by Scott Katz | Jan 15, 2025 | Cannabis Packaging
In the cannabis industry, blister packaging can be an effective option, depending on your product. However, this may not fit your brand or product selection best. We invite you to follow along as we lay out everything you need to know about blister packs.
What is Blister Packaging?
Blister pack packaging is created by heating a plastic sheet and shaping it into a bubble or pocket, known as the “blister.” This encases the entirety of your product, allowing customers to see what they’re purchasing visually.
Traditionally, blister packaging has a cardboard back, known as “face seal blister.” The plastic blister sits in front of the cardboard and contains the product. On the cardboard are elements of your brand identity and other important information.
If your product has a consistent shape, you can uniformly shape the blister to match the product’s outline. However, if your product doesn’t have consistency, you can opt for other shapes (e.g., rectangular, oval, etc.).
Can You Use Blister Packs for Cannabis Products?
Some cannabis products incorporate blister card packaging. The most popular are vaping products, where the blister is made in the shape of a disposable vape pen or cartridge.
Some brands also incorporate blisters for concentrate items. Usually, the concentrate is in a transparent jar which is then blistered onto cardboard.
While you can get creative with your custom blister box, not all products will benefit from this type of packaging. For example, customers prefer flower and edibles in other packaging types, such as Mylar bags.
What are the Types of Blister Packaging?
Blister packaging can appear in the following ways:
Face Seal Blister
The plastic blister is shaped to fit around the product and then heat-sealed to a cardboard backing. This form of blister packaging is relatively cost-effective, making it ideal for high-volume products.
Full-Face Seal Blister
The blister encases both the product and the card backing entirely. The plastic is secured to the card either by heat sealing or by sliding it through extra plastic reinforcements on the sides.
This design enhances the packaging’s durability, by making the corners more resistant to bending while also improving their appearance.
Full Card Blister
Similar to a full-face seal blister, this packaging covers the entire card. However, instead of being heat-sealed, it features flanges that wrap around the edges of the card. The card is slid into position and occasionally secured with staples.
Trapped Blister
A trapped blister is similar to a traditional blister pack, but with an added layer of cardboard in front of the plastic, shaped to fit around the blister. This design secures the plastic between the two pieces of cardboard, with the top layer die-cut to hold the product snugly.
Since it doesn’t rely on heat-sealing, this method is more cost-effective. It also enhances tamper resistance, as any attempt to remove the product visibly damages the outer cardboard. Additionally, it offers a more polished appearance by minimizing exposure to plastic.
Clamshell
Clamshell packaging, also known as clam packaging or clam packs, replaces the cardboard backing with a hinged plastic design, connected at the side or the base. Some clamshells are crafted to stand upright on store shelves, while others include a hole for hanging on racks.
They can feature a snap-close button or be heat-sealed for added security. The plastic bubble may have a uniform shape on both sides or vary in size and form to accommodate the product inside.
Pros and Cons of Blister Packaging
If you run a cannabis business and are considering blister packs for your products, here are some things to consider:
Pros
- Eco-friendly – All blister packs are made with plastic and cardboard, both recyclable materials.
- Lightweight – Blister and clam packaging are very lightweight, reducing transportation costs.
- Protection – Blister packs protect the product from damage and keep it clean. They also reveal tampering, unlike boxes that can be opened and reclosed unnoticed.
- Theft Protection – Designed in unique shapes, making it difficult for shoplifters to conceal.
- Visually Appealing – Blister packs showcase the product directly, catching the customer’s eye and making it stand out compared to boxed items.
Cons
- Plastic Waste – While plastic is recyclable, if consumers are not mindful, blister packs can create a lot of waste.
- Time-Intensive Production – Takes longer to manufacture than other packaging options.
Final Word
Blister packaging is a very effective option for certain cannabis products, such as vape pens and cartridges. This is thanks to the fact that it gives your product transparency other brands may not offer.
Interested in using blister packs for your next product? Not sure where to begin? Custom 420 is here to help! We invite you to reach out through our contact form to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the problem with blister packaging? The only problems with blister packaging are they can be pricier and require more time for production than other packaging options.
Is blister packaging cheap? Blister packs are considered one of the most cost-effective packaging options. This is thanks to the fact that they’re made from paperboard and plastic, two inexpensive materials.
What is the point of a blister pack? Since the plastic blister allows transparency for customers, it tends to leave a solid first impression. Furthermore, blister packaging allows you to get creative with your customization and showcase your brand identity.
by Scott Katz | Jan 8, 2025 | Cannabis Jars
When it comes to marijuana packaging, Mylar bags are the standard due to their convenience and affordability. However, high-end/craft or boutique companies use cannabis flower jars. With that, you need more than just protective packaging to stand out in this industry. Here are our top flower cannabis jar trends for brands in 2025.
Legal Requirements
Cannabis laws and regulations are always changing. With that, so are the legal requirements for packaging. Still, there are some universal codes most state regulations follow. These include:
- Child-resistant features that pass the proper testing.
- Coherent warning labels (i.e. THC or CBD content).
- Batch quantity and product date labels.
- Reference to lab test results (to provide customers with contamination levels, cannabinoid profiles, etc.).
- Guidelines for use and cautions.
While all cannabis products in the U.S. must have these features, your state may require further label compliance. To get a better idea of what’s expected from you, we recommend researching your state’s regulations.
Product Preservation
It’s no secret that cannabis quality is only getting better – a trend that’s been going on for years. However, to maintain the quality of your product, you’ll need high-quality cannabis flower jar packaging.
So, what exactly does this entail? Most companies agree you need an airtight seal and to prevent UV light exposure. For such requirements, opaque and UV jars are a solid option. They’re multilayered and can preserve the freshness and potency of your cannabis flower.
Still, these come at a higher price than other packaging options, such as Mylar bags or plastic jars. However, we’d argue that a higher price point is worth the investment. Since high-quality cannabis flower is continuing to trend in 2025, it’s natural that it should come in a premium-quality container.
As the cannabis industry matures, customers become more aware of what great quality looks like. That said, they keep a keen eye out for how a product is packaged and if the preservation of the flower is kept in mind. Under such circumstances, many brands have also matched opaque and UV jars with humidity control packets.
Sustainable Sourcing
Going green is essential as we step into the second half of this decade. So, how can a cannabis business incorporate this?
While you want to ensure you have eco-friendly manufacturing processes, you will also want to consider sourcing sustainable packaging. Initially, you may look into recyclable materials, such as cardboard and glass. However, if you really want to stand out, you should go beyond this.
Some brands make eco-friendly their identity, going as far as to give back to the environment with every sale they make (i.e. one tree planted for every product sold). Such practices are a great marketing strategy as they make customers feel involved in something larger.
Custom Branding
Speaking of brand identity, you want to ensure your packaging matches your core values. Naturally, this requires you to get a bit creative. Some companies stick their cannabis flower jars in a die-cut box. Others get tech-savvy with their packaging, featuring QR codes with important information about the product (i.e. strain, effects, etc.).
If this is your first product and you’re still working out the design elements, there’s a lot to consider here. Some brands go for a minimalist appeal whereas others are bright and colorful. You really want to consider your target audience and what they expect from your cannabis packaging.
Final Word
Are you new to the industry and not sure where to begin with your cannabis flower jars? No problem! Custom 420 is here for entrepreneurs like you.
We offer a wide selection of wholesale custom cannabis packaging. Furthermore, we have an in-house design team that can capture your vision for your next product.
Want to get started? We invite you to reach out through our contact form.
Custom Cannabis Jars FAQs
What jars are best for curing cannabis? Glass jars are an ideal choice for curing cannabis due to their durability and resistance to outside chemicals, moisture, and light. That is, as long as they’re stored properly.
What size jar is best for storing cannabis? This depends on how much cannabis you’re storing. Since you operate a business, it’s natural to have a large product selection. As such, you’d want to buy large jars for storage purposes.
However, if you’re asking this question in packaging concerns, this depends on how much room your product needs. Cannabis flower prefers having space to breathe – by jamming a lot of flower into a small package, you risk damaging your buds.
How long will cannabis last in a jar? Generally, cannabis will last between 12 to 18 months when stored in a jar that’s placed in a cool and dry environment.
by Scott Katz | Dec 18, 2024 | Cannabis Packaging, Vape Hardware
When it comes to custom vape hardware shipping boxes, you have a lot of options. From minimalism to luxury, you want to consider your buyer’s persona and what they look for in a vape box.
1.) Minimalist Design
Minimalist packaging is preferable when it comes to vape packaging. The simplicity and clarity are more likely to appeal to a mass audience and are preferable if you want to stray from stereotypical vape culture. If you plan to incorporate a minimalist design, you’ll want to consider the following:
- Neutral colors
- Simple typography
- Sleek finishes
Still, minimalism goes beyond aesthetics, it also incorporates simple functionality. By reducing unnecessary packaging materials, you make your product easier for the customer to open and reduce costs on your end.
2.) Personalized Packaging
When it comes to custom vape hardware shipping boxes, you have a lot of customization options. These include:
- Designs tailored to specific markets
- Engaging unboxing experience
- Exclusive artwork
- Limited-time events
When personalizing your packaging, you want to consider your brand identity. Who is your target audience? What do they think when they see your products? And what would they expect out of your packaging?
Naturally, the answers to these questions vary from brand to brand. Your marketing team should take some time to consider these factors.
Still, if your team struggles to come up with a comprehensive packaging design, you may want to consider customer-designed packaging. This is a great way to interact with your audience and discover what their interests in your brand are.
3.) Eco-Friendly Packaging
In the cannabis sector, many consumers prefer eco-friendly options. Therefore, more and more brands are developing sustainable packaging solutions. These may include:
- Biodegradable packaging
- Recyclable materials
- Reusable components
Still, beyond customer appeal, eco-friendly solutions are a great way to reduce your environmental impact. A business ethic we salute any brand that considers.
4.) Luxury Packaging
With two-thirds of Americans in support of recreational legalization, the market has matured to demand luxury and premium products. So, what does this look like in the presentation?
- Embossed designs
- Metallic foils
- Soft-touch coatings
These elements will give your packaging a premium feel. Furthermore, they provide a multi-sensory experience for customers.
5.) Coloring and Die-Cut Shapes
If you want to capture consumer attention, you may want to opt for a specific color palette and packaging shapes. These will vary depending on your brand identity – however, most cannabis vape brands opt for:
- Bold and bright colors
- Geometric patterns
- Unique shapes
Off that last point, die-cut boxes are a great way to make a solid first impression. Think about it – most vape brands simply opt for a rectangular box. If your product comes in a shape/size that accommodates your brand and customer, you’re more likely to leave a lasting impression.
6.) Transparent Packaging
Sometimes, consumers want to see the product before purchasing it. The most efficient way is through transparent (or windowed) packaging. This is a great option if you have high-end vaping products matched with quality customization.
Furthermore, transparent packaging displays honesty in your product. In other words, you’re more likely to reassure customer trust.
Final Word
There are a lot of elements to custom vape hardware shipping packaging boxes. If you’re unsure of the direction your brand should take, Custom 420 can help!
Our in-house design team creates the perfect customization for your brand identity and our manufacturing process ensures you’ll have more than enough supply promptly. Want to get started? Reach out through our contact form.
Custom Vape Hardware Shipping Boxes FAQs
What are some custom vape boxes to meet vape trends? If you’d like to see custom box design trends, we invite you to check out our Custom Boxes pages.
How to design my own custom vape boxes for my brand? Through Custom 420, you can work with a team of designers to develop the perfect vape box for your product. From there, we’ll execute the manufacturing process for you.
by Scott Katz | Nov 27, 2024 | Cannabis Packaging, Cannabis Vape
Custom vape cartridge boxes are just as essential as the vape hardware inside. They’re the customer’s first impression of your product and will leave an impact no matter the quality of the cannabis oil inside. Therefore, you want to ensure these boxes stand out on store shelves.
1.) Know Your Target Audience
While you may assume all custom boxes for vape cartridges will have the same target audience, this isn’t 100% true. Yes, it’s fair to say there’s a vape culture that prefers specific aesthetics. However, as vaping becomes more accessible, more types of people are getting their hands on these products.
Furthermore, you need to consider the type of people that purchase from your brand. Some cannabis companies are designed for young people, others for middle-aged people just learning about cannabis.
Consider your brand image and how you want your custom vape cartridge boxes to reflect that. Research your consumers’ preferences and let your results dictate the design process.
2.) Design with Function
Remember, your vape box is more than just a display. It’s what protects the product inside. With that, you’ll want to consider the following:
Source the Right Material
You have a lot of material options to consider, from sturdy cardboard to custom eco-friendly vape cartridge boxes. Again, when making this decision, you need to consider your brand identity.
For example, choose cardboard if you want a sleek and luxurious look. However, biodegradable materials are better options if your brand is known for sustainable sourcing.
Adopt Ergonomic Design Principles
With an ergonomic design, you ensure your vape packaging is attractive and practical. So, what should you consider?
This depends on what comes with each purchase. For example, some brands offer vape accessories (i.e. chargers) with the purchase of a pen. If your product does too, you’ll want to incorporate compartments for these accessories.
Other ergonomic factors add to the unboxing experience. For example, secure closures (or snap locks) are popular, textured surfaces can help to create a tactile experience, etc. The more thought you put into the unboxing experience, the happier your customers will be.
3.) Boost Your Aesthetic
Your custom box is what makes a first impression on customers. With that, you want to ensure the best possible design to represent your brand and retain customers.
You may need to experiment around with certain elements of your custom vape cartridge boxes, including:
If you have multiple products, you’ll want consistent design elements. Remember, these elements should resonate with your target audience and give them a quality unboxing experience.
It can be beneficial to get customers involved. Some brands ask customers to submit artwork for their custom packaging – making your company feel more like a community.
Final Word
While you may have a strong understanding of the marketing purposes behind custom vape cartridge boxes, we know not everyone has the time to develop the perfect design. That’s where Custom 420 comes in!
Our in-house design team can tailor packaging to your vision – ensuring to use the right materials for your brand identity. Want to learn more? We invite you to reach out through our contact form.
by Scott Katz | Nov 22, 2024 | Cannabis Packaging Design, Cannabis Vape
Knowing how to design the right vape box packaging is essential if you want to excel in this industry. However, there are a lot of elements to consider that many brands choose to ignore. Our guide is to ensure your brand stands out among the competition and follows local regulations.
9 Vape Box Packaging Tips
Not sure where to begin when designing your vape box packaging? Here are nine tips to consider:
1.) Know Your Target Audience
To begin, you should have a clear idea of your target audience. These include their:
- Preferences
- Socioeconomic background
- Interests
These factors will play an essential role in how you create a vape cartridge packaging box. You want to ensure a design that resonates with your customers, compliments their lifestyle, and aligns with their aesthetic taste.
2.) Consider Your Brand Identity
You want to ensure your box design reflects your brand identity and core values. Therefore, you need consistent designs across your wholesale vape boxes (notably, if you have multiple product types). This will strengthen brand recognition and build customer trust.
3.) Highlight Important Information
Within the cannabis industry, customers seek out important pieces of information the moment they pick up a box. In some cases, this concerns the product inside (i.e. strain type or cannabinoid count). In others, this concerns whether or not a product meets state-compliant expectations.
Arrange the information on your custom disposable boxes in a clear and logical order. Emphasize essential details (i.e. flavor, strength, and product specifications) to ensure they’re easy to find and read at a glance.
4.) Enhance Your Box with Graphics and Illustrations
Once your information is in order, you want to design eye-catching vape packaging boxes that include bold graphics and illustrations. Incorporate captivating images that evoke emotions and capture the essence of your product and brand.
High-quality visuals can greatly enhance customer perception and elevate the appeal of your offerings.
5.) Make Typography Clear
You want the writing on your packaging to be readable and reflect your brand image. Opt for legible font styles that are easy to read, even in smaller sizes. As you develop the writing for your packaging, keep in mind your brand’s tone and the message you want to communicate.
6.) Only Use the Best Materials
Beyond the packaging design, you want to ensure the contents are safe and secure, especially during transportation. The best way to do so is by using the best materials.
We recommend robust cardboard or appropriately thick paperboard. Beyond protection, these materials can help to provide a polished look that increases perceived value.
7.) Consider Your Product’s Coloring
When it comes to marketing, your color palette is essential. If your brand is already established, there’s a good chance you’re already working off of a specific color selection. Keep this in mind as you go about your packaging design.
However, if you plan to incorporate new colors, it’s essential to consider vibrant ones. These are eye-catching and attention-grabbing, allowing you to stand out on store shelves and evoke emotions.
8.) Incorporate Structural Elements
Set your custom vape boxes apart by adding unique structural elements. These may include:
- Windows
- Inserts
- Fold-out sections
Such elements allow for customer interaction and create a memorable unboxing experience.
9.) Know the Law and Regulations
When it comes to the cannabis industry, there are various regulations all products must adhere to. Admittedly, these differ by state and will require you to do a bit of research.
You must ensure your packaging follows the regulatory requirements and guidelines. Your vape box design will need to include the necessary warning labels, age restrictions, and other legal disclosures.
Furthermore, your design may need to meet certain state obligations. For example, most require a child-proof vape cartridge packaging box.
Final Word
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to your vape packaging boxes. Naturally, you may not have the time to consider all these elements in specific detail. This is where Custom 420 comes in.
We offer customized vape boxing, crafted by our in-house team of designers. Want to learn more? We invite you to reach out through our contact form.
Vape Box Packaging FAQs
What are vape boxes called? There’s no specialized name for vape boxes. In simple terms, a vape box is the packaging that holds a vaping product (i.e. cartridge, disposable, etc.).
What packaging does a vape come in? Most vapes come in boxes that are designed rectangular, triangular, and cylindrical. However, some brands opt for other packaging options, such as plastic casings.
What’s the difference between a box mod and a vape? Box mods are vapes, they’re just a different kind of vape. They have larger batter components and a wider mouthpiece. As such, they’re usually larger than pocket-sized vaping products.
