Top Material Certifications to Look For in Cannabis Packaging

In the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, packaging plays a crucial role in product safety, compliance, and brand reputation. Material certifications provide third-party verification that packaging meets specific standards for safety, quality, and sustainability. Understanding these certifications helps cannabis businesses make informed decisions about their packaging materials while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Importance of Material Certifications in Cannabis Packaging

Material certifications serve multiple purposes in the cannabis industry. They verify that packaging materials won't contaminate products, confirm child-resistance capabilities, and validate sustainability claims. As regulations tighten across markets, having properly certified packaging has become a necessity rather than an option.

According to industry experts, certified materials also build consumer trust and can differentiate your brand in a competitive market. When selecting packaging for products like concentrates or flower, material certifications should be a primary consideration alongside visual appeal.

Food Safety Certifications for Cannabis Packaging

FDA Food Contact Safety

For edibles and ingestible products, FDA food contact certification is essential. This certification confirms that materials are safe for direct contact with consumable products. Food-safe materials must not leach harmful chemicals into products under normal use conditions.

ISO 22000 Food Safety Management

ISO 22000 certification applies to the entire manufacturing process. For packaging suppliers, this certification ensures that materials are produced in environments that maintain strict food safety protocols. This is particularly important for cannabis edibles packaging, which must maintain product integrity and safety.

Child-Resistant Certifications and Standards

Child-resistant packaging certifications are mandatory in most cannabis markets. The primary standards include:

• CPSC 16 CFR 1700.20: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standard for child-resistant packaging
• ASTM D3475: Testing protocols for reclosable child-resistant packaging
• ISO 8317: International standard for reclosable child-resistant packaging

These certifications require rigorous testing with both children and adults to ensure packages are difficult for children to open but accessible for adults. For high-volume operations, our specialized mylar storage solutions offer certified child-resistant features while maintaining practical usability for bulk storage needs.

Sustainability Certifications for Eco-Conscious Brands

As environmental concerns grow, sustainability certifications have become increasingly important to consumers and regulators alike. Key certifications include:

Compostability Certifications

• ASTM D6400: Standard for compostable plastics
• BPI Certification: Biodegradable Products Institute verification
• OK Compost: European certification for industrial compostability

Sustainable packaging alternatives with these certifications can help brands reduce their environmental footprint while appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

Recycled Content Certifications

• SCS Recycled Content: Verifies percentage of recycled materials
• GRS (Global Recycled Standard): Tracks recycled content through supply chain

These certifications validate claims about recycled content, helping brands avoid greenwashing accusations while supporting circular economy initiatives.

Material-Specific Certifications and Standards

Different packaging materials require specific certifications that address their unique properties and applications:

Plastic Packaging Certifications

For plastic containers, important certifications include:

• USP Class VI: Biocompatibility testing for plastics
• EU 10/2011: European regulation for plastic materials in contact with food
• REACH Compliance: Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals

Understanding plastic grades like PET, HDPE, and PP is crucial for selecting appropriate certified materials for different cannabis products.

Glass and Metal Certifications

For glass and metal packaging:

• ANSI/ISEA Z87.1: Impact resistance for glass containers
• ISO 9001: Quality management systems for manufacturing

Comparing different packaging materials reveals that glass and metal often have superior certifications for preserving terpenes and cannabinoids, though they come with different sustainability profiles.

Implementing Certifications in Your Packaging Strategy

When incorporating certified materials into your cannabis packaging strategy, consider these practical steps:

1. Conduct a compliance audit to identify certification requirements in your markets
2. Request and verify certification documentation from all packaging suppliers
3. Consider specialized performance certifications for products requiring heat resistance or light protection
4. Balance multiple certification requirements based on product type and target market
5. Monitor how certified materials affect shelf life and logistics

By prioritizing properly certified materials, cannabis brands can ensure regulatory compliance while building consumer trust and supporting their sustainability goals. As the industry matures, these certifications will likely become even more important differentiators in the marketplace.