Types of Child-Resistant Packaging: CR Pouches, Tubes, Tins & Boxes Compared (2026)
Types of Child-Resistant Packaging: Complete Format Guide
Six CR packaging formats cover every product type from cannabis pre-rolls to pharmaceutical tablets. Here's how each works, what it costs, and when to use it.
1. CR Pouches (Exit Bags)
The most popular and cost-effective CR format — a mylar or PE bag with a pinch-and-slide child-resistant zipper.
How It Works
The zipper requires simultaneous pinching on both sides while sliding — a motion that children under 5 cannot coordinate. Adults pinch and slide intuitively.
- Cost: $0.15–$0.50/unit
- Sizes: 3.5×5" to 12×9"
- Material: Mylar (PET/AL/PE) or PE film
- Best for: Cannabis flower, edibles, gummies
- Pros: Cheapest CR option, fully customizable printing, lightweight, smell-proof (mylar)
- Cons: Less premium feel than tins/boxes
2. Pop-Top Tubes
Cylindrical plastic tubes with a squeeze-and-pull cap — squeeze the sides to release, then pull the cap off.
How It Works
The cap has internal ridges that lock into the tube body. Squeezing the tube flexes it enough to release the ridges. Children cannot generate enough grip force.
- Cost: $0.10–$0.30/unit
- Sizes: 78mm, 98mm, 116mm, 120mm
- Material: Polypropylene (PP)
- Best for: Pre-rolls, joints, small vape cartridges
- Pros: Cheapest per-unit, compact, smell-proof
- Cons: Limited customization (small surface), mostly tube labels
3. CR Tins
Metal containers with a push-and-turn lid mechanism — push down while twisting counterclockwise.
- Cost: $0.50–$1.50/unit
- Sizes: 1 oz, 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz
- Material: Tin-plated steel or aluminum
- Best for: Cannabis flower, concentrates, edibles, mints
- Pros: Premium feel, highly reusable, excellent barrier
- Cons: Higher cost, limited to round shapes
4. CR Bottles
Standard bottles with push-and-turn or squeeze-and-turn caps — the same mechanism used on prescription pill bottles.
- Cost: $0.30–$1.00/unit
- Sizes: 1 oz (30ml) to 16 oz (480ml)
- Material: HDPE, PET, or glass with PP/PE cap
- Best for: Tinctures, oils, syrups, tablets, capsules
- Pros: Familiar mechanism, wide range of sizes, pharma-grade
- Cons: Not resealable in the "child-resistant" mode (must re-engage CR each time)
5. CR Boxes
Premium paperboard boxes with push-button or magnetic-lock CR mechanisms built into the closure.
- Cost: $1.50–$3.50/unit
- Sizes: Custom (typically 3×2×1" to 8×6×3")
- Material: SBS or kraft paperboard with CR mechanism
- Best for: Premium cannabis brands, luxury edibles, gift sets
- Pros: Maximum brand impact, full-surface printing, premium unboxing
- Cons: Most expensive CR format, complex assembly
6. CR Blister Packs
Individual dose packaging with peel-push foil backing — peel the cover then push the product through the foil.
- Cost: $0.20–$0.60/unit
- Sizes: Single dose to 30-dose cards
- Material: PVC/PVDC thermoform + foil backing
- Best for: Individual edibles, tablets, capsules, lozenges
- Pros: Individual dosing, tamper-evident, pharma-grade
- Cons: Not resealable, higher waste
Comparison Table
| Format | Cost | CR Mechanism | Premium Feel | Customization | Reusable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR pouch | $0.15–$0.50 | Pinch-slide | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ✅ |
| Pop-top tube | $0.10–$0.30 | Squeeze-pull | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ✅ |
| CR tin | $0.50–$1.50 | Push-turn | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ✅ |
| CR bottle | $0.30–$1.00 | Push-turn | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ✅ |
| CR box | $1.50–$3.50 | Push-button | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ✅ |
| Blister pack | $0.20–$0.60 | Peel-push | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ❌ |
Which Format Should You Choose?
- Lowest cost: Pop-top tubes ($0.10) or CR pouches ($0.15)
- Best brand impact: CR boxes ($1.50+)
- Most versatile: CR pouches (any product, any size)
- Pharma-grade: CR bottles or blister packs
- Premium cannabis: CR tins or CR boxes
Need help choosing the right CR format? Get a free quote or ask our AI consultant. Browse our child-resistant collection.
Need cannabis packaging? Custom Pre-Roll Boxes → — child-resistant, ASTM certified, full-color. From $0.35/unit. Child-resistant mylar bags →