Explore the latest market trends in the automated pre roll industry. Discover how pre rolls and commercial pre roll machines are driving efficiency and growth.
The automated rolling market is expected to grow at a CAGR during the forecast period from 2022 to 2031. Layoffs, furloughs, and closures have become top of mind for many businesses whose operations are no longer viable under these challenging economic conditions.
Here, we delve into notable trends in the automation of the rolling industry, the importance of pre roll machines, and raise opportunities for enterprises to benefit from this thriving market.
The Rise of Automated Pre Rolls in Manufacturing
Why Automation is Taking Over
Automation is disrupting industries around the globe, and rolling technology is no different. Here are four reasons why businesses are investing in commercial pre roll machines:
- Efficiency — Machines can roll hundreds to thousands of pre rolls per hour, a far cry faster than manual labor.
- Consistency — Maintains the same weight, density, and appearance in every preroll, every time.
- Cost Savings — By automating the tedious, repetitive tasks, labour costs are lower.
- Compliance – Assists in meeting stringent sector standards for weight and packages.
Market Growth Drivers
A few dynamics driving the growth of automated rolling technology:
- Cannabis Legalization – The preroll industry is booming with the increased legalization of cannabis across states and countries.
- Consumer Demand for Convenience – Prerolled products taste a hit on time for customers, making them more attractive.
- Technological Improvements in Machines – better AI, robotics, and precision engineering making automation easier.
Automated Rolling Market: Key Trends
Growing Demand for Pre Rolls
- Pre-rolls still lead in sales in the cannabis market (other than raw flower). They are convenient, portable, and consistent—and a favorite among consumers.
- U.S. market growth – Preroll sales rose more than 50% in major states in 2023.
- Europe & Canadian Expansion – Increasing legalization creates demand for automated production solutions.
- Rise of infused pre rolls – Automated prerolls — After years of development, manufacturers are creating large volumes of high-potency, infused pre rolls.
Commercial Pre Roll Machines Adoption
Commercial pre roll machines are able to streamline operations to reduce the time and money lost to manual rolling.
- High-capacity production — Machines can produce thousands of pre rolls per shift.
- Precise metering – Weighing systems mean consistent cannabinoid content.
- Scalability – Firms can scale production without hiring more labor.
AI and Robotics Integration
AI and machine learning is helping advance the capabilities of pre roll machines, delivering:
- AI based real-time quality control – AI will identify and fix rolling errors.
- Adjustable settings – Different cannabis strains have a different ideal rolling density, so machines adjust rolling density.
- Data analytics – Businesses understand the efficiency of production and waste reduction.
Innovations for sustainability and the Environment
Consumers are driving the need for sustainable practices, and manufacturers are being forced to adopt environmental-friendly ways of production.
- Biodegradable rolling papers — Many companies are moving to compostable options.
- Waste reduction technology – New grinders and dosing systems minimize the amount of cannabis used.
- Greener machinery – A pre roll machine on the market now uses less energy, which is better for the planet.
Automated Rolling Machines: the Next Big Thing?
Enhancing the Pre Roll Process with Automated Options
Automation can quicken scale for companies in several ways:
- Higher ROI – While the initial investment is higher for a commercial pre roll machine, it pays off in savings over time.
- Production efficiency — a business must be able to respond to consumer demand
- Predictable production — Machines (some with cameras) know how to guarantee every preroll fits the legal definition.
Expanding Product Offerings
In addition to traditional pre rolls, businesses may also diversify with:
- All-in-one pre rolls (cannabis concentrates)
- Pre rolls (specialty (mini-joints, king-size rolls)
- Tobacco & herbal pre rolls (outside of cannabis goods)
Entering New Markets
As legalization widens, companies are able to pursue global opportunities in:
- Europe — Nations including Germany and Portugal are embracing legal sales.
- Asia — Thailand and South Korea are creating medical cannabis industries.
- South America – Brazil and Argentina are increasing interest in preroll technology.
Personalization and white-labeling
They are thousands of private-label brands that are outsourcing to a white-label manufacturer running pre roll machines.
- Lower production costs
- Faster turnaround times
- Custom branding opportunities
Notes for the Automated Rolling Industry – Challenges and Considerations
High Initial Investment
Automation optimizes efficiency; however, commercial machines such as pre roll machines are capital-intensive. Companies should:
- Get familiar with machine specifications and pricing
- Explore leasing alternatives to mitigate financial strain.
- Estimate ROI on forecastable production increases.
Regulatory Compliance
The automation of cannabis-related processes must meet a range of regulations:
- Accuracy in weight and potency — Machines need to measure cannabis content accurately.
- Child resistant packaging requirements –Manufacturing systems that are automated require integration of compliant packaging.
- Quality testing – AI-enabled quality assurance ensures regulatory adherence.
Adapting the Workforce through Training
With automation taking over, companies have to:
- This motivates employees to have better skills on machine operation and maintenance.
- Train workers to fill higher-value roles in quality control and logistics.
- Find the right balance between automation and human oversight to stay above the headline with quality.
Industry Outlook of the Automated Rolling Machines
Automation Will Become AI-Driven
Pre roll automation will continue to evolve and one day include AI-powered pre roll machines that offer:
- Self-adjusting technology Machines that make automatic adjustments for cannabis strains
- Predictive maintenance – AI will diagnose problems before they result in downtime.
- Intelligent production analytics — The only way (almost) will be through data insights with the aim of maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste.
Expansion Beyond Cannabis
Though cannabis is the primary driver, automated rolling will grow to include:
- Tobacco growing – Old cigar companies are new, making production faster.
- Herbal and wellness products – Relaxation and wellness pre rolled herbal blends.
- Hemp and CBD pre rolls – Growing demand for legal, non-psychoactive alternatives
Innovations that Are Classed as Sustainable Will Drive the Market
Environmental issues will motivate:
- Good for the earth – 100% biodegradable cones and packaging.
- Waste-reduction systems —Make cannabis grinding and dosing more efficient.
- Energy-efficient equipment — Low-power devices for environmentally friendly production
Conclusion
A game-changer for preroll manufacturers, the automated rolling industry is moving faster than ever, providing new heights for efficiency and scale. Cost cutting, meeting consumer demands offering consistent quality is impossible with manual pre roll machine, so companies are investing in commercial pre roll machines.
Through the use of pre roll machines, implementing sustainable practices, and diversifying into new markets, businesses can set themselves up for success in this rapidly expanding industry. As we approach the new era of automated rolling with the help of AI driven automation and in a world of increasingly accepted legalization, the future has never looked brighter.