The Eco DVD Case is a full-size DVD case from US Digital Media that weighs 33% less than a regular case. It is formed with a spiral pattern on the back and a Recycle logo on the front during manufacturing. This reduces the amount of plastic material needed to produce the case.

Slimline CD and thin 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.

Customers who use direct-mail distribution love our eco-friendly paper sleeves, cardboard sleeves, and mailers for sending out their discs. Cardboard packaging comes in many sizes and shapes including full color printed or blank, depending on your needs. 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 postage costs.

Halfway between a plastic case and a cardboard case is the Digipak. The Digipak CD/DVD case is a hybrid package because it combines a sturdy printed cardboard backing with a secure plastic tray inside. This case 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. A plastic tray protects the disc from damage during transit.

Last but not least, plastic CD cases such as the 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 creates fewer harmful byproducts during production than polystyrene. Discs are secured in place on three sides and held in place by friction.

While the industry has yet to create a disc package that does not harm the environment at all, the good news is that they are getting closer. Consumers now have new choices for 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.