Legal Cannabis Industry Is Ripe for Packaging Automation

A new handbook from CME Automation Systems offers a detailed look into what goes into automating the manufacturing and packaging of pre-rolled cannabis joints, aka pre-rolls. Pre-roll styles include straight-sided and cone-shaped cigarettes.

The 14-page Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Pre-Roll Production, a free download, delves into everything needed to set up an efficient pre-roll production and packaging line, including specific pieces of equipment.

The guide also provides an overview of the legal cannabis market, estimating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11% between 2020 and 2030, and an industry value of more than $57 billion by 2030.

The handbook notes, “With a wide variety of strains available, businesses can differentiate themselves through branding, packaging, and unique product offerings. By developing a strong brand identity and creating high-quality pre-rolls, companies can attract loyal customers and stand out in this competitive market.”

Included are many important considerations when starting a pre-roll production operation, including regulatory compliance, supply chain management, financial considerations, product quality, manufacturing, and packaging.

Automated pre-roll packaging equipment can be used to streamline tax stamping, wrapping, cartoning, and case packing. Automating even some of these tasks can yield significant benefits vs. manual labor.

The benefits of automating pre-roll manufacturing and packaging include:

• Cost savings, including reduced labor cost and less materials waste.

• Increased production efficiency, as in other industries.

• More product consistency and improved quality control.

• More consistent branding and packaging.

• Greater scalability, to meet growing consumer demand.

• Improved safety and regulatory compliance.

• Time savings, which enable core business activities.

CME is a supplier of cannabis pre-roll production and packaging equipment, including standard machines and custom solutions. Its offerings include robotic pre-roll packing machines capable of tube filling, tray packing, pouch filling, and tube labeling.

The company also offers a cylindrical pre-roll packing machine for filling straight-sided cannabis or CBD pre-rolls into a hinged-lid, cigarette-box-style package.