Make Your Cannabis Packaging Pop (Sustainably!) with In‑Mold Labeling

Packaging isn’t just about holding your product – it’s a direct reflection of your brand’s values. In the cannabis industry, where sustainability and stand-out branding are both top priorities, finding a packaging solution that checks all the boxes can feel like hunting for a unicorn. 

Good news: that unicorn is here, and it’s called in-mold labeling (IML). Sana Packaging is thrilled to introduce IML as a sustainability-forward branding innovation that will make your pre-roll packaging truly pop.

Imagine vibrant 360° designs wrapped around your pre-roll tubes, without any stickers or waste, and a package you can toss in the recycling bin without a second thought. That’s the magic of IML, and it’s about to revolutionize how cannabis companies package and present their pre-rolls.

What is In-Mold Labeling (IML)?

IML is a cutting-edge packaging technology where your label isn’t an afterthought – it’s integrated into the product itself during manufacturing. In simpler terms, the label (your branding or artwork) is placed inside the mold when the plastic tube is formed, fusing the two into one seamless piece.

The result? A pre-roll tube and its “label” are one and the same. There’s no need for separate adhesive stickers that you have to painstakingly apply (or that consumers have to peel off later). By embedding the graphics directly into the tube, IML creates a flawless finish that looks premium and lasts for the life of the product.

For cannabis brands, that means every pre-roll tube can become a 360° canvas for creative branding, and you eliminate the extra waste and labor of traditional labeling. It’s a win-win for efficiency and aesthetics.

Sustainable, Durable, and Downright Stunning: The Benefits of IML

In-mold labeling isn’t just fancy tech – it brings real benefits to cannabis packaging. Let’s break down why IML is a game-changer for sustainable branding:

No More Stickers: Seamless & Eco-Friendly Packaging

One of the biggest sustainability perks of IML is that the label is part of the packaging itself. There’s no separate plastic sticker or paper label with chemical adhesives.

Why does that matter? First, it eliminates unnecessary materials and waste – fewer layers means fewer resources used overall.

Second, it makes recycling a breeze. Traditional labeled tubes often require you to remove the label (and its sticky glue) before recycling, because mixed materials can contaminate the recycle stream. With IML, the tube and label are a single material, so the entire unit is recyclable as-is.

In short, you get packaging that’s truly sustainability-forward – your brand messaging and compliance info are displayed without creating extra waste. Plus, by skipping the adhesive labels, you also skip the production step (and cost) of slapping on stickers, streamlining your packaging process.

Built to Last: Labels That Won’t Fade or Peel

Ever had labels that scratch off or smear in transit? That’s not an issue with IML. Because the design is embedded in the plastic, the graphics aren’t sitting on the surface – they’re bonded from within, protected by the container itself.

These in-mold labels are extremely durable: they resist scratching, peeling, and moisture, keeping your artwork pristine throughout the product’s lifecycle. Whether your pre-roll tubes are jostling in a purse, stored in a humid environment, or handled frequently at dispensaries, the branding will stay intact and vibrant. No more worrying about scuffed logos or unreadable text.

This level of durability ensures lasting brand visibility – your logo and design look just as good on the day of sale as they did when they left the factory. For cannabis companies, that means better customer impressions (and no complaints about illegible labels). Long-lasting packaging also speaks to quality – it shows that your brand doesn’t cut corners, even on the container.

360° Design Freedom: Your Brand in Full Color

IML enables vibrant, full-wrap designs on pop-top tubes, giving brands a 360° canvas for creative, high-impact packaging.

With in-mold labeling, you’re not limited to a small sticker or a one-color print – you get edge-to-edge, high-resolution graphics that wrap entirely around the tube. This full-coverage design means maximum impact: your pre-roll packaging becomes a billboard for your brand.

Want a gorgeous full-color landscape, an eye-popping pattern, or intricate artwork on your tubes? IML can do it. The printing quality is exceptional – think vibrant colors, fine detail, and a glossy finish that screams professionalism. And unlike a shrink-sleeve or wrap label, there’s no overlap and the image is perfectly integrated. 

For cannabis companies, this opens up a world of possibilities to differentiate your products on dispensary shelves. You can feature your logo, strain artwork, regulatory info, and even storytelling elements in one beautiful 360° design. It’s a surefire way to catch consumers’ eyes and convey a sense of premium quality before they even open the package.

Introducing Sana’s New IML Pop-Top Pre-Roll Tubes

So, how is Sana Packaging bringing this innovation to you? We’re excited to announce that we now offer in-mold labeling on our 90mm and 116mm pop-top pre-roll tubes made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) polypropylene. These are the same tubes you know and love – but now with custom IML branding to take them to the next level.

Here’s what makes our IML pre-roll tubes a sustainable branding powerhouse:

Made from PCR Polypropylene (#5 recyclable) – We use plastic sourced from recycled consumer waste, giving new life to existing material and keeping plastic out of landfills. The result is a tube that’s not only recyclable itself, but also part of a more circular economy.

Child-Resistant Pop-Top Closure – Safety is paramount. Our 90mm and 116mm tubes feature certified child-resistant pop-top lids, so you can package your pre-rolls knowing they’re secure and legal. (Adults get easy access; kids get none – exactly how it should be!)

FDA-Compliant, Food-Grade Material – Quality and purity matter. The PCR polypropylene in our tubes meets FDA food-grade standards, which means it’s safe for edibles or any consumable cannabis products, odor-resistant, and will not affect your product’s freshness.

Made in the USA – We’re proud to manufacture these tubes domestically. American-made production ensures high quality and reduces the carbon footprint of shipping materials overseas. It also supports local economies – something we value as a mission-driven company.

360° In-Mold Labeling (IML) Graphics – Your branding literally becomes part of the package. We fuse full-wrap, high-resolution graphics into the tube wall, so you get vibrant artwork all the way around without any separate labels. This means no peeling or bubbling – ever. The entire tube is one cohesive, recyclable unit with your design molded in. Say goodbye to applying labels by hand (and the inevitable crooked sticker fiasco) – IML delivers a cleaner look and faster production.

Ultra-Durable & Smudge-Proof – Gone are the days of ink rubbing off or labels tearing. Our in-mold labeled tubes have extremely durable graphics that withstand moisture and abrasion. The imagery won’t fade, scratch off, or smear, even if your tubes ride around in pockets or face the elements. Your brand stays bold and beautiful from the first pre-roll to the last.

Bulk Production for Serious Brands – Ready to scale up? Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom IML tubes is one pallet per design (36,000 units). This bulk MOQ ensures efficient production and the best cost per unit for you. Once your artwork is approved, the standard lead time is roughly 6 weeks to produce your fully branded tubes and get them in your hands. (Pro tip: that 6-week clock starts after you sign off on proofs, so have your designs ready!)

With these new IML pre-roll tubes, cannabis companies large and small can elevate their packaging. You’ll be delivering a premium unboxing experience (the graphics are that striking) while also treading lightly on the planet. 

All packaging components – tube and “label” – are made of the same PCR plastic, so consumers can drop the empty tube straight into recycling without any hassle. It’s a holistic solution that aligns with both brand-building and sustainability goals.

Get Your Custom IML Pre-Roll Tubes Quote Today

Ready to give your cannabis packaging a glow-up? Contact Sana Packaging today to learn more about our IML offerings or to get a quote on a custom order. We’re here to guide you through the design and proofing process, making it easy to bring your vision to life on our 90mm and 116mm PCR pop-top tubes. 

Elevate your brand with vibrant, eco-friendly packaging that tells your story and mitigates waste at the same time. Let’s make your cannabis packaging pop – sustainably!

Reach out to our team and join the IML revolution in cannabis packaging. We can’t wait to help you create packaging that truly embodies your brand’s values and style. Contact us for a quote, and let’s get started on your sustainable branding journey!