Keeping Pre-Rolls from Breaking with Boveda Packs

Pre-rolls represent a significant segment of the cannabis market, offering convenience and consistency for consumers. However, retailers and manufacturers face a common challenge: breakage during shipping, handling, and storage. This issue not only affects product quality but also impacts customer satisfaction and brand reputation. Boveda humidity control packs offer a proven solution to this persistent problem.

Why Pre-Rolls Break: Understanding the Moisture Challenge

Pre-rolls break primarily due to moisture imbalance. When cannabis becomes too dry, it turns brittle and crumbles easily. Conversely, excess moisture can cause expansion, uneven burning, and potential mold issues. This delicate balance is particularly challenging for pre-rolls because of their structure and packaging limitations.

Common causes of pre-roll breakage include:

• Environmental humidity fluctuations during storage and transport
• Inconsistent moisture content in the ground flower
• Compression during packaging and shipping
• Extended shelf time without proper humidity control

Maintaining the ideal moisture content is essential for structural integrity. The optimal relative humidity (RH) range for cannabis pre-rolls is typically between 58% and 62%, as discussed in this comparison of Boveda humidity levels.

Boveda's Two-Way Humidity Control Solution

Boveda packs utilize patented two-way humidity control technology that both adds and removes moisture as needed to maintain a specific relative humidity level. This unique capability makes them the industry standard for cannabis storage.

The science behind Boveda's effectiveness lies in its salt-based solution that creates a monolayer of purified water molecules, as explained in this breakdown of Boveda's technology. This allows the packs to:

• Maintain consistent moisture levels regardless of external conditions
• Prevent over-drying that leads to brittleness and breakage
• Avoid over-humidification that can cause mold or mildew
• Preserve terpenes and cannabinoids for optimal flavor and potency

Choosing the Right Boveda RH Level

For pre-rolls specifically, the 62% RH Boveda packs are generally recommended as they provide enough moisture to prevent brittleness without risking over-humidification. These packs are available in various sizes to accommodate different packaging volumes, from individual pre-roll tubes to bulk storage containers.

Implementation Strategies for Pre-Roll Preservation

Implementing Boveda packs in pre-roll packaging requires strategic planning. For individual pre-roll tubes, small Boveda packs can be inserted directly, as detailed in this guide on adding Boveda to pre-roll tubes.

For multi-pack configurations, consider these implementation approaches:

• Custom inserts that hold both the pre-rolls and a Boveda pack
• Sealed pouches with integrated humidity control
• Bulk storage solutions for inventory management

When preparing pre-rolls for packaging, using precision measurement tools ensures consistent filling and packing density, which works in tandem with humidity control to prevent breakage. Accurate weighing also helps maintain compliance with labeling requirements.

Retailer Benefits: Reduced Returns and Improved Customer Satisfaction

Retailers who implement Boveda packs with their pre-roll inventory experience tangible benefits. According to case studies on reduced returns, dispensaries report significant decreases in customer complaints related to dry, broken pre-rolls when using proper humidity control.

Additional retailer advantages include:

• Extended shelf life for inventory management flexibility
• Consistent product quality regardless of storage duration
• Preserved terpene profiles for better aroma and flavor
• Reduced waste and increased profit margins

Many dispensaries have begun implementing standardized humidity control protocols across their entire pre-roll inventory, recognizing the return on investment through improved customer satisfaction and reduced product loss.

Consumer Education: Proper Storage Techniques

Educating consumers about proper pre-roll storage extends the benefits beyond the retail environment. Retailers can provide guidance on:

• The importance of maintaining sealed packaging until use
• How to store partially used pre-rolls with Boveda packs
• Signs that indicate humidity issues (brittleness, mold, etc.)
• The relationship between proper humidity and overall experience

Retailers can also offer Boveda packs as add-on purchases with pre-roll sales, creating additional revenue while improving the customer experience. This strategy aligns with the bundling approach recommended for flower sales.

ROI of Humidity Control for Pre-Roll Products

Implementing Boveda humidity control represents a minimal cost increase per unit while delivering substantial returns through reduced breakage, fewer returns, and enhanced brand reputation. For manufacturers and retailers, the investment in proper humidity control pays dividends through:

• Decreased replacement costs for damaged products
• Higher customer satisfaction scores and repeat business
• Premium positioning through quality preservation
• Extended product viability throughout the supply chain

By preserving pre-roll integrity from production through consumption, Boveda packs help ensure that the product experience matches consumer expectations, building brand loyalty in a competitive market.

With proper humidity control systems in place, cannabis businesses can focus on innovation and customer service rather than addressing preventable quality issues. The small investment in Boveda technology delivers outsized returns through preserved product integrity and enhanced consumer confidence.