Plastic Pop Top Pre-Roll Tubes: The Ultimate Guide to Packaging Your Brand's Cones | Eaglebottle

From my factory in China, with its 7 bustling production lines, I’ve shipped millions of glass and plastic containers to brands all over the world—from the USA and Europe to Australia. I work with business owners like Mark Thompson, who are sharp, quality-conscious, and always looking for the best packaging to make their products shine. One of the most common products we discuss is the humble but essential pre-roll tube.

This guide is for you. Whether you're a growing cannabis brand or an established dispensary, choosing the right pre-roll packaging is critical. We'll explore everything about plastic pre-roll tubes, especially the famous pop top, and compare them to glass pre-roll tubes. You'll learn how this simple plastic tube can protect your pre rolled cone, meet child-resistant laws, and build your brand. Let's dive in and find the perfect packaging for you.

What Exactly is a Plastic Pre-Roll Tube?

At its core, a plastic pre-roll tube is a small, rigid container designed specifically to hold and protect a single pre rolled cannabis cigarette, often called a cone or joint. It’s a simple but brilliant piece of packaging. The main goal of a joint tube is to prevent the pre-roll from being crushed, bent, or exposed to moisture. Imagine a customer buying a perfect pre rolled cone only to have it break in their pocket on the way home—that's a terrible experience your packaging can easily prevent.

These tubes come in several styles, but the most iconic is the plastic pop top tube. You know the one: you squeeze it near the top, and the hinged lid opens with a satisfying "pop." This design is incredibly popular on dispensary shelves because it's intuitive, cost-effective, and can be made child resistant. The plastic used is typically polypropylene, a durable and lightweight material that provides excellent protection. While there are other plastic options, the pop top has become the industry standard for single pre-roll packaging.

Why are Plastic Pop Top Tubes So Popular in Pre-Roll Packaging?

The dominance of the plastic pop top in the world of pre-roll packaging isn't an accident. Its popularity is built on a foundation of practicality, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendliness that appeals to both the brand and the consumer. As a manufacturer, I see the massive volume of orders for these tubes, and the reasons are clear.

First and foremost is the cost. Plastic pop top tubes are incredibly inexpensive to produce, especially when compared to their glass counterparts. For a brand looking to package a high volume of pre-rolls, this lower cost is a significant advantage, allowing them to keep their retail prices competitive. Second is convenience. The pop top mechanism is simple for adults to use one-handed, making it a favorite for on-the-go consumers. They are also lightweight, which reduces shipping costs and makes them easy for customers to carry.

Finally, they offer a good level of protection. The hard plastic shell effectively prevents physical damage, ensuring the product quality of the pre rolled cone is maintained from the dispensary to the moment of use. This combination of affordability, convenience, and protection makes plastic pop top tubes the go-to choice for a huge segment of the cannabis market.

How Do You Choose Between Plastic Pop Top Tubes and Glass Tubes?

This is a classic debate in cannabis packaging: glass or plastic? The right packaging choice depends entirely on your brand strategy, target customer, and budget. Both glass and plastic tubes have distinct advantages. As a supplier of both, I help clients like Mark Thompson weigh these factors every day.

Here is a simple breakdown to guide your packaging decisions:

Plastic pre-roll tubes are the workhorse of the industry. They are perfect for brands focusing on volume, convenience, and accessibility. On the other hand, glass tubes are for brands that want to communicate luxury. They are an excellent choice for top-shelf flower, infused pre-rolls, or special editions intended for higher price points. Many cannabis brands use a hybrid approach: plastic for their main product lines and premium glass for their premium offerings.

Can Plastic Pre-Roll Packaging Effectively Preserve Freshness?

One of the biggest concerns for any cannabis brand is freshness. A dry, brittle pre-roll with a faded aroma is a major letdown for consumers. This raises a key question: can a plastic tube truly protect the freshness of a pre rolled cone? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.

A standard plastic pop top tube provides a decent seal that protects the pre-roll from the immediate environment, which is often sufficient for products with a quick turnaround time on dispensary shelves. However, most basic pop-top tubes are not perfectly airtight. Over longer periods, some air exchange can occur, which may slowly dry out the pre-roll. For this reason, some brands will add a small moisture pack inside the tube to maintain optimal humidity.

For brands that need a truly airtight seal in a plastic format, there are advanced packaging options like super seal pre-roll tubes. These tubes often feature a different closure mechanism, like a screw-top with a liner, that provides a much tighter seal. So, while a basic pop top offers good short-term protection, brands concerned with long-term freshness should either use a shrink band over the closure or explore these more advanced airtight plastic or glass packaging solutions.

How Can You Brand Your Plastic Pre-Roll Tube to Stand Out?

In a crowded market, your pre-roll packaging is your billboard. A generic, unbranded plastic tube is a missed opportunity. The good news is that plastic pre-roll tubes are incredibly easy to customize, allowing your brand to stand out on dispensary shelves.

The most common method for branding a pre-roll tube is by applying a custom label. Labels can be printed with vibrant colors, your logo, strain information, and all required compliance details. A well-designed label can transform a simple plastic pop top into a powerful piece of marketing. Pro-tip: consider using plastic stickers instead of paper ones, as they are more durable and resistant to moisture and scuffing. Another option is a full-body shrink band. This is a plastic sleeve that conforms to the shape of the tube when heat is applied, offering 360-degree branding coverage.

For larger orders, direct printing on the tube itself is also an option. This creates a sleek, professional look. By investing in custom pre roll branding, you create a memorable experience for the consumer, build brand recognition, and increase the perceived value of your product—all with a simple plastic pre-roll tube.

What Makes a Pre-Roll Tube Child-Resistant and Why is it Essential?

Child-resistant packaging is not an option in the legal cannabis industry; it's a legal requirement in most jurisdictions. The goal of child-resistant (CR) packaging is to be significantly difficult for a child under five to open, thereby preventing accidental ingestion of cannabis products. For pre-roll packaging, this is absolutely critical.

Many plastic pop top tubes are designed to be child resistant. The mechanism that makes them CR is the specific action required to open them: you must squeeze the sides of the tube in a precise location while simultaneously pulling the lid open. This two-step, coordinated action is simple for an adult but very difficult for a young child who lacks the finger strength and dexterity. A tube cannot simply be called child-resistant; it must be rigorously tested and certified according to government standards, like those set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

When sourcing your pre-roll tube, always demand to see the child-resistant certification. This is a major pain point for buyers like Mark, who worry about certificate fraud. A reputable supplier will readily provide this documentation. Choosing compliant child-resistant pre-roll packaging protects children, keeps your brand legally compliant, and demonstrates your commitment to safety.

What Sizes Do Pre-Roll Tubes Come In for Different Cones?

Not all pre-rolls are created equal. They come in various lengths and diameters, from small "dogwalkers" to large, king-sized cones. Your pre-roll packaging needs to match the product. A cone rattling around in a tube that's too big looks unprofessional, while a tube that's too small will crush the tip.

Fortunately, plastic pre-roll tubes are available in a wide range of standard sizes to accommodate most pre-rolled cones. The sizes are typically described by their length in millimeters. Common sizes include:

• 78mm: Perfect for small, half-gram pre-rolls.
• 90-98mm: The most common size, ideal for standard 1-gram cones. A 90mm pre-roll is a very popular product.
• 116-120mm: Designed for king-sized cones or for holding two smaller pre-rolls.

The standard diameter for a pre-roll tube is 16mm, which fits most standard rolling paper cone sizes comfortably. Some suppliers also offer wider plastic containers, like a 60 dram pop top vial, which can be used to package multiple pre-rolls together instead of using individual tubes. When placing an order, be sure to match the tube size to your specific pre rolled cone to ensure a snug, secure, and professional fit.

Are There Sustainable Options for Plastic Pre-Roll Packaging?

Sustainability is a growing concern for consumers and brands in the cannabis industry. The reliance on single-use plastic is a valid point of criticism. In response, the packaging industry is innovating to offer more eco-friendly pre-roll packaging options.

One of the most exciting developments is the creation of plastic pre-roll tubes made from recycled plastic or plant-based bioplastics. These materials help reduce the carbon footprint and reliance on virgin fossil fuels. Some plastic tube options are made from reclaimed ocean plastic, which helps clean up waterways while providing a viable packaging solution.

Additionally, many standard polypropylene plastic pre-roll tubes are recyclable. The key is to communicate this to the consumer. A simple message on your label encouraging customers to recycle the tube can make a big difference. While glass tubes are infinitely recyclable, these advancements in plastic are making sustainable pre-roll packaging more accessible and affordable for every brand.

How Do Packaging Costs for Plastic and Glass Tubes Compare?

For any business owner, the bottom line matters. Packaging costs are a significant part of the cost of goods sold for a pre-roll, so understanding the price difference between plastic and glass is essential. The difference is substantial.

Plastic pre roll tubes, especially the pop top variety, are one of the most cost-effective packaging options available. On a per-unit basis, plastic tubes typically cost just a few cents when purchased in bulk. This allows brands to keep their packaging expenses extremely low, which is vital for competing in the mainstream market.

Glass tubes, on the other hand, represent a significant step up in cost. A glass pre-roll tube, especially one made from high-quality borosilicate glass and paired with a premium cap, can cost several times more than its plastic counterpart. Furthermore, the heavier weight increases shipping costs from the factory and to the distributor. This higher cost is justified by the premium look and feel, but it means that glass for premium lines is a more viable strategy than using it for an entire product range. You must choose packaging that aligns with your product's price point and brand positioning.

What Should You Look for in a Pre-Roll Packaging Supplier?

Finding the right packaging supplier is just as important as choosing the right tube. A great partner can provide quality products, reliable service, and expert advice. A bad one can cause delays, quality issues, and major headaches—all things my client Mark wants to avoid.

Here’s what to look for:

• Product Range and Quality: Do they offer a wide selection of both glass and plastic pre roll tubes? Ask for samples to inspect the quality of the plastic, the strength of the hinge on a pop top, and the clarity of the material.
• Certified Compliance: Can they provide up-to-date, legitimate certification for their child-resistant products? Do not compromise on this.
• Communication: Are they responsive, clear, and easy to work with? Inefficient communication is a huge red flag. A good partner will act as an extension of your team.
• Experience and Reliability: How long have they been in the business? Do they have experience exporting to your country? A supplier with a proven track record in logistics can help you avoid costly shipment delays.
• Customization Capabilities: Can they assist with your branding needs, whether it's sourcing custom labels or providing direct printing services?

Your supplier relationship is key to your success. Whether you need an economical plastic joint tube or a sophisticated custom matte black glass pre-roll tube, a reliable partner is invaluable. We also offer great alternatives like child-proof jars for multi-packs of pre-rolls. At our factory, we pride ourselves on being that kind of partner for brands all over the world, even offering options like our unique glass test tubes with cork lids for a special, rustic aesthetic.

Key Takeaways to Remember:

• Function First: The primary job of a pre-roll tube is to protect the cone from physical damage and maintain freshness.
• Plastic for Volume, Glass for Value: Plastic pop top tubes are the cost-effective, convenient choice for mass-market pre-rolls. Glass tubes communicate a premium quality for top-shelf products.
• Branding is Non-Negotiable: Use labels, shrink bands, or direct printing to turn your packaging into a powerful marketing tool.
• Compliance is Mandatory: Always use certified child-resistant packaging to protect children and keep your brand legally compliant.
• Size Matters: Match the size of your pre-roll tube to the size of your cone for a professional presentation and secure fit.
• Sustainability is Smart: Explore packaging options made from recycled plastic or bioplastics to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
• Choose Your Supplier Wisely: Partner with an experienced, reliable, and communicative supplier who can provide quality products and all necessary certifications.