How Do You Choose a Quality Jewel Case?

Standard CD jewel boxes and trays are typicallyto cover up the cloudiness.
made of polystyrene, an inexpensive and very rigidFinally, check the product description to see if the
plastic. In terms of clarity, there are few plasticsjewel case is listed as "automatable" or "machinable."
which match polystyrene and none that areBetter quality cases are able to stand up to the
inexpensive enough for disc packaging. This clarityrigors of an automated assembly line.
has made polystyrene a favorite among postOf course, in matters of cost or conscience,
production professionals, but also causes the case'severything is a tradeoff. For example, Polyline carries
frailty - particularly around the hinges, which cana green-tinted jewel case that contains 37%
break if the case is dropped. A high quality jewelpost-consumer recycled content. Combining recycled
case is more resistant to breaking.and virgin materials helps with strength issue as does
To choose a good quality polystyrene jewel case,the high plastic content.
you'll want to look at the amount of plastic used inThose who are trying to save money will try to go
the case and the amount of virgin material that iswith a slimmer CD Jewel case which costs less
used. Quality cases contain more virgin plastic thanbecause it contains less plastic and is also less
poor quality cases.expensive to ship.
So, your first clue to jewel case quality will be theMy recommendation is that you always get a sample
weight. Heavier equals higher quality.before trying out a new packaging option. Quality
Your second clue will be clarity. The more recycledmerchants, like Polyline, are able to provide samples
plastic you add to a jewel case, the cloudier itto help customers choose the right product.
becomes. Manufacturers often add color to the case