New vendor-managed inventory program launches for international growers

As the global cannabis market continues expansion, National cannabis packaging, curing and technology company Calyx Containers announced the launch of its Flex Flow Program, a Vendor Managed Inventory initiative, now live online to qualified customers. Designed to help operators reduce packaging costs while maintaining fast, reliable access to inventory stored and released within the United States, the Flex Flow Program combines forecast-driven international packaging production with stateside inventory holding. This allows customers to secure lower-cost overseas pricing without the long lead times, freight uncertainty and compliance risk traditionally associated with global sourcing.

"Calyx Flex Flow is about removing uncertainty from packaging supply chains," said Simon Knobel, CEO and co-founder of Calyx Containers. "Operators should not have to choose between cost efficiency and speed. Through this program, we manage production, quality control and logistics while holding inventory stateside for up to 90 days at no cost, so customers can release finished packaging quickly with a simple email or call. It keeps accountability with Calyx and gives operators international pricing with inventory that is close to home and ready to move."

The initiative was developed in response to a growing industry challenge: balancing the speed of domestic manufacturing with the cost efficiency of overseas production. While Calyx's 17,000 sq ft Salt Lake City facility provides rapid-turn solutions for urgent needs, under the Flex Flow model, domestic production will match international cost structures for larger, forecastable programs.

Achieved by coordinating a rolling 26-week forecast by SKU and using strategic brokered partnerships across a vetted global production network, packaging is produced to Calyx specifications, including child-resistant compliance, sustainability requirements and premium print standards, then staged in domestic warehouses as either finished goods or printed rollstock ready for rapid final conversion. Inventory can be held for up to 90 days, helping customers preserve cash while maintaining supply readiness.

As a complement to Calyx's domestic manufacturing capabilities, Flex Flow eases customer concerns should international supply lanes be disrupted or demand spike unexpectedly. With Flex Flow Calyx can shift production domestically to maintain continuity and protect customer operations.

Calyx recently completed a limited beta of the Flex Flow Program with a small group of key partners. Early customers cited reduced operational stress, improved inventory planning and faster access to packaging without tying up working capital. Following validation of forecasting workflows, quality controls and stateside inventory release, the company is expanding the program through a phased onboarding process.

"This initiative reflects how Calyx has evolved from being known primarily for containers into becoming a true end-to-end packaging partner," said Alex Gonzalez, president and co-founder of Calyx Containers. "With Flex Flow, we are actively managing the full packaging supply chain for our customers, from forecasting and production planning to quality control, inventory positioning and rapid replenishment. It gives operators a single accountable partner that can deliver cost efficiency, continuity and execution across formats and timelines, not just a transactional purchase order."

The company expects Vendor Managed Inventory to become a core pillar of its long-term strategy, supporting supply chain resilience, scalable manufacturing and higher service levels across flexible packaging formats.