Intro:
The cannabis industry is no stranger to disruption—but recent shifts in global trade policy are hitting cannabis packaging costs hard. With increased tariffs and increasing lead time on imported goods, many cannabis operators are feeling the squeeze—especially those relying on packaging produced overseas.
At CRATIV, we’ve chosen a different path. Our packaging is proudly made in North America, meaning it’s not subject to the same tariffs impacting many of our competitors. Even if you’re not ready to switch vendors, there are smart steps you can take now to future-proof your packaging strategy.
Here are five proven strategies cannabis companies can use to navigate packaging tariff uncertainty:
1. Audit Your Supply Chain for Tariff Exposure
Start by identifying which components of your packaging are imported—and from where. Many companies aren’t aware that even small components (hinges, foils, inks) sourced from high-tariff regions can raise costs dramatically. A packaging audit will reveal your true risk, and help you make smarter sourcing decisions.
2. Prioritize North American Manufacturing
North American-made packaging offers more than just tariff protection—it also reduces freight costs, shortens lead times, and provides supply chain stability. With today’s volatile international shipping market, domestic sourcing is increasingly becoming a competitive edge.
Shameless plug: CRATIV’s packaging is 100% tariff-free, made in North America, and ships with industry-leading turnaround times.
3. Lock in Pricing with Volume Orders or Contracts
If you know your packaging specs for the next 6–12 months, consider locking in pricing with your supplier now. As tariffs rise and international tensions persist, pricing volatility is likely to continue. Volume-based contracts or forward orders allow cannabis packaging companies to plan for your orders so that if stockouts happen, your order gets filled. With contracts, you lock in supply, so you can protect your margins and simplify forecasting.
4. Invest in Scalable, Multi-Use Packaging Designs
One way to insulate your business from supply shocks and tariff-driven costs is by standardizing and simplifying your packaging SKUs. Choose versatile packaging formats that can be used across multiple products or SKUs—this gives you greater buying power, more flexible inventory, and less exposure if a single component is delayed or tariffed.
For example, CRATIV containers can work for edibles, prerolls, dabables, and flower with only minor insert changes—meaning you don’t need to stock four separate styles from four different vendors.
5. Always Have a Backup Plan
Even if you’re satisfied with your current packaging supplier, it’s smart to have a North American backup option in place. Global logistics can change overnight—port slowdowns, freight surcharges, or sudden tariff hikes can leave you scrambling.
By proactively price-checking and comparing lead times on a domestic alternative, you’ll be better positioned to pivot quickly if needed—without sacrificing production timelines or customer trust
Conclusion:
The packaging landscape is changing. Rising tariffs are more than a short-term nuisance—they’re an immediate risk to profitability, especially for cannabis brands that rely on overseas production. But with the right strategies—and the right partners—you can reduce uncertainty, lower your total cost of packaging, and stay competitive.
If you’re ready to explore North American-made, tariff-free cannabis packaging, connect with our team today or request free samples to see the CRATIV difference.
