Labeling Pre-Rolls: Hand Application vs. Automation

While automation can certainly be a huge time saver for commercial cannabis producers, it's important to know the best time to implement such changes. When it comes to pre-roll labeling, it's important to assess your brand strategy and manufacturing needs before implementing large-scale automation.

If you are a pre-roll joint producer, the time will likely come when you need to decide between applying labels by hand or upscaling to automated equipment. No matter what your choice, it will have an impact on the efficiency, quality and overhead expenses of your pre-roll production operation. As seen with all topics related to cannabis packaging, you'll need to consider how compliance might impact your chosen labeling method.

At Custom Cones USA, we know that there isn’t a simple, one-size-fits-all answer to the debate between hand labeling and using automation. Simply put, different-sized companies have different infrastructures in place for manufacturing and packaging.

And if you decide that labeling isn’t something you want to handle at all, Custom Cones USA also offers custom labeling and application services. We can ship fully branded and labeled pre-roll packaging tubes right to your business from our warehouse in Washington.

Hand Application vs Automatic Labeling

The crux of the hand application vs automatic pre roll labeling debate boils down to either the size of your cannabis business, or different production needs. While small producers will likely do just fine with hand labeling, large-scale commercial producers will almost always make out better with automated equipment.

However, if you offer many different package types and SKUs, hand-labeling may work the best as you can avoid the set-up and downtime that comes with automated machines.

What is Hand Application?

Hand-labeling pre-roll joint tubes is a meticulous process that involves several steps. First, you have to design and print labels that include your product description, brand design and compliance information. Then, before you apply any labels, be sure that the tubes are clean and ready to go. Your employees then carefully apply the labels, ensuring they are centered and don’t have wrinkles or air bubbles. When finished, the tubes are ready to be filled with pre-roll joints and sold on dispensary shelves.

What is Automatic Labeling?

Automatic labeling is the process of using machines to handle the meticulous tasks of applying labels to pre-roll packaging tubes. There are several different options for pre-roll labeling machines, ranging from simple machines to fully automated and computerized manufacturing equipment.

The process of automated labeling begins with uploading pre-printed labels into your equipment. As tubes are fed into the machine, the system uses sensors or guides to ensure that labels are placed in the perfect position. When everything lines up, the machine begins labeling the pre-roll tubes with extreme precision and efficiency.

The most robust automated machines can apply up to 20 labels per minute. They are also adjustable to account for different sized labels and tubes, so you can keep production going at all times.

For smaller operations with less production needs, going with a semi-automatic labeling machine like the Canna Labeler Pro or the hand-cranked Canna Label Starter is often a wise choice, though both require an employee to keep the machine in operation.

What are the Advantages of Hand Application?

As seen with other practices like hand-trimming flowers, labeling your tubes by hand might be better suited for craft production. If you only grow boutique cannabis strains and release a limited number of pre-rolls per harvest, it might not make sense to invest in a machine that can label thousands of tubes in a single day. Moreover, the practice of hand labeling might even mesh better with your brand image if you are a small boutique producer.

Automated labeling machines represent a significant capital expense. If you don’t run an automated machine on a full shift daily, it is simply not worth the cost. As such, hand applying labels is more cost-effective for smaller operations, though again, there are machines that can help split the difference, increasing the production flow without fully automating.

What are the Advantages of Automatic Labeling?

Using automated equipment for labeling pre-roll tubes significantly increases the speed of pre-rolled joint production. Automation can also save you money, as labor expenses with hand labeling can quickly become more expensive than purchasing a machine in the first place.

Machine application also ensures consistent labeling while reducing errors - promoting a more professional and consistent appearance for your brand. Needless to say, customers are less likely to take your product seriously if your labels are attached in a crooked or unprofessional manner. Consistency is essential for building brand equity in the cannabis industry - no matter how small the detail happens to be.

What are the Advantages of Buying Pre-Labeled Tubes?

There is also the option of outsourcing your pre-roll labeling needs to a company like Custom Cones USA. With this option, you can avoid purchasing expensive labeling machines, while also cutting down on the labor expenses that come with hand-labeling.

Even more importantly, you can put your energy into creating quality products instead of worrying about your pre-roll packaging.

When you buy pre roll packaging with labels from Custom Cones USA, you get industry expertise on packaging and manufacturing behind your brand. Since we offer near endless combinations of label and tube designs, Custom Cones USA can also change your packaging and labels as often as you want. We also offer bundle discounts for buying the tubes, labels and their application.

What are the Costs of Hand Application vs Automatic Labeling?

To decide which type of labeling is more cost-effective, you need to consider the scale at which you are producing pre-roll joints. While machines will always be faster than people, automation is expensive to implement. It’s also important to consider future sales and forecasted revenues.

While a pre-roll packaging labeling machine might not make sense immediately, it could still be a wise purchase if you are confident in consistent growth for your pre-roll offerings.

Hand Application Costs

When it comes to hand application, the main differentiator from automatic labeling is that of labor expenses. According to the job board Zip Recruiter, packaging associates in the cannabis industry make around $15 per hour, depending on the state. If your packaging associate spends 20 hours per week labeling pre-roll tubes (in which time they can label about 4,000 tubes), that's a labor expense of $300 each week. On a smaller scale, if you only need to label 400 tubes a week, it should only take about 2 hours and cost you about $30.

Automatic Labeling Costs

Automatic labeling makes financial sense for commercial producers who manufacture thousands of pre-rolled joints each week. In these situations, your labor expenses will quickly become inflated if you continue to pay packaging associates $15 per hour to apply labels by hand.

At Custom Cones USA, we recommend having a look at the semi-automatic Canna Labeler Pro machine. While the machine is priced at $5,500, it can label between 900-1100 joint tubes per hour. That’s an incredible 10,000 tubes in a single day! While there is the overhead cost to consider, the Canna Labeler Pro should pay for itself in a matter of weeks if you manufacture pre-rolls at a commercial scale. The Canna Labeler Pro is a great choice for smaller companies that are looking to scale up their labeling without the cost of fully automating.

How Does the Quality of Labeling Measure Up Between the Two?

When it comes to measuring the quality of hand labeling versus automation, it's nearly impossible for people to match the precision of machines. Since today’s most sophisticated labeling technology uses sensors to ensure that labels are perfectly straight, human labor simply can’t match its level of accuracy.

However, some customers might appreciate the fact that your company applies pre-roll labels by hand. With boutique brands, customers might even expect you to avoid machine automation altogether. If you are really trying to capture a customer base that puts a high value on ultra-luxury or hand-crafted cannabis products, hand labeling could be a unique market differentiator and selling point for your brand.

How Do Compliance Rules Impact My Choice of Labeling Methods?

As with everything related to cannabis packaging, compliance rules should be at the forefront of your mind when making decisions about labeling. While regulatory agencies generally aren’t concerned about how your labels are printed, they pay very careful attention to exactly what details are present on your labels.

No matter if you apply your labels by hand or with a machine, be sure to research labeling requirements within your municipality or state. Moreover, the cannabis industry is constantly changing, and compliance rules can change quickly - regardless of how it might impact the operating expenses of cannabis businesses.

For example, in 2020, the state of Colorado passed a new law stating that labels for all cannabis products must include a new standardized symbol - that of a diamond outline with the letters THC spelled out inside. With this change, each cannabis producer in Colorado needed to pivot and change every package within their product lines. While it is tough to say how these changes impacted pre-roll packaging inventories of different cannabis companies, this situation is a prime example of the need to be nimble with your packaging solutions.

Joint Tube Label Application Services from Custom Cones USA

If you don’t want to deal at all with the process of applying labels to your pre-roll tubes, you can also outsource the entire job to Custom Cones USA. Not only do we have all the latest and best labeling materials in stock, our state-of-the-art labeling facilities will get the job done quickly and professionally.

Custom Cones USA prints all of our labels on high-quality and familiar BOPP material – like the labels on household items and food stuffs – with an ultra-strong adhesive designed specifically for round containers in oily environments. As such, our labels will keep your brand looking professional on the store shelves and beyond.

Custom Cones USA also takes the extra step to label and ship your pre-roll tubes while they are open. It may not seem like much, but that simple decision can save your employees countless hours of popping thousands of tubes back open - only to shut them immediately again after adding the joints. With margins being so tight in the industry, that attention to detail can make a world of difference.

Custom Cones USA: Your Pre-Roll Packaging Supplier

No matter what method you choose for applying labels to your tubes and jars, Custom Cones USA has all the pre-roll supplies you need. If you want to hand label, we can provide the tubes and labeling materials. In the event you have a large operation and need automation, Custom Cones USA will help you find the perfect machine. For anyone else, our labeling services will get the job done in a timely and professional manner.

If you have more questions about labeling, the Pre-Roll Experts at Custom Cones USA can help you figure out exactly what to do with your processes. Contact Us today to learn more!