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The report: Comparing Packaging Options for Compact Discs - An Environmental and Toxicological Assessment is a product of the Sustainable Packaging Working Group (SPWG) comprised of representatives of the record labels, music retailers and industry vendors.

The SPWG sought to identify viable alternatives to current resin-based (plastic) and paperboard CD packaging that will: decrease use of fossil fuels - and require less energy consumption overall, yield a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions throughout the product life cycle, promote greater use of replenishable and recyclable resources, and reduce the industry's toxicological impacts on human health and the environment.
 
Throughout its deliberations, the SPWG sought to identify effective solutions for both plastic and paperboard based packaging, recognizing that different modalities of each can be further developed to yield greater environmental benefits. Product options were weighed against the need to assure efficient handling on equipment currently in use, product reliability, cost effectiveness, and value and aesthetic appeal to the performing artists and consumers.
 
The SPWG recognized that an independent research organization should be retained to develop and conduct a study of this nature and complexity. Sustainability A to Z , a firm headed by outstanding environmental scientific experts, agreed to take on the research and prepare a report.
 
The 66-page report and accompanying executive summary provides an extensive array of options for both resin-based and paperboard packaging, printed inserts, and other materials such as adhesives, inks, clarifiers, stiffeners, etc., and describes their respective environmental attributes.

For copies of report, please email Liz Kennedy at lkennedy@riaa.com