, pills and bottles use blister packaging. Cannabis products, like tinctures, use blister packaging to ensure safety.
Shrink Bands
Shrink bands are another commonly found form of tamper-evident packaging. The shrink band will act as a plastic shield. However, these shrinks around the lid or opening of a bottle or container. The purpose is to prevent entry through resistance. Frequently, scissors or knives are required to rip through the product. They can also act as a watermark to authenticate each product on the shelves.
Tamper Evident Bags
A tamper-evident bag stands as every cannabis cultivator’s best friend. Usually, they come with a seal that provides resistance to prevent children from getting their hands in it. At the same time, they also have a seal that reveals when someone’s opened the pack. Overall, tamper-evident mylar bags are one the most straightforward and most accessible types of packaging that keep you compliant.
Cap Liners
Cap liners are a solid barrier for tamper-evident packaging. Companies use these on all your average household items you purchase from stores — cosmetics, juices, hygiene products, etc. Pressure liners seal to the rim of the bottle or container entry, preventing excess air or humidity from damaging your products. However, consumers must also rip it off to access the cannabis within the containers.
Tamper-Evident Labels
Similar to a tamper-evident shrink band, tamper-evident labels act as a seal to reveal whether a product has been compromised. For the most part, you’ll find these on jars and bottles. Depending on the state, the labels will either have a uniform warning issued by the government. However, in other instances, tamper-evident jar sticker labels can also create a decorative aesthetic for your packaging.
The Bottom Line Is Protection
The protection of tamper-evident packaging is a two-way street. Since the cannabis industry is in its infancy stage, consumers want to ensure that the products they’re purchasing come from reliable, safe sources. They want to know their products are tested rigidly and haven’t been compromised in any way. At the same time, as a business, gaining the trust of your customers is a surefire way to make sure they return. By using tamper-evident packaging, your customer base will know they’re getting safe, tested, and trusted products from their local dispensary.
The cannabis industry is under a microscope, and violating compliant regulations can lead to significant blowbacks for start-up companies and legacy brands. So, understanding your local compliance regulations is critical to having a successful brand. Tamper-evident packaging is a standard across every legal state in America. Whether using tamper-evident mylar bags to store flower or shrink bands to seal pre-rolls, the additional protection and security can go a long way. On top of the security, if your company is found in violation of compliance rules, they can face some hefty fines. Since it’s already difficult for many businesses to establish themselves in the first place, dealing with the financial repercussions of compliance violations will be a significant step backward.
