Packaging Recalls: How to Avoid Them At All Costs
April 29, 2024
One of the greatest threats to a supply chain is recalls. Recalls are a problem because they can cost money to fix or replace defective products, open a company to liability for a lawsuit, or reimburse consumers. These recalls can tarnish a company’s reputation and lead to multi-billion dollar losses.
Recently, Proctor & Gamble recalled 8.2 million detergent packages due to faulty child-resistant packaging. These zip pouches used by P&G utilize the same mechanism that CR cannabis packaging uses, making this an important recall for cannabis packaging distributors and resellers to take notice.
Why Was This CR Packaging Recalled?
On April 5th, 2024, the CPSC recalled 8.2 million zip-lock pouches used for packaging dishwasher pods from Proctor & Gamble. The products were manufactured between September 2023 and February 2024. These defects could pose severe risks to children and vulnerable populations. The defect allows the outer packaging of these products to split open near the zipper track, potentially leading to accidental ingestion or exposure to hazardous substances, especially from children.
How Do Packaging Recalls Happen?
Packaging defects can happen in various ways that can lead to recall outcomes. Most important of which is improper or invalid testing. Firstly, the necessary quality checks aren’t adequately conducted and therefore do not find problems. Secondly, manufacturers may rely on certificates from prior testing instead of revalidating each reorder. Thirdly, the use of non-accredited testing facilities or bypassing safety protocols can also contribute to the problem.
How Does This Relate to Cannabis Packaging?
This recent, highly concerning dishwasher pod packaging recall should send alarms to the cannabis industry because the recall involved the same CR zip-lock technology used in pouches and exposes the importance of proper CPSC lab testing.
Moreover, a recent packaging testing lab validation study has exposed that an overseas laboratory responsible for certifying child-resistant cannabis packaging has issued certifications with flawed testing procedures and, in other instances, failed to test at all. This type of methodology absolutely will lead to recalls and lost money across many cannabis companies that rely on them for their CR packaging.
The cannabis industry has worked relentlessly to establish credibility and trust across different markets, careful and thorough review of CR certification is more crucial than ever.
How to Avoid Packaging Recalls
You can avoid packaging recalls like this recent CPSC CR Zipper Pouch in the cannabis industry, but you must be diligent about choosing trustworthy cannabis packaging companies via in-depth research and understanding of CPSC Certification by package.
At AssurPack®, we recommend thoroughly vetting your packaging vendor by ensuring they have extensive experiences with the CPSC and other regulatory commissions, accurate and ongoing certifications from accredited testing labs for the packaging they provide your company, and a secure supply chain. When working with packaging companies, you must know they use reliable third-party lab testing and accredited manufacturing partners to produce quality products.
Contact our experienced leaders in CR packaging to learn more about our testing, certifications and trusted supply chain partners. We are your CPSC packaging authority.
