As much as we want to go 100% green on our CD packaging- the fact that we are manufacturing CDs and cases will make it impossible to be 100% eco. If you really want to go 100% eco, then you just might as well not release an album in a CD and just upload all your music to your website. That’s the best way to go eco- but I do not recommend that if you want to get serious with your music career. The best thing we can do is make the eco-friendliest CD packaging that’s still sturdy and functional. 

Here are some tips to creating a green CD packaging.

Skip the Shrink Wrap. That clear plastic wrap that’s hugging your CD is not a must for packaging an album. A better alternative is using stickers instead to seal your album safely. A few inches of plastic wrap is definitely more harmful to the environment than a one- inch sticker.

Use “found” materials. Check your basement if you have materials that can be used for your CD packaging. Some bands use cloths, some use food packaging, some use bubble wraps. You do not have to spend big bucks to make a unique CD packaging. All you have to do is look for inspiration and materials in your basement.  

Use soy-based ink. Look for a CD duplication company that uses soy-based inks. As you may already know, petroleum-based inks com from petroleum and once that energy is consumed, it’s gone forever. Soy-based inks are more eco-friendly. The only problem is that it takes longer to dry so there’s a chance it will affect turnaround time.

Use lighter colors. The lighter the colors you use for your CD packaging, the lesser the ink consumed. The lesser the ink consumed, the more eco-friendlier is production. If you’re a punk/metal/hardcore death band, does your background have to be black? Try using white. You’ll save a lot of bucks and you’ll be helping slow down Mother Nature’s decay.

Let your CD duplicators do the shipping. Shipping a few items (as few as 1) every week doesn’t sound so eco-friendly, does it?  You or your courier will spend a few dollars on gas and waste time just to have one or two items delivered. If your CD duplication company offers a fulfillment service, go get it. They have lots of clients with lots of buyers daily so everyone will save a few cents on gas and labor.

If you’re looking for greener alternatives for your CD packaging, we have a wide range of eco-friendly products and services. Take a few minutes to view our CD packaging options and services by visiting www.unifiedmanufacturing.com. You can also e-mail our project manager directly at James@unifiedmanufacturing.com if you want to know about our services fast.