Brands can live or die by their packaging. All the master growers, rare genetics, THC percentages, charitable donations, social media influencers and celebrity endorsements won’t save a brand without shelf appeal.
It seems unfair, especially in an industry that mandates childproof packaging on top of stringent labeling requirements, that a superior product in poor packaging could be so easily outsold by an inferior product in appealing packaging. But, like any other consumer packaged good, consumers place value on well-produced packaging.
To help level the playing field, Marijuana Venture reached out to leaders in consumer packaging to give readers insight on the many variables of building appealing packaging for retail buyers and consumers alike.
Marijuana Venture: Tell me about the JuanaRoll and how much of an impact it can have on a commercial cannabis enterprise.
Paxiom sales manager Brian Whittaker: The JuanaRoll is an automatic packaging system for weigh filling, twisting and trimming the tip of the pre rolls.
Available in three models, 4, 6 and 8 channels, the JuanaRoll is capable of automatically packaging from 1,200 to 4,000 cones per hour depending on model.
The process begins with loading cones into the JuanaRoll’s magazine. From there the cones are gently dispensed into the cone block assembly where they are blown open round and then transferred to the vision system. The vision system will ensure cone quality prior to entering the weigh filling station. Cannabis is then automatically weighed and dispensed into the cone where it is compacted andtamped, the cone is twisted and the tip trimmed before exiting the JuanaRoll.
The JuanaRoll is constructed in a heavy duty stainless steel frame, include servo drives for consistent repeatability and easy adjustability. The JuanaRoll operates on an easy to use Windows PC interface that includes easy to use controls, infinite product recipes, remote software upgradability, imbedded instructional videos and free online support via WIFI with access to internal camera systems
MV: What are the main benefits a cannabis producer can gain from embracing technology and automation?
BW: The ability to scale their business by increasing throughput of an incredibly manual process. The JuanaRoll has produced 4,000 cones an hour with two operators, easily eclipsing the equivalent of an 18 person manual packaging process.
MV: Aside from labor and sheer output, are there added bonuses that can be gained through packaging technology like the JuanaRoll?
BW: In cannabis, data is key. The JuanaRoll allows an operator and management to get an instant snapshot of productivity, as well as run history reports. The JuanaRoll will record and display the number of units produced, the weight of product used for that throughput, the number of units produced per hour, and a great deal of highly valuable data. That data will allow for production scheduling to meet order demands as well as eliminate a great deal of manual processes for recording data by hand on pieces of paper.
The JuanaRoll is extremely consistent and precise while being able to be used in multiple shifts every day. Even the best employees get tired after long periods of time in repetitive motion functions. The JuanaRoll has allowed our customers to repurpose their highly valued employees into other roles within their organizations.
MV: Would you say the majority of cannabis enterprises are not maximizing their potential when it comes to packaging machinery?
BW: I believe that over time more and more enterprises will shift their focus to streamlining their packaging process in order to achieve the efficiencies required to be as lean and productive as possible. As labor becomes more expensive and harder to procure, automation will continue to gain value and give companies who automate a competitive advantage over those who choose to remain operating manually.