Digipak Research
A digipak is a type of CD packaging that consists of either card or paper with a design all around the case in the style chosen by the artist. Inside the packaging consists of the same material, card or paper with the CD being held in a sleeve. An example of this style of Digipak is the album 'Graffiti on the Train' by Stereophonics.
Digipaks are an alternative to a Jewel Case that's formed out of plastic with a slot for the the album cover which is made out of paper. Inside the case the plastic is used as the main structure of the case as well as for holding to keep the CD in place. The plastic holding is in the shape of a circle to replicate the size of the CD, and in the middle of the case are plastic teeth that fit inside the hole of the CD to keep it in place. Most digipaks tend to be in this form.
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Furthermore, digipak is a trademark name after MeadWestVaco first produced this form of CD packaging. However due to the eye catching style and structure of the case many other companies adopted this style making digipak a more generic term.
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Advantages of the digipak is that it's much more aesthetically pleasing than any alternative allowing an artist to express their style onto their product. Additionally, unlike a jewel case, digipaks are less likely to crack when dropped due to the soft material of card. Card is a recyclable product suggesting this form of packaging is environmentally friendly, a further benefit of this form product.
Despite the environmentally friendly material, it's structure is weak as it's exposed to being easily ripped or getting water damaged that would destruct its purpose of protecting the CD. Additionally, Digipacks are much more expensive compared to the plastic used in Jewel cases meaning there less common in the music industry as the soul purpose of music is the sound.
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