DVD boxes and DVD cases are typically used to house DVDs though they can be used to store CD discs as well. Just as jewel cases are the traditional packaging for CDs, DVD boxes are the "traditional" packaging solution for DVDs. Read More

Often referred to as "clamshells" or "c-shells", these are a more recent disc packaging option. Available in a either square or round shapes, these cases hold a single CD or DVD disc in a clear, soft plastic, polypropelene case. Read More

CD sleeves is the lowest cost solution available for protecting your discs. DVD CD sleeves are available in traditional paper and Tyvek versions Read More

This is sort of like asking the question: what the meaning of life?. We have found the USPS is extremely uncertain of it's own written policies.  So let us first discuss what the exact written policy of the United States Post Office is

First-Class letter dimensions:

    Rectangular
    At least 3-1/2 inches high X 5 inches long X .007 inch thick
    No more than 6-1/8 inches high X 11-1/2 inches long X 1/4 inch thick
    Maximum weight is 3.5 ounces

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With so many sites and CD  packaging options it can be a tough choice in selecting the right CD packaging for your project. So where does one begin? 

It's important to define your packaging needs and budget before you get on the phone or look up your favorite web site.  None of us want to be carrying a large handful of CD discs in jewel cases which make an excellent presentation but are heavy and fragile onto a plane or  crowded subway.  Nor do we want to be handing out DVD or CD discs at a trade show with fingerprints all over them (and the last pieces of pepperoni pizza you had for a quick lunch).

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 I know we always get questions about mailing CDs using CD mailers.  Here are some USPS specs:

First-Class letter dimensions:

    Rectangular
    At least 3-1/2 inches high X 5 inches long X .007 inch thick
    No more than 6-1/8 inches high X 11-1/2 inches long X 1/4 inch thick
    Maximum weight is 3.5 ounces
    Letters that are considered nonmachinable are subject to a surcharge.
    Length is the dimension parallel to the address.

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Preserving a DVD  may seem better using a plastic jewel case over a paper sleeves for a number of reasons, however with the right sleeve it makes it more attractive as an alternative to plastic cases.  

1. A plastic case provides greater impact protection over paper sleeves.
2. A soft plastic CD case can provide excellent protection and excellent durability.
3. CD jewel cases also provide good protection and labeling options but are fragile.
4. Paper sleeves have the major advantage of compact storage if the right precautions are taken.

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 Recycling your CD and DVD boxes can be challenging if you don't know the numbers. 

• CD Jewel cases - Polystyrene.   Number #1 plastic
•  Soft CD and DVD boxes and cases, polypropylene.  Number #5 plastic
•  DVD cases like you see at the store are made of  polypropylene.   Number #5 plastic.

DVD boxes are available that contain recycled polypropylene plastic just a matter of economics.  Virgin polypropylene plastic costs more money and is necessary for many plastic disc packaging but the plastic can and does get re-used.  Ironically recycled polypropylene even ends up in the manufacture of plastic garbage bins.  If your town recycles best bet is the #5 is always accepted.

 

 

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 Clamshell CD holders to the uninitiated are a soft plastic CD cases in the shape of a clamshell.  There are clamshells, clam shells and Cshells (which is a trademarked name) and they all are basically the same with a few distinctions. 

•  Some cases do not have a hole and some do.  This is to keep the disc in place and 'lock' it into the other side of the clamshell. Some cases feature a  lock or catch to hold the case closed and do not have any hole.
• The clamshell case is unique and can be printed on. However it is difficult to read on it's side or stored vertically.
• Clamshell cases come in many different colors that are both transparent and opaque.  Clear cases provide the best view of the disc label inside. 

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We have several choices now for CD sleeves made from recycled paper fiber.  We should mention that recycled does not mean less expensive.  Indeed recycling, especially responsibly costs more money.  The difference being that forests are not being cut down to make more paper when it already exists.  Paper which becomes pulp again has to be remanufactured to make paper.  Paper is made in monstrous rolls which are then cut down to specific sizes.  This means a recycled CD sleeve is coming from a remanufactured paper product.  This is typically represented in how much is actually post-consumer paper (also known as paper waste or simply trash).  100 percent post consumer paper is all paper waste that has been remanufactured. 

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Although DVDs are the same size as CDs they use a different type of packaging for the most part. Typically DVD-Video is packaged in DVD cases which allow for larger booklets and a distinctive difference from a CD-ROM 'Jewel case'.

Also unique to this type of packaging is the locking mechanism that holds the disc in it's center hub.

The hub has 2 or more "fingers" that hold the disc in place. Many people believe the more the better. DVD Recordable discs are glued together (two polycarbonate substrates sandwich the recording dye and reflective layer) and the feeling is the fewer the fingers the more stress is put on the center hub of the recordable DVD.

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We have found a source for some recycled CD sleeves and CD disc holders.  These are actually remanufactured paper products that are made of recycled paper products. 

These products are made from a very sturdy cardboard in a tan color.

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 Recycling has been around a long time judging by the picture of marble building stones in Italy.

DVD cases are recycled but not in the way you think.  The cases are first chopped up into a "grind" that is sold off as recycled plastic. The recycled grind can be added to virgin plastic to create a 50% recycled product. It is possible to produce a 100% recycled DVD case but it's very fragile and the least durable of one's DVD case choice. Special cases that are colored or clear use only virgin plastic so it's unlikely to find any recycled versions at all. Raw recycled product has to be physically moved around the country both on the way to the shredder and  after it is recycled.  This is why you don't see a lot of 'used' DVD cases or any other DVD packaging. The cost of collecting and shipping used product quickly reduces any cost benefit. This is probably the least understood issue with recycling in general.

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Finding the right  CD packaging can be frustrating if you don't know what to look for.  There are similarities to the supermarket and the question: Paper or Plastic?

CD packaging comes in a wide range of paper and plastic products.  From the very basic CD sleeve to the C-shell disc holder that provides maximum protection for your discs.  

Factors to consider in CD Packaging:

• How many discs do you need to store?
• Is this for archival storage or distribution?
• Do you want your disc label to show?

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