Packaging Options for CD and DVD Continue to Grow

Everyone has their own ideas when it comes to how their finished CD or DVD artwork should look for maximum visual impact. Whether it's retail, corporate, promotional or even a giveaway, there are hundreds of CD and DVD packaging options available.

Things have come a long way since the first music CD was launched in the 1980s. The simple song list and lyric covers that were inserted in the original CD jewel case have moved over for the more complex and visually interesting multi-page CD and DVD cover designs of today.

As music has evolved, so has the CD packaging. Similarly, the DVD you recently played at home, has undergone that same evolution. Movie Distribution companies spend huge sums on promotion, marketing and advertising and to make sure their DVD packaging is eye-catching, cutting edge, even "over the top", to grab the buyer's attention. The DVD packaging needs to reflect the style, tone and pace of the movie, so that buyers will be motivated to buy and watch that movie.

The old plastic case has given way to metal," flat panel" and "cut out", 3D or even Holographic designed cases. The newer Blu-Ray discs will certainly set new packaging heights as they become more common and title owners vie for sales. No limits DVD packaging means more sales. New Digital Print technology means that fast, quality, affordable CD & DVD packaging is now within reach. Packaging budgets now go further as costs have come down, and tight deadlines are now achievable.

So, you have a CD or DVD for replication, and are wondering how to package it?

There are lots of generic options available, some so simple that no printed paper parts are required. CD/DVD packaging options include: -

* PVC or paper sleeve: - These are simple and cost effective.

* Cardboard Wallet:- these can be plain, recycled board or overprinted, even to Australia Post specifications for easy mailing.

* Clamshell cases or mailers:- Pliable soft plastic, these are very popular and are a great option when there are no paper parts.

* CD Jewel case:- Single or multi disc versions. These can accommodate a printed booklet and rear inlay.

* CD Caddie case:- a variation of the old jewel case, made from Polypropylene and not prone to breaking easily. These also accept a printed slick.

* DVD case:- Standard 14mm in a variety of colours. Can accept up to 6 discs. These accommodate a printed slick and booklets.

* DVD Slimline:-.7mm slimline version. Similar to 14 mm DVD case above. Slick has a 7mm spine.

For more specialised requirements, their are a range of Custom Printed Cardboard options available and barcodes or consecutive number systems, can also be catered for.

* Overprinted Card Wallets

* Gatefold Cardboard Wallets for single, double, or multi DVD discs.

* Digipacks:- DVD or CD available in 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 panels to hold 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc discs.

* Printed Disc Mailers made to Australia Post standards.

The Internet can be extremely helpful for deciding which packaging china is right for your next CD or DVD duplication job. These days duplication companies have easy to use templates available on their websites, making it simple for you, or your art team, to download and get to work on new and innovative packaging. Several duplication companies offer more than 20 different CD/DVD packaging options to cover most requirements. These are Mac and PC friendly. Web sites offer this type of service free of charge. Jobs are then finished on the latest technology Offset or Digital Printing systems, packed up and ready for distribution in a few days.

The Social Issues Behind Food Packaging

Most of us don't give a whole lot of thought to the plastic food packaging that we use; we generally rip it open, dispose of it then carry on about our

normal business. However, packaging suppliers are well aware of the many social issues that come into play when it comes to packaging china. More information

about this surprisingly intriguing topic is highlighted below.
The Elderly -

As people age, they often encounter difficulty in getting various food packages open. Arthritis is the major culprit behind this phenomenon, as is shaking

and general weakness. Food suppliers want the elderly to be able to open their food with ease, but they can't make packaging too easy to open, either. It's

a definite conundrum, but things have improved a great deal in recent years. Many times, elderly people who consistently struggle with opening their food

packaging are in need of more assistance than they are currently receiving.

Children -
Food is, of course, safe to eat; unlike potentially dangerous items such as medication and cleaning agents, it is generally not an issue if a child opens up

food packaging and eats the content. Still, most parents would prefer it if their very young children are unable to get food unwrapped or otherwise opened,

which is partly why most food packaging is at least a little but tricky to open. Also, strong packaging is necessary for many types of food, in order to

keep it from going bad.
Theft -
Shopkeepers in Australia are all too familiar with the issue of theft. Every time an item of food is pilfered from a store, it is money right out of the

owner's pocket. Thieves often attempt to circumvent store security systems by slipping food out of its packaging; this is why packaging has to be reasonably

hard to open. Most thieves won't dare to struggle with a difficult-to-open package in the store, so many thefts are prevented.

Litter -

One of the most significant social issues surrounding food packaging is litter. It must be noted, however, that packaging suppliers aren't the ones who

strew litter about; consumers are responsible for properly disposing of their used packaging. Between recycling efforts and increasing awareness about

saving the planet, litter due to packaging is likely to decrease as time goes by.

Serving Size -
Finally, large family units are becoming less common in Australia. Single=person households are on the rise in this country, which means that single-serving

foods are becoming more necessary. The food packaging industry is increasingly staying on top of this trend in an effort to reduce food wastage. It is quite

likely that we will see a greater range of single-serving foods on our local grocery store shelves as the time goes on.

It's Easy Being Green - Packaging Your "Green" Brand

Last week, I wrote about packaging and the environment. Since then I have been flooded with a host of interesting new packaging and product introductions. Surprisingly much of the packaging innovation is coming from outside the U.S. than from our own national companies.

It seems that there is much more going on in environment legislation about packaging in other countries. In fact, at the World Packaging Organization meeting in Beijing last week it was announced that China is working to develop "green packaging" as part of its efforts to build an environment-friendly society. I also have had the opportunity to read some very interesting facts including this tidbit: the world consumes 25 billion pizza boxes annually. So, if your pizza box is "green" you can save the world.

Seriously, it's great to make an announcement and to get the word out about all new packaging innovations, but the real test is integrating your "green" packaging products into your brand.

People are jumping on the environmental band wagon because it's a hot topic right now. The recent Earth Day activities made people think about things that have to do with the environment. Global warming issues are on the news daily and people are looking for scapegoats as the cause.  china packaging company  is often chastised for having unfriendly environmental policies. I'm not here to debate this point, but to talk about using environmental issues in a positive manner.

Let's take the word "green" as an example. Obviously, we think of the color first.
But what about the variations of the definition that relate to packaging? How green is your packaging world?