Are Boveda Packs Better for Glass or Mylar?

When it comes to cannabis storage, maintaining proper humidity levels is essential for preserving potency, flavor, and overall quality. Boveda humidity packs have become the industry standard for humidity control, but many consumers and businesses wonder whether these packs perform better in glass jars or mylar bags. This comprehensive guide explores the effectiveness of Boveda packs in both container types to help you make informed decisions about your storage methods.

Understanding Boveda Humidity Packs

Boveda packs utilize patented 2-way humidity control technology that both adds and removes moisture as needed to maintain a specific relative humidity (RH) level. As explained in this article on Boveda's technology, the packs contain a specially formulated salt solution that creates a monolayer of purified water molecules around your cannabis.

Most cannabis users choose between 58% and 62% RH Boveda packs, with the selection depending on personal preference and storage goals. The 62% option tends to preserve more terpenes, while the 58% option may be preferred for smoking.

Glass Containers with Boveda

Advantages of Glass with Boveda

Glass containers, particularly mason jars with airtight seals, offer several benefits when used with Boveda packs:

• Complete air seal when properly closed
• Inert material that doesn't interact with terpenes
• Transparency allows visual monitoring without opening
• Reusable and environmentally friendly
• Better humidity stabilization in varied environments

According to this guide on selecting the right Boveda size, a standard 8-gram Boveda pack is typically sufficient for a one-ounce glass jar. The hard, non-porous surface of glass creates an ideal microclimate where the Boveda pack can efficiently regulate humidity.

Mylar Bags with Boveda

Effectiveness in Mylar Storage

Mylar bags have become increasingly popular in the cannabis industry, and Boveda packs do work effectively in these containers. High-quality mylar bags, particularly those designed for packaging standard eighth-ounce portions, provide several advantages when paired with Boveda:

• Lightweight and space-efficient
• Light-blocking properties that protect cannabinoids
• Cost-effective for businesses and consumers
• Better portability than glass
• Available in child-resistant versions for compliance

One unique benefit of using Boveda in mylar bags is that the packs can help prevent static charge buildup, which can otherwise cause trichomes to cling to the bag rather than remain on the flower.

Comparative Analysis: Glass vs Mylar

When comparing the performance of Boveda packs in glass versus mylar, several factors come into play:

Lifespan Differences

Boveda packs typically last longer in glass containers than in mylar bags. In an airtight glass jar, a Boveda pack might last 2-9 months depending on opening frequency and environmental conditions. In mylar bags, which have some degree of permeability despite their barrier properties, the same pack might last 1-4 months.

According to research on Boveda lifespan, the hardening of the pack indicates when it needs replacement, regardless of container type.

Humidity Stabilization

Glass provides more stable humidity control with less fluctuation. The completely sealed environment allows the Boveda pack to work more efficiently with minimal influence from external conditions.

Mylar bags, while effective, may experience slightly more humidity fluctuation, especially if opened frequently. However, high-quality, heat-sealed mylar bags with proper closures can still maintain excellent humidity control.

Terpene Preservation

Glass has a slight edge in terpene preservation because it's completely non-reactive. As noted in this article on Boveda and terpene preservation, the inert nature of glass ensures no terpene absorption into the container itself.

Quality mylar bags with proper barrier properties also preserve terpenes well, but there may be minimal terpene interaction with the material over extended storage periods.

Size and Placement Considerations

For optimal performance in either container type, proper sizing of Boveda packs is essential:

• For glass jars, use one 8g pack per ounce of cannabis
• For mylar bags, consider using a slightly larger pack or multiple smaller packs
• In larger containers, multiple Boveda packs can be used for better distribution

Placement also matters. In glass jars, the pack should ideally not be in direct contact with the flower. In mylar bags, try to position the pack alongside rather than on top of the cannabis when possible.

Optimizing Boveda Performance in Both Containers

Regardless of which container type you choose, these practices will help maximize Boveda effectiveness:

• Minimize opening frequency to extend pack life
• Store containers in cool, dark places away from heat sources
• Check pack firmness regularly to monitor remaining lifespan
• Consider container size relative to cannabis amount (less air space is better)
• Use appropriately sized Boveda packs for your container volume

For businesses packaging products for retail, including Boveda packs in either glass or mylar packaging can significantly extend shelf life and maintain product quality, potentially reducing returns and improving customer satisfaction.

Both glass and mylar have their place in cannabis storage, and Boveda packs enhance the performance of each. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, with glass offering superior long-term storage and mylar providing convenience and practicality for regular use.