How Coding Solutions Address Cannabis Packaging Challenges
Flexible Pouches and Automation Are Improving Labeling Capabilities
By Joseph Vitale, Jr., Sales Engineer at Videojet Technologies

A growing number of cannabis producers are adopting packaging technology and labeling standards established by the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Image courtesy of Videojet Technologies
As the cannabis industry evolves and packaging choices and systems mature, cannabis processors are experiencing two significant trends: a shift to flexible pouches and the automation of their operations. As a result, more cannabis processors are looking to print regulatory disclosures and other essential information directly on product packaging as it moves down the packaging line, with a goal of reducing their dependency on pre-printed packaging and hand-applied labels.
In their quest to apply clear and accurate codes, text and images on pouches and other packaging, cannabis processors require printers and lasers that seamlessly integrate into their packaging lines. Faced with rising regulatory demands and market competition, cannabis processors are also exploring systems that will enhance the speed, scale, efficiency and precision of their operations. In addition, many aspire to the high packaging and labeling standards found in more established industries, such as food, beverage and pharmaceuticals.
Coded Cannabis Products
Labeling requirements for cannabis products are strictly regulated and constantly evolving. Cannabis processors are challenged to place vital product information on varied packaging surfaces. On-package disclosures and other requirements for cannabis packaging may include:
- Test, packaging and use-by dates
- Product and/or strain name
- Weight
- Cannabinoid content
- Name of testing lab or company
- Name of cultivator or manufacturer
- Serial numbers
- Risk warnings
- Track and trace codes
- Cannabis symbol
In the U.S., the format of this information, such as human-readable text or machine-readable 2D codes, is often dictated by local and state regulations. By printing varying regulatory disclosures and other information on demand on the packaging line, cannabis packagers can respond immediately to requirement and contents changes. At the same time, they can reduce their pre-printed packaging SKUs and eliminate label stock and application, streamlining operations and realizing operational and financial benefits.

By printing varying regulatory disclosures and other information on demand on the packaging line, cannabis packagers can respond immediately to requirement and contents changes.
Image courtesy of Videojet Technologies
Flexible Film Pouches
A stand-out among cannabis packaging types, flexible film pouches offer many benefits beyond those realized with jars, tubes and cartons.
- Lightweight, versatile and well-suited for automated production processes
- Ideal for edibles, flower, concentrates, vapes, powders, oils and tinctures
- Offer increased branding opportunities and improve shelf presence with broad printable areas
- Zippers and closures can help meet safety requirements while preserving product freshness
- Protects products from moisture, oxygen, light and odors
With the help of on-demand variable printing, label-free packaging allows a pouch’s aesthetic appeal to shine.
Coding and Marking Technologies
The strict and evolving labeling requirements for cannabis pouches and other packaging types make selecting the right in-line printing or marking solution critical. Here are four unique printing technologies that can help meet cannabis processors’ coding and marking needs.
- Thermal transfer overprinting (TTO): TTO is an ideal coding solution for pouches and other flexible film applications, delivering exceptional print quality on roll stock. TTO’s high-quality text and graphics and range of colors can complement a packaging’s design. TTO equipment is easily integrated with vertical form, fill and seal and other pouch and bag equipment.
- Continuous inkjet (CIJ): CIJ technology prints variable text directly onto virtually any type of cannabis packaging. White and yellow inks are often selected to improve readability as they provide strong contrast on dark surfaces such as plastic, glass, metal, paper and cardboard. Food-grade inks enable printing directly on edibles as well as on food-contact surfaces.
- Thermal inkjet (TIJ): Ink-based TIJ printing technology is a great option for printing high-resolution text, 2D bar codes and graphics on pouches, cartons, plastic containers and metal caps. A cartridge contains the printhead and ink supply, so there is no costly maintenance associated with pumps, filters or tubing. Additionally, the ink cartridges can be easily changed without any special technical expertise.
- Laser marking: Laser marking systems offer flexibility to cannabis processors with their ability to print on a wide range of substrates, including film, pouches, glass, plastic, metal and paper. Direct marking onto edibles and other cannabis products allows the product itself to carry brand information.
The Bottom Line
The cannabis industry is seeking label alternatives and ways to streamline operations while positioning itself to meet growing consumer and regulatory demands. Processors should explore opportunities to transition from pre-printing information to printing variable regulatory disclosures and other information on demand.
Implementing high-quality coding on packaging lines requires thoughtful planning. Understanding the types of substrates being used, the packing line setup, the content and quality of code that’s needed and other factors will help guide the decision on which coding, printing or marking solution is right for each packaging line.
About the Author
As a Videojet sales engineer serving the Western U.S., Joseph Vitale Jr. supports consumer products manufacturers, including cannabis processors, with his coding and marketing expertise. Learn more at www.videojet.com.