Printed Cardboard Containers

Digipak is a patented style of compact disc or DVD packaging, and is a registered trademark of MeadWestvaco, Inc., which acquired the original trademark holder, IMPAC Group, Inc., in 2000. MeadWestvaco licenses the name and designs to manufacturers around the world. Digipaks typically consist of a gatefold (book-style) paperboard or card stock outer binding, with one or more plastic trays capable of holding a CD or DVD attached to the inside. Since Digipaks were among the first alternatives to jewel cases to be used by major record companies, and because there is no other common name for Digipak-style packaging made by other companies, the term digipak, Digi-Pak, is often used generically, even when the media holder is a hub or "Soft Spot" rather than a full plastic tray. Digipak-style packaging is often used for CD singles or special editions of CD albums. Because such packaging is less resistant to abrasion than jewel cases, it tends to show signs of wear relatively quickly. Licensed digipak manufacturers such as domestic U.S. printer/CD replicator Oasis Disc Manufacturing recommend coating the raw printed paper with a protective UV matte or UV gloss finish, thus ensuring greater longevity. Although less vulnerable to cracking than a jewel case, the disc tray inside the package (particularly the "teeth" of the hub which secure the disc in place) remains rather brittle and is prone to cracking if the package is crushed. Digipak-style cases grew in popularity among record labels and recording artists in the early 2000s. Manufacturers have sought to reduce environmental impact and improve functionality, by introducing recycled components into its trays; one has announced a 100% post-consumer PET tray made from recycled water and/or soda bottles, which also eliminates the need for the brittle "teeth". Many printers use recycled or sustainable material for the board stock. Digipacks have pros and cons: They look nice, and many bands and labels like to use them for aesthetic reasons. The three section digipack sleeves opens up more design options because there is more room. However, they're more expensive than traditional liner notes and jewel cases. Digipacks don't crack like jewel cases do, but they will rip and eventually the paper begins to peel apart and separate. The trays in digipacks break much more often then in jewel cases. There's not as much protection since the outer portion of made of paper, so the teeth that hold the CD in place crack and fall out easily. When the teeth of the tray does break in a digipack, the CD falls out of the bottom of the digipack, because unlike jewel cases, there is nothing to hold it in. Digipacks can be more environmentally friendly than jewel cases because they can be made of recycled paper - however, they aren't always in fact made in this way. Digipacks look great, but if you're just starting out and money is tight, looking for ways to cut your manufacturing costs is important. Stretching your budget to because you like digipacks aesthetically is not a good investment.