Why CRATIV Containers Are Avoiding the Cost Spike.
Tariffs are back in the headlines—and this time, the impact on cannabis packaging is real. As distributors sell through pre-tariff inventory, brands are seeing a sharp rise in costs for common packaging formats such as tins, Mylar bags, and imported plastics. But not all packaging is affected equally. Here’s where things stand today—and why CRATIV containers avoid the squeeze.
1. What’s Changed: Tariffs in 2025
- The U.S. has imposed steep tariffs on Chinese packaging imports, including plastics, metal tins, and vape components of up to 45%–145% depending on the product.
- Some cannabis packaging suppliers shifted sourcing to Vietnam and Southeast Asia to avoid China tariffs, but those regions are now experiencing cost spikes too, driven by global demand, limited capacity, and long shipping lead times.
- CRATIV’s containers—made in the US and Canada—are not subject to tariffs.
2. How Cannabis Packaging Is Being Hit
- Packaging formats most impacted include metal tins, flexible film pouches (Mylar), plastic tubes, and custom glass sourced from Asia.
- Cannabis companies that previously avoided cost increases by sourcing from Vietnam or Malaysia are now seeing price creep and production delays, without the tariff protection benefit they expected.
- Brands are reporting 30%–60% increases on packaging reorders that were previously tariff-buffered or pre-purchased.
3. Why Brands are switching from Tins to CRATIV containers
- Cannabis tins, often imported from China or Vietnam, have nearly doubled in cost rising from ~$0.50 to ~$0.90 per unit or more—as pre-tariff inventories sell through.
- CRATIV’s recyclable plastic containers are made in the U.S. and Canada, avoiding China tariffs and rising freight costs from Asian markets. CRATIV cases are USMCA-compliant, so our Canadian-made products enter the U.S. duty-free—ensuring consistent pricing despite global trade tensions.
4. Supply Chain Pressure
- Many brands and distributors have exhausted pre‑tariff stock and reorders are now significantly more expensive.
- Global uncertainty and price increases have led to lower container volume, creating long delays in supply chain
5. The CRATIV Advantages
- North American manufacturing – Made in the USA + Canada (USMCA Compliant) with no tariff exposure.
- No reliance on overseas supply chains, avoiding the cost volatility seen in China and Vietnam.
- Predictable pricing and faster lead times, even during geopolitical or freight disruptions.
- Sustainable Materials – With 50% post-consumer recycled materials, proprietary accelerated degradation and even USDA certified Plat-Based materials, CRATIV is the proven leader of sustainable packaging.
6. Key Takeaways for Cannabis Brands
7. Final Word
Cannabis packaging tariffs are reshaping supply economics—Overseas packaging costs have soared and brands relying on imported containers are feeling the pinch on reorder costs. Costs are especially high for tins. In this environment, CRATIV’s North American manufactured containers are a tariff‑immune, stable, and scalable alternative. That stability can help cannabis companies avoid passing added costs to consumers and maintain healthier margins.
