Digital Printing Solves Cannabis Packaging Challenges

The cannabis industry requires unique labeling requirements, varying by locality and use, making mass production difficult. Labels must be simple, appealing to children and medicinal users, and tailored to different regions.

Fremont, CA: The US cannabis market is rapidly expanding, with recreational states allowing one-third of residents and 37 allowing medical cannabis, but producers face packaging challenges and regional regulations. In the cannabis packaging sector, digital printing is ideally positioned to address various needs. Here's how it's done.

Cannabis labeling presents unique challenges — and opportunities.

The cannabis industry requires unique labeling requirements, varying by locality and use, making mass production difficult. Labels must be simple, appealing to children and medicinal users, and tailored to different regions. Consumer expectations and product styles also vary, making traditional printing processes difficult. A printing solution that can move quickly is needed.

Digital printing solves many cannabis packaging needs.

The cannabis industry needs quick setup times, short run times, simple label modifications, and legible, clear content. Digital printing delivers these features and more.

1. Variable data content:

Digital printing accommodates variable data like cannabis types, THC levels, and CBD levels in Canadian cannabis labels. An inkjet system can print 5,000 labels in one run, meeting regulatory requirements and consumer education.

2. No machine setup required:

Digital printing simplifies the process by eliminating machine setup, enabling immediate artwork production, easy design submission, and easy packaging update without sacrificing time or effort.

3. Excellent graphic quality:

Digital printing offers high-quality graphics with smooth vignettes and natural tones. Still, it can be operated by any employee familiar with the software, making it accessible to small-batch producers at a lower labor cost.

4. Targeted marketing:

Digital printing simplifies packaging for recreational and medicinal users, eliminating the need for large pouch inventories, long lead times, or one-size-fits-all designs, thereby saving time and resources.

5. Packaging replaces the label:

Packagers can create a single package size with multiple label designs by retrofitting digital printers onto their current converting equipment. This allows packagers to standardize packaging requirements for various markets.

Digital printing supports sustainability and efficiency goals

Digital printing on flexible packaging offers numerous benefits in the packaging industry, including lighter, fewer materials, and less truck space.it is designed for short runs, varied products, different regulatory requirements, and divergent consumers in the cannabis market. Equipment is available to retrofit traditional packaging equipment with digital printing capabilities.