Using DVD Cases to Package Software CDs

Most software CDs are packed in a cardboard type box which isn't very durable and often gets thrown away, er... I mean recycled once the CD has been installed on the users machine. So the questions was, what could be use to package CDs that would be easy to ship (small), durable and continue to look good over time on a book shelf? The answer came in the form of a clear plastic DVD case similar to the ones you find at your local movie rental store. The plastic case used here has a thin outer sleeve that wraps from front to back that will accept a sheet on which the product artwork is printed

Product art as seen in Photoshop CS2. Click to view larger image.















What's the upside of this solution you might ask? First, unlike printed packaging (boxes) the plastic cases are not product specific until the product artwork is fixed to it, so printing costs are lower. Second, the plastic cases are very inexpensive compared to a printed solution. And third, they are very durable and look very nice. So a developer who ships multiple products can simply slip the required artwork into the sleeve and presto, product specific packaging.

The down-side is that you are using a petroleum product which isn't always recyclable. But given that these cases look good and will protect your investment, they may not be as quick to find their way into the local landfill.