An all cardboard, easily recycled, CD or DVD case. The case is latched by using the CD itself as the strike.

Doesn't crack like those ubiquitously fragile plastic jewel cases. Its easy to tell if the CD is stored in the case just by glancing at the window. Standard size and dimensions, so the case will fit existing storage shelves, and there is plenty of room on the spine for a title or indexing. About a third lighter than the plastic version, which saves money shipping and is friendlier to the environment.

Patent Application Filed

Same design can be manufactured in plastic, metal or even bamboo. With or without side panels to seal against dust. A tamper-resistant decal bonds the cover to the spine, or the case can be enveloped by a clear cellulose film.

Well, electronic music distribution probably takes fewer resources than even cardboard packages (though powering server farms and internet routers have ecological impacts of their own), but digital and physical formats will co-exist for a while longer. I expect someday most music will be given away for "free" in bulk, supported by advertising or sponsorship- here's my prediction from 2003.

Available for licence. Can arrange manufacture for volume orders. Contact Greg here.