You want your CBD packaging to be eye-catching and looking good. But you also have to make sure you meet all the requirements and guidelines as set out by the FDA and other national governing bodies that make sure consumers are aware of CBD product details. In 2018, the Farm Bill was enacted and, since then, the production of CBD products has increased. There are so many businesses big and small that produce supplements, cosmetics, drinks, food, and more. They all need to comply with FDA guidelines when it comes to packaging.
Determining What Your Product Is
The first thing to do when choosing your packaging is to define what your product is to be sure you meet any labeling regulations. Is it a food, a supplement, or a health support? Each has its own guidelines. While this article refers to the FDA, any governing body that has hemp and CBD under its purview has requirements that will need to be met. This article offers some guidance on what you need to look for to meet labeling and packaging requirements.
Step one is deciding which guidelines you need to follow. If its those of the FDA, you need to know whether your product is a supplement or food. A supplement means it contains dietary ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, botanical products (hemp), and other items that are used to supplement a regular diet. Supplements also include extractions, tinctures, and concentrates, just to name a few. CBD is often produced to be used in oils, gels, capsules, food, drinks, and creams so while most are supplements, some that are in food and drinks are categorized otherwise. It is important to know the difference before you get your packaging produced.
Regulations for Labeling
The FDA and other governing bodies are not always clear on what is required when it comes to labeling hemp and CBD products. So, it is suggested that you follow the basic requirements to guide your packaging design.
Food Labeling
Knowing what government bodies require for labeling is important so make sure you know what your product is. If it is food, follow the basic labeling requirements that apply to all food. Be aware of where the label is placed and that the statements you make about the food are truthful. You must include the following:
1. Name of the food.
2. How much is in the package.
3. Ingredients list, including colors, allergens, fillers.
4. Proper allergy labeling.
5. Nutrition labeling that includes nutrients, types of foods, graphics as required, labeling formats as designated, trans fat notice, and any other special labeling note that may be required.
6. Claims that pertain to nutritional content, health applications, verified health notes, and how it works if necessary.
Supplement Labelling
This is another area you need to be clear about in your product packaging. There are significant fines from agencies like the FDA that oversee labeling if you don’t meet the requirements. You need to have:
1. The basics for labeling dietary supplements.
2. Identify what it is clearly. Dietary or botanical supplement or other.
3. How much is in the package. It can be weight, liquid measurement, or numerical count as appropriate for your product.
4. List the facts about its nutrition content and any extra facts you have about the product.
5. This has to be listed from most to least in amounts. Each item has to be in the list along with their amounts.
6. Allergen warnings.
7. Be very careful with product labels as false or misguided claims can get you in trouble. They need to be verified. You can not make medical claims on product labels if they are not proven.
While not required, you should also have the company name, address, and contact info of the manufacturer so people can be in touch if they want further information or have questions.
These are the FDA regulations but make sure you check with your local government specifications and any other national bodies as well. There may be less or more depending on where you are located. Using a lawyer in-the-know can help make sure you have covered all your bases.
Best Practices in Labeling your CBD Products
If you want to be seen as a reputable manufacturer of CBD products in the cannabis industry, go above and beyond what you are required to do when it comes to CBD packaging. By adding more information, you gain the trust of the customer. Make sure your package marketing is on point. Try to include:
1. List the amount of active CBD per serving.
2. Include instructions for use, application, or suggested uses of the product.
3. List clearly if the CBD is full, broad-spectrum, or isolate.
4. Make a note if the product is scientifically verified to have certain properties. (i.e. a 2015 study proving the benefits of full-spectrum CBD on inflammation)
5. Note how pure your product is when it comes to the CBD and if it is THC free.
6. Date codes or what product batch it is so it can be tracked and monitored.
Make sure your CBD packaging is clear and honest. Here are the final to-do list recommendations:
1. Do not make false claims on product labeling.
2. Give all the information that government agencies demand.
3. Make sure the labeling meets font information placement standards.
4. Make sure the packaging is sealed and safe when it goes to market. Non-tampering.
5. DO NOT make any type of claims about therapeutic or medical uses when it is not proven or allowed by a government agency.
Final Thoughts
If you want to be a reputable CBD product manufacturer or supplier, be honest and clear in your packaging. Buzzwords might catch people’s attention but if the product doesn’t do what you imply, you aren’t going to have return buyers. Make your packaging eye-catching, legal, and trendy. You want people to pick up the package to see what it is and get all the information they need by reading it and making their purchase easy.