What is a gummy bag?

A gummy bag is a type of packaging brands adopt to hold and protect gummy candies until consumed. It can be made of Mylar material or other flexible plastics, depending on usage and storage requirements. In the cannabis industry, it is the most popular packaging solution for THCA edibles.

THCA gummies are not your average sweet treat. They require a plethora of protective features to stay consumable and potent. A solid, well-designed gummy THCA bag is a must for those selling cannabinoid-enhanced edibles and looking to avoid regulatory violations related to packaging.

What makes a great gummy bag?

First things first: bag creation revolves around tons of legal stuff. If you’re anchored in the THCA industry, your bags must be child-proof and have sufficient label space. These are official requirements that may lead to business setbacks and loss of customer trust if not fulfilled.

For child resistance, your bags are expected to have closures that require some force to open and reclose the packaging. These closures must be designed to prevent little ones from accidentally or deliberately trying THCA-infused tidbits. They can take the form of:

• Zipper
• Press-to-close mechanism
• Slider
• Other closures

There are many things that may take their toll on the consumer appeal of your gummies. UV light, moisture, and oxygen are the nemeses of THCA extracts, gelatin, and other gummy ingredients. That’s why decent gummy candy bags should have additional barriers in their design to act as the first line of defense against the elements. 

Which barriers to implement should be determined after assessing the environmental challenges your tidbits may encounter, like the risk of storage in humid climates or exposure to direct sunlight. For example, using a UV-blocking addition to the film or a metalized layer for enhanced light protection is a great idea if your gummy candies are to be displayed outdoors or near windows.

Besides, a bag is your brand’s billboard. When made and designed professionally, it can underpin your branding strategy and foster positive associations. Some aspects that can help you reach your branding goals with bags are colors, prints, finishes, tactile elements, and well-thought-out messaging.

What’s inside gummy bags?

Moisture is another headache to brace yourself for when packaging THCA gummies because the effects of moisture can take appeal out of your candies. To prevent this from happening to your products, go for Mylar material, a workhorse known for outstanding barrier properties.

Some Mylar grades come with superior moisture resistance, which you should adopt for your bags. Analyze the specific resin composition of the Mylar film and ensure it meets the required barrier properties and is compatible with candies for oral consumption.

And don’t forget about the internal structure of your bags. You can add cellulose liners and inserts to boost protection from moisture and enhance crush resistance during shipping and handling.

The technical stuff

Creating a gummy candy bag may seem to be rocket science. Film structures aren’t simple. Figuring out the difference between PE, PET, aluminum foil, and EVOH and how to layer materials and implement inserts is even harder.

Let us walk you through the most bewildering aspects by starting with layers:

• PET is about strength and printability.
• Aluminum foil is best for light and oxygen barriers. 
• PE is the perfect fit for sealing and moisture resistance.
• EVOH is your best friend for oxygen and aroma control.

Why would you bother? The right combo of layers ensures the longest shelf life and consumption period for products like THCA-infused candies. The quality of these layers directly impacts your bag’s strength, durability, and whether it performs its function.

Seals

Seal strength is critical for bags for gummies. Your seals must hold up to peel, burst, and dye penetration tests.

As for the type, wider seals are stronger but take up more space. Ultrasonic sealing might be needed for certain applications and resistance requirements.

You should also consider a seal pattern. A serrated seal, for example, makes your bags easier to tear open.

Gussets

Found on the sides and bottom, gussets increase volume and make gummy THCA bags stand. They must be designed for stability and shelf appeal, considering gusset depth, folding patterns, and type. A K-seal gusset, for example, provides a wider base for stability. 

You or your packaging company should analyze the gusset’s folding pattern using 3D modeling software. This will allow for design optimizations for maximum stability and volume.

Printing

It’s more than selecting inks. The printing stage includes color matching, spectrophotometers for color consistency, and rub tests for adhesion. When creating your bags, you want to make sure these aspects are factored in.

You’re better off using UV-cured inks. Ask your packaging team to scrutinize the ink’s chemical composition and migration properties and ensure it’s food-safe and won’t leach into your tidbits.

Dimensions and tolerances

Gummy candy bags must be created according to detailed specifications. These should cover width, height, gusset depth, seal width, and everything in between. You’ll want to define specifications as 3D renderings of your bag design are prepared.

Advanced measurement systems should be in place to verify the dimensions of all the produced bags for consistency.

A behind-the-scenes look at MYLARMEN processes

The MYLARMEN team pays particular attention to material selection, protection, and design for all packaging types we create. We can craft gummy candy bags for your specific needs, whether you already achieved success with other cannabis products or are only getting started. 

Compliance and visual appeal? Nothing is left to chance. Accurate specifications? We will provide that. We also offer prototyping services so that you can test different bag designs and layer combinations.

Branding? We will ensure you’re making full use of your bags to get your brand seen. In addition, MYLARMEN will provide detailed labeling guidance to prepare your product roll-outs for sale in the US. Our professionals specialize in packaging, branding, and monitoring THCA regulations.

Feel free to get in touch if you want to create gummy bags or get updated on other packaging types for cannabis products.