Since the plastic contained in standard DVD packaging is a known environmental pollutant destined to remain in landfills indefinitely, the demand for more sustainable DVD packaging options has grown.

1. Sustainable
Packaging - A Fad or the
Future?
http://first4packaging.co.uk

2. Since the plastic contained in standard
DVD packaging is a known environmental
pollutant destined to remain in landfills
indefinitely, the demand for more
sustainable DVD packaging options has
grown. In fact, if the demand for more
eco-friendly packaging options continues
to grow at its current rate, this type of
packaging may soon become the norm
rather than the exception.
Consequently, DVD producers and
manufacturers are always looking for
innovative and efficient ways to meet this
increased consumer demand.
http://first4packaging.co.uk

3. The main factor driving this growth is the
ever-popular "green" movement which has
gained worldwide acceptance in recent years.
Due to increased media scrutiny, consumers
are now more aware than ever of their own
carbon footprint and are eager for product
options that reduce their impact on the
environment. Therefore, more and more
consumers are throwing their considerable
purchasing power behind products that
support environmentally friendly efforts. For
these consumers, DVDs packaged with
biodegradable, recycled or renewable
materials have a distinct competitive
advantage over those that do not.
http://first4packaging.co.uk

4. With sustainable DVD packaging, excess
materials are kept to a bare minimum and
those that are used are often comprised of
100% biodegradable and recyclable materials.
A couple examples of sustainable materials
being used in this effort include potato or
tapioca starch. These options are both readily
available, easily renewable and have a minimal
impact on the environment. In fact, the
environmental impact of these materials is as
much as 85 - 90% less when compared to
more traditional packaging options. Other
popular earth-friendly options include recycled
newsprint and cardboard made from 100%
post-consumer waste.
http://first4packaging.co.uk

5. Beyond being inherently environmentally
friendly, these more sustainable DVD packaging
options also provide the added benefit of being more
compact than traditional methods. Whereas older DVD
packaging options are bulkier and comprised mostly of
non-biodegradable plastic, newer sustainable versions
are more sleek and streamlined. The primary benefit to
this is that more units can be stored and shipped in the
same amount of space. This reduces the environmental
impact of transporting the product from the
manufacturing facility to the end user because shipping
methods become more streamlined and efficient. This
also lessens the amount of material needed to pack
and store the units while they make their way through
the delivery channel. The combined effect is less waste
in not only the DVD packaging itself, but in the way it
is brought to market, as well.
http://first4packaging.co.uk

6. Of course, in addition to being eco-
friendly, sustainable DVD packaging must still
fulfill basic functional roles such as protecting
the contents inside. Fortunately, as advances
are made in the manufacturing process, many
of these newer materials are showing drop
test ratings comparable to traditional plastic
packaging options. Further, packaging made
from these materials provides a lot of
flexibility in terms of design and style options.
This is because they are available in an
unlimited range of colors and configurations.
This allows the packaging to also serve its
more functional role as a sales and marketing
tool for the product inside.
http://first4packaging.co.uk