Should I choose a matt or a gloss laminate to finish my CD/DVD packaging?

Many clients choose to have a lamination applied to their card CD & DVD packaging, producing a matt or gloss effect and sealing the print in order to avoid ‘cracking.’ As the picture above demonstrates, the laminate produces a professional and attractive finish but the colour will vary between matt laminated and gloss laminated packages.

Why apply a laminate to CD or DVD packaging?

Matt or gloss lamination is the best way to prevent the print on your packaging from cracking along the fold lines. The added benefit is that a matt or gloss effect can be created, added to the overall look and feel of the CD or DVD packaging.

How eco-friendly is lamination?

Whilst a laminate adds a professional finish to CD or DVD packaging, unfortunately it means that the card based packaging will not be recyclable and the carbon emissions of the lamination process are also a factor to consider.

If you want your CD or DVD packaging to be recyclable and have a gloss finish then ask us about our specialist paper board stock – we have a number of glossy (eco-friendly) paper stocks which can be used to produce your eco-friendly CD/DVD packaging.

Life Cycle Assessment of wewow’s WowWallet reveals potential for huge carbon savings.

wewow launched the unique WowWallet concept in 2009, meeting customer demands for eco-friendly CD and DVD packaging. Since then, wewow have strived to constantly improve the sustainability of the WowWallet in order to provide their customers with the most environmentally CD/DVD packaging solution possible.

This year wewow commissioned a life-cycle-assessment of the CD and DVD WowWallet designs to ascertain the carbon emissions of the WowWallet and provide customers with a reliable comparison between the plastic CD Jewel Case and DVD Case and the WowWallet.

The findings of the LCA were astounding with a massive 244KG of carbon being saved for every 1,000 CD WowWallets that are used instead of the plastic jewel case. Likewise, it was demonstrated that the DVD case reduced carbon emissions by a whopping 240KG on a run of 1,000 DVDs, when used instead of the DVD case.

The potential impact upon the entertainment and music industries is astonishing; potentially 2803.7KG of CO2e could be saved if 10% of the 115 million CDs sold in the UK annually were packaged in the WowWallet. If the entertainment industry takes heed and packages just 10% of the DVDs sold in the UK annually, the potential carbon savings are as high as 4884KG CO2e.

Therefore it is clear that if the optical media industry is committed to reducing the environmental impact of physical CD and DVD release, there must be a shift away from plastic CD and DVD packaging. In its place card based packaging will provide the appropriate protection and presentation of CDs and DVDs whilst minimizing the impact of disc packaging upon the environment.

DIY Promo CD Packaging

We love seeing bands and musicians transform wewow’s eco-friendly CD packaging into unique, handmade packaging for their promo and demo CDs.

The team at wewow HQ were recently WOWED by Sheffield-based band, Hello Dagger’s DIY creation! The talented screamo band, who are big supporters of the DIY scene, used 100% recycled, windowed WowWallets to create eye-catching, handmade packaging for their vinyl-look CD. Each package was a unique creation and we loved the personal touch that the band added to each of the eco-friendly CD packages!

Check out Hello Dagger on myspace: http://myspace.com/hellodagger

DIY Promo CD Packaging

Packaging a promo CD can be a challenging task when you’re working to a tight budget. High-quality, original and affordable CD packaging for short-run promo CD’s is hard to come by. This has led to a growing trend towards ‘Do It Yourself’ CD packaging. The results are creative, resourceful and highly original.

However, the task of creating your promo CD packaging is no easy feat and buying packaging materials to make up yourself can actually end up costing a great deal more than you anticipated. Wewow have worked hard to come up with a solution to make it easy for bands and artists to create their own CD packaging and the result is an easy to use DIY package with endless scope for creativity. Best of all, wewow’s DIY package is eco-friendly!

DIY promo CD packaging can now be ordered online at http://www.weeco.co.uk/diy-cd-packaging

You will receive everything you need to package the high-quality printed & duplicated CD’s produced by wewow and the results are guaranteed to WOW your fans! We’d love to see your creations so please send us a quick snap of your finished package and we may even feature it on the wewow blog!

Here are wewow we always aim to deliver the highest quality products and service, even when we’re working to tight deadlines. We recently had the opportunity to do just that for HMV and Waterstones, who commissioned wewow to produce eco-friendly DVD packaging and replicated DVDs for internal communications DVDs for both brands.

We successfully met the client’s deadline and delivered a unique, high-quality DVD WowWallet to both HMV and Waterstones. We we’re over the moon with the feedback we received, with Waterstones commenting;

“We gave WeWow a tough task, to produce 340 wallets in a short timescale for our internal strategy DVD. They did a fantastic job in that short space of time. The packaging is eco-friendly and stylish and there are various options to choose from. The team are friendly, helpful and accommodating. All our employees were very impressed with the finished product. We look forward to using them again in the near future.”



The finished package was an environmentally friendly DVD WowWallet, printed in full colour with eye-catching designs to suit the HMV brand and a unique package for the Waterstones brand. Inserted into the wallets we’re professionally printed and replicated DVDs.

What are ISRC codes and why should you use them?

ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code and is best understood as a digital ‘fingerprint’ which identifies your sound or music video recording. ISRC codes can be embedded into digital and physical releases and allow you to sell your music on iTunes and Amazon, submit your tracks to the Gracenote Database and they also help prevent piracy and ensure that you automatically receive royalties.

ISRC codes are unique numbers which are embedded into music files during the mastering process. Your finished master can then be sent for CD duplication or replication and the ISRC codes will be included on all your pressed CDs. The ISRC codes will identify your music and track copying and distribution.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) recommends that all music producers use ISRC.

ISRC codes for sound recordings in the UK can be obtained from Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) and registration is free. If you need any guidance on ISRC codes, Gracenote Registration or anything else related to producing your own music releases then wewow’s customer service team will be happy to help.

‘My burnt CD won’t always work’…how reliable is CD duplication?w

This question was recently addressed on a CD replication blog. Their answer? CD duplication is unreliable and CD replication is the only means of producing professional CD copies. However, with years of expertise in CD replication and duplication and a commitment to providing professional and reliable CD production services we wanted to answer this question ourselves.

Certainly duplication and replication are two very different processes, as we have blogged about in the past. In short, duplication involves burning data to blanks CD-R’s or DVD-Rs whereas replication is a manufacturing process which produces CDs/DVDs comparable to those found in the shops.

Duplication relies on high-quality, professional production equipment in order to output reliable results. The CD-R’s used in the duplication process are also vitally important as cheap discs will inevitably produce cheap and unreliable results. Here at wewow, we only use ‘A’ Grade CD-Rs and DVD-Rs, which are duplicated by top of the range duplication towers. Our duplication equipment is highly-computerized, meaning that any ‘failed’ discs are rejected and never reach our customers. So it is extremely rare that our clients would receive a burnt CD which doesn’t work!

Of course, CD duplication has its limitations; it is more cost-effective on smaller quantities (below 500 units) and offers a quicker turnaround than replication, but the burnt data on the back of the disc can be seen and on larger quantities it is more expensive than CD replication. Therefore, we always advise clients of the best solution to suit their particular requirements.

wewow launch creative, eco-friendly CD/DVD packaging solution – WowSpiral

wewow are pleased to announce the addition of WowSpiral to the WOW! range of eco-friendly CD and DVD packaging.

WowSpiral is a dynamic new package which combines thoughtful cardboard engineering with eco-awareness and creativity. The WowSpiral CD/DVD package is produced from a single piece of sustainable board, printed with eco-friendly vegetable inks, which folds intricately to create a unique spiral clasp. The disc inside is held securely in place and the package is secured by the spiral clasp, without the need for glue or plastic! This unique CD/DVD packaging solution is even available for short-run projects of 100 units upwards, making it ideal for limited edition releases or one off promotions!

The WowSpiral is already receiving rave reviews throughout the industry for its creativity and sustainability. Contact wewow today to discuss your potential requirements.

What is the difference between PAL and NTSC?

What are we talking about?

When mastering a DVD and ordering DVD replication it is important to recognize which area of the world your DVDs will be played in so that your master is produced in the correct format.

PAL – Phase Alternating Line

‘PAL’ refers to the television broadcasting standard which is used by most of Europe, amongst other countries.

NTSC – National Television Standards Committee

‘NTSC’ is used for broadcasting in United States, Canada, Japan and some parts of Central and South America.

Converting PAL to NTSC

If you plan on distributing your DVD to America then your master DVD will need to be converted to NTSC format prior to replication or duplication. This will ensure that your DVD works on DVD players in America. You should also be aware that most computer based DVD players will play both PAL and NTSC DVD’s so although your DVD may work on a computer it won’t necessarily run on a DVD player if it is not in the correct format.

DVD replication and duplication supplier’s, such as wewow, can convert your DVD to NTSC or PAL ready for the replication/duplication of your DVDs.

What do you need before starting a CD or DVD duplication project?

So you’re ready for place your CD or DVD duplication order. Here’s a quick check-list to help you prepare all the parts that your CD and DVD duplication supplier will need in order to start producing your order.

• Master disc
  Check your master CD/DVD thoroughly and make sure it is set up exactly how you want your duplicated CDs to be. Your CD/DVD duplicator will make exact copies of the master disc so you must make sure that it runs smoothly and works on all the relevant media players.
  
  
• Artwork
  Thorough guidance on how to set your CD, DVD and packaging artwork up can be found on our website and in previous blog posts but here are a few pointers:
  
  Request artwork templates from your supplier and any other guidelines they may have – every supplier has slightly different specifications so its important to use your current suppliers templates to avoid having to amend your artwork at a later stage.
  
  Check your CD/DVD artwork thoroughly before sending it to print, including checking for spelling mistakes.
  
  It’s always a good idea to print out your artwork and make a quick mock-up of any packaging and paper parts you are ordering, to ensure that the design is laid out as you want it.
  
  
• Payment
  Ask your CD/DVD duplication company what their payment terms are and ensure that you’re happy with these terms before going ahead.
  If you are a brand new customer then they may ask for 50% payment before production starts and most suppliers ask for full payment prior to dispatch so be sure to agree this with your duplication company before placing an order.

Having submitted your CD/DVD master disc, artwork and payment to your supplier you can expect to receive digital proofs and confirmation of an expected delivery date. Then sit back and wait for your finished discs to arrive! :-)

Eco-friendly Paper…FSC Accredited vs. Recycled Stock?

Using card or paperboard to create your CD or DVD packaging is a great step towards producing a sustainable media project. However, the wide range of ‘eco-friendly’ options available to your may seem overwhelming at first!

In the past we have discussed the difference between using virgin card and recycled card but your ‘green’ options are not limited to recycled cardboard.

Recycled stock may seem like the obvious choice – it utilizes waste material and therefore diverts waste paper from landfill. However, the process through which paper is recycled is key. In the past, people have been concerned that recycled paper is not that eco-friendly because harmful pollutants are required in order to bleach the paper pulp. Fortunately, new methods exist which have the ability to bleach paper whilst only releasing water and oxygen into the atmosphere. Other methods include ‘de-inking’ which simply disperses the ink throughout the paper. Recycled cardboard can add to the aesthetics of your DVD/CD packaging design since it is available in a range of textures and colours.

Alternatively, you could opt for FSC accredited stock. FSC accreditation gives you complete assurance that the paper/card used for your project is not harming the environment since FSC paper comes from sustainable and well-managed forests. So you can your CD/DVD packaging from high-quality virgin paper whilst still being environmentally responsible.

In actual fact, it is often difficult to distinguish between virgin and recycled stock in terms of quality so the decision often just comes down to the overall look and feel you are seeking for your CD or DVD project. If you are unsure of the options available to you then seek advice from your supplier. They will be able recommend a stock which is most suitable for your requirements and provide you with a number of samples to help you make a decision.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on FSC Accredited vs. Recycled Paperboard so please post your comments. Which do you prefer?

Recycled Stock FSC Accredited

Designing Artwork for CD & DVD Projects – Outlining Fonts

Our design team often get asked how to outline or embed fonts on artwork for CD and DVD printing and why this step in the artwork preparation is necessary. Here is a quick step by step guide to make your life that bit easier:

Guide for Adobe Illustrator:

1. Open up your artwork in Adobe Illustrator and select all (Ctrl+A).
2. Select Type from the menu bar and Create Outlines (Shift+Ctrl+O)

Guide for Adobe Photoshop:

1. Open up your artwork in Adobe Photoshop and make sure your template layer is hidden.
2. Select Layer from the menu bar and Convert to Shape

Alternatively, you can save your artwork as a .jpeg file.

I sent a PDF document so why do the fonts need to be embedded?

Our pre-production process means that all artwork is opened up in Adobe Illustrator and set up for print or for the production of screens. If fonts have not be outlined or embedded and we do not have the font you have used then the text will revert to our default font. By outlining/embedding the fonts or supplying a flattened image, your original design will be preserved and the artwork will be printed exactly how you intended.

And the winner is...

Way back in September 2009, wewow launched a competition like no other. We asked students, graduates and budding product designers to come up with innovative and sustainable packaging solutions CD’s, DVD’s or USB flash drives.

We received entries from far and wide and some of them really blew us away! We are now pleased to announce that the winner is Sun Park, a post-graduate student from Central St Martins College, London. Sun Park successfully combined design flair with sustainability to produce an innovative packaging solution.

Entries came from far and wide and the short-listed design of Florin Alexa-Morcov from Romania was a particular favourite amongst the judges. His design, ‘DisPlay,’ transformed CD storage into a unique interior design feature whilst utilizing sustainable paperboard and water-based glues.

Commendations also go to; Andrew Rennie, who produced a distinctive packaging solution for CDs, providing an eye-catching alternative to jewel case packaging, Sarah Young, the designer of a unique USB packaging solution, ideal for promotional give-aways and Thomas Horwood-Luscombe for his unique DVD mailer design.

Printed CDs as high-impact marketing tools

Leaflets, posters, business cards, corporate brochures…all of these marketing resources are used by businesses to pass on their sales message to potential customers. Yet, all of these materials are easily thrown into the bin by your customers without a second thought. What is there to distinguish your leaflet from the many others given to potential clients at the same exhibition? What makes your message more than just junk mail? Not a lot.

Now consider handing a CD out to your customers – branded with your logo and containing your sales message or corporate brochure. Pressed CDs provide added value to your promotional materials, customers are less likely to throw them away than a leaflet or business card and your prospective clients will be so curious about the contents of the disc that they will have to take it home and pop it into their computer.

Even if the disc ends up being used as a coaster when your prospect no longer has a use for the data, your brand will still be in front of them.

wewow provide all the tools and guidance you need to make branded CDs work for you. Contact us on 01274 301410 for guidance on how to make an impact with replicated CDs.