How Small Production Steps Add Up to Big Expenses
When people think about packaging costs, materials usually come first to mind. Cardboard, plastic, labels—it’s easy to put a price tag on those. But labor? That’s where the real operational burden lies.
Filling awkwardly shaped containers, hand-applying labels on difficult surfaces, manually assembling multiple components—it all adds up. Even saving just a few seconds per unit can mean tens of thousands of dollars saved annually in labor costs across high-volume operations.
Questions to ask:
- When packaging arrives at your facility, how is it organized?
- Is assembly required before filling can even start?
- How much time do your employees spend untangling components or assembling multiple parts?
- Do you have to remove individual poly bags from each unit before use?
Those “invisible” moments don’t just slow production. They eat into margins, create waste, and increase reliance on manual labor
Packaging Design That Works With Operations
Not all packaging is created equal. Some formats are deliberately designed to simplify production and reduce hidden labor costs. Features like these can make a measurable difference:
Single-Piece, Living Hinge Design
Hinged cases and tubes remove the need to assemble separate components, streamlining both procurement and filling.
Shipped Open for Easy Filling
CRATIV cases and tubes are shipped in the open position can be filled immediately—no unwrapping, sorting, or pre-assembly required.
Large Flat Labeling Surfaces
Many packages make labeling a challenge—especially when surfaces are curved or textured. CRATIV’s flat front and back panels enable fast, accurate application of both branding and regulatory labels using standard labeling equipment or even fully automated systems.
Automation-Ready Design
Our containers are purpose-built for automation—from robotic filling to label application and case packing. With consistent dimensions, flat surfaces, and sturdy geometry, CRATIV makes it easier to scale.
Made in North America
Shorter supply chains mean faster lead times, greater reliability, and fewer delays from global shipping disruptions. That flexibility is critical in tightly regulated markets where launch dates matter.
Fully Labeled Delivery Options
CRATIV can deliver packaging pre-labeled and shelf-ready, reducing the burden on your production team and minimizing error-prone manual steps.
Sustainable, Responsible Materials
All CRATIV, packaging is made with sustainability in mind—including 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. It’s part of our commitment to protecting the planet while helping you meet evolving regulatory and consumer expectations.
Rethinking Packaging Efficiency
The true cost of packaging goes beyond raw materials. Brands that focus only on per-unit price risk missing hidden expenses tied to:
- Manual assembly and filling
- Labeling complexity
- Poor compatibility with automation
- Long overseas lead times
- Inconsistent quality
- Assembly or unwrapping before you even start filling
The real efficiency metric is cost per unit ready for shipment—packaged, labeled, and compliant.
Choose Packaging That Works as Hard as You Do
At CRATIV, we don’t just make packaging—we engineer operational advantages. From plant-touching labor savings to line-speed efficiency, our solutions are built to help cannabis brands:
- Scale without hiring more hands
- Meet compliance requirements faster
- Respond to market needs with agility
- Reduce environmental impact
- Focus on what matters: delivering great cannabis products
Curious to learn more? We’d be glad to share examples of how packaging choices can streamline production and lower total packaging costs (not just the cost of the container).
