The advantages of digital printing are many, to the point that it is now increasingly in demand by users and used by both physical and online printers. We talked about it in our blog article.  Short runs, fast turnaround, customization: these are the advantages of digital printing (packstyle.com)

Today we will take a detailed look at how digital printing is used in a specific sector and what advantages it offers.

The 'light' cannabis market

arket for 'light' cannabis in Italy has very recent origins, dating back to the entry into force of Law No. 242 of 2016; the measure, aimed at promoting the agro-industrial hemp supply chain, gave impetus to the birth of a niche product sector that, to date, involves a significant number of businesses and workers.

In 'light' products, the maximum concentration of THC does not exceed 0.5 per cent of the total weight, and they must also be obtained from cannabis sativa Linneus plants, the only variety that - pursuant to Law No. 242 of 2016 - can be cultivated in Italy, without the need for authorisation. Legal cannabis plants must, in addition, come from cultivation using certified seeds.

Packaging plays an important role for a product as particular as cannabis light.

From a physical point of view, cannabis products are particularly sensitive to light and moisture. To avoid compromising the active ingredients of the inflorescences and oxidising them, the packaging must provide impermeability to external factors and the ability to preserve the fragrance of the inflorescences.

In addition to best protecting the product itself, packaging is an information vehicle and in the case of light cannabis, which meets certain requirements imposed by law, it must communicate the seriousness and safety of the product. Furthermore, like any packaging, it must entice the consumer to purchase with an original and attractive aesthetic. 

Despite the growing numbers and strong competition between companies, the market for light cannabis remains a niche market, with dynamics far removed from large commercial activities.

The advantages of digital printing 

For small and medium-sized companies, digital printing is a valuable ally for packaging because it allows them to design and produce packaging that is not only safe, but also customised and unique. Thanks to the advantages we will analyse below, digital printing ensures that the packaging of a niche product, such as cannabis light, is able to enhance the content, allowing it to compete with big brand articles. Let's see how:

Reduce initial costs

With digital printing it is possible to cut initial costs: this technology does not require the use of expensive dies or plates as is the case with traditional printing because the graphics are digitally imprinted onto the substrate. Thus cutting costs and production time, customisation becomes easier and more versatile.

After choosing the type of pouch (stand-up or flat) and the material, companies can simply upload the graphics (for those who need a hand, we recommend you take a look at our tutorial How to set up the file to print Packstyle pouches [graphic tutorial] using the template provided by Packstyle and proceed to order the packaging in a short time.

Short runs

By avoiding time-consuming, and therefore expensive, preparation of dies and plates, digital printing provides the possibility of producing short-run prints while maintaining a high quality of printed packaging.

For the cannabis sector, which is often made up of small businesses, this is a major advantage because even small quantities can be packaged, avoiding large, often unsustainable orders. 

The small quantities make the need for physical warehouse space to store the packaging unnecessary and favour fast packaging changeovers, without any particular impact on costs. Thus, even young buyers, who are attentive to the aesthetic appearance of the packaging, will always be attracted and satisfied. 

Fast delivery times

Production speed then translates into shipping speed: with Packstyle, shipping can take place as early as 6 working days after approval of the artwork. This allows orders to be organised in the best possible way, according to one's needs, and also facilitates the management of unforeseen events should it be necessary to request a new quantity or a different pack in a short time. Legislation concerning the legal hemp market is very strict and often changes. Fast production and delivery times help to keep up-to-date with the mandatory information to be provided on the packaging.

Printing on a wide range of materials

With digital printing, it is possible to print directly onto different types of materials for a customised and neat result. You can choose aluminium and aluminium paper, which are particularly suitable for inflorescences, because the barrier provided by the aluminium prevents the entry of light and oxygen, which oxidise and cause the inflorescences to lose their fragrance and properties. Packstyle also provides recyclable materials such as paper and film for those who want to embrace and communicate sustainability in production, including through their choice of materials.

Different pouches sizes can be printed

Digital printing is also very versatile in relation to formats. The Packstyle offer includes various sizes, from single doses to family formats. In the case of cannabis light and infusions, the pouch sizes and formats are adapted to vending machines, the shelf, single-serving and refills.

Customise your packaging

With digital printing, it is possible to directly print your chosen packaging, without applying labels. Even start-ups or budding companies, thanks to digital printing, can present their product in a professional manner and start competing on the sales shelf on equal terms. 

Being creative, when it comes to hemp and hemp derivatives, allows one to play in a very wide field of action because this market, despite its already competitive nature, is considered new and therefore rich in possibilities. However, creativity must take into account its audience: to whom and where will the product be sold? From this perspective, the message chosen on the packaging is also crucial. If the target audience is Millennials, for example, it is important to focus on authenticity and design. This category tends to reject mass-produced products, so it is better to opt for cannabis packaging that has original details distinct from standard brands. 

A further element to consider is the choice of colour. Cannabis products are aimed at a young audience so an impactful package is one with bright colours. 

One can therefore focus on the tactile sensation with the soft touch effect that recreates the feel of velvet, or play on the finish of the pouches, choosing a matt or smooth effect. For more shocking effects, if you choose aluminium, you can forgo the white background in print to achieve metallic and iridescent colours. 

Multigraphics

Packstyle offers its customers the possibility of printing multiple graphics on formats of the same dimensions and materials. Once again, digital printing allows any changes to be made without affecting the overall cost.

As highlighted above, the hemp market is often subject to changes that require changes on the packaging, or it is the company itself that wants to diversify the product lines with different graphics or colours. Thanks to digital printing, it is possible to vary even one piece of information per printed sheet while leaving the other information identical.

Digital printing allows enormous flexibility and customisation, meeting the needs of companies, especially small to medium-sized ones and those that are gaining market visibility through original and well-communicated proposals. Companies in the cannabis light sector have a strong potential for expansion that can be achieved through trusted, safe and quality products, packaged with care as Packstyle does.