Plastic CD/DVD Packaging - Polystyrene vs Polypropylene

CD/DVD packaging is a key consideration for companies and individuals who are planning to produce an optical media project.  The demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions is mounting but card-based packages are not suitable for every customer’s requirements.  Plastic disc packaging has a strong position within the industry and providing that careful consideration is given to the material used, be it polystyrene or polypropylene, it need not be disregarded.

 

Polystyrene

Polystyrene is often used to produce standard jewel cases as it is a cost-effective, durable material.  It can be coloured or clear and its clarity is almost unmatched by other plastics.  However, this clarity causes the case to be fragile and prone to breakages.

 

Cases that contain more plastic will be more durable and better suited for shipping.  However, they are also more expensive.  Such cases will also work better with automated collation lines because they are heavier and therefore have better tolerances.

 

Customers often order additional units to compensate for any breakages that occur during transit.  However, this increases wastage and cost.

 

This material can be recycled but it can be difficult to find a recycler who accepts polystyrene.

 

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is often used for DVD cases and CD cases such as C-shell as it is a stiff plastic which produces more durable hinges than other materials.  This substance contains rubber, making it more pliable than some plastics, and it can be produced in a variety of colours.

 

Polypropylene is recyclable and is often recycled.  However, cases which contain recycled materials may not be as heavy and strong as those which are 100% virgin material and recycled cases often have a noticeable smell.

 

wewow always recommend that customers consider all of the available options and select a package which is best suited to their own individual needs.  For this reason, we offer plastic based packaging alongside card-based packaging solutions and our team are always on hand to provide thorough information and guidance on all of our products.