| Like the automotive and energy industries, the disc packaging industry has started to adopt more environmentally sound business practices. Major producers of disc packaging have been hard at work developing new products that have a reduced or minimal impact on the environment. Let’s take a look at some of the new products which are now available.
 Slimline CD and DVD cases are a great alternative to standard sized cases for two reasons: they hold the same number of discs as a standard case, and they use much less plastic material. An ordinary, single-disc DVD case has a depth of about 14mm. Slim DVD cases are just 7mm deep by comparison, yet they maintain the same amount of space for artwork and inserts that standard cases have. While more efficient production of disc cases can help conserve natural resources, this also has the additional benefit of being able to store the same number of discs while reducing shelf space by half.
Taking it one step further, many customers have started moving towards eco-friendly cardboard sleeves and mailers to distribute their discs. Cardboard packaging come in many sizes and shapes, full color printed or blank, and hold a CD or DVD disc in place and protects it from damage during transit. Discs are secured in place on three sides and held in place by friction. Most cardboard mailers and sleeves contain a high percentage of recycled material from post-consumer products. By using recycled material, manufacturers can save on production costs and pass the savings on to their customers. These are also very lightweight solutions to help save on shipping and mailing costs.
 Halfway between a plastic case and a cardboard case lays the Digipak. This unique CD/DVD case is something of a hybrid package, with a sturdy cardboard backing outside and a secure plastic tray inside. A plastic tray helps protect the disc where it is needed, but it saves cost and reduces environmental impact by using smaller quantities of raw materials than a standard size CD or DVD case. The cardboard is fully printable, eliminating the need for a separate entrapment or insert.
Last but not least, VarioPac cases have proven to be more environmentally sound than most typical CD jewel case. Whereas jewel cases are produced from polystyrene plastic, VarioPacs are made of polypropylene plastic. The key difference is that polypropylene plastic uses less energy and produces fewer harmful byproducts during production than does polystyrene.
While the industry has yet to create a means for packaging discs that does not harm the environment at all, the good news is that they are getting closer. Consumers now have new choices for economical disc packaging, from recycled cardboard to low impact plastics and hybrid cases. As manufacturers continue to innovate and improve their products, one thing is for certain: the benefits are universal. |
