Streamlined Disc Packaging
Less
is more, a Zen practitioner might say. These words apply particularly
well to the latest trends in software disc packaging, where the
streamlined, low-impact, lightweight approach offers significant
advantages over conventional packaging wisdom. Needless packaging
and overdesigned packaging cost more for both manufacturing and
shipping, and add unnecessary materials to the waste stream.
Cost-conscious,
environmentally minded companies have discovered that many customers
appreciate a minimalist approach to the materials bundled with a
software product, training series, or computer game. Instead of
an 800-page reference manual with hard-to-follow tutorials, many
current applications feature context-sensitive help and wizards
that guide users through typical program tasks. Instead of a pile
of collateral materials tossed in the package-catalogs, flyers,
and registration cards-the software application may contain a single
link to complete the registration process and offer relevant product
information. Other links can supply information about accessories
and upgrades.
Streamlining
the disc packaging for your software or training materials takes
planning and forethought, as well as imagination. In many cases,
you can eliminate the printed manuals that often accompany a product
by well-designed, well-conceived digital equivalent. A fully indexed
Adobe Acrobat user guide on disc can usually locate key information
faster than a manual search. Robust help systems that anticipate
user questions can save users time and frustration. Carefully targeted
Web links that place crucial information within a single click can
keep users apprised of product changes and updates. By paring down
the materials that accompany a disc or disc set, the cost of manufacturing,
inventory costs, shipping expenses, and packaging materials can
be reduced to as little as 5 to 10 percent of conventional costs.
Once
you've reduced the accompanying materials to effective digital equivalents,
the question remains: What options are available for containing
the disc itself or the disc set? Once again, for a wide range of
applications, the low-impact approach can save money and make a
statement about your concerns about resource use and handling.
The
prevailing credo in packaging design over the last couple of decades
has generally been a matter of conspicuous excess--capturing the
consumers eye with color, shine, and dazzle. Little, if any, thought
has been given to the ultimate destination of the materials involved
in the packaging. Fancy four-color printed fiberboard with glossy
overcoats is difficult to reprocess-it's rejected at most recycling
centers. Many CD-ROM and DVD-ROM title producers are responding
to signals from the international community, particularly in Europe,
where every element of the manufacturing process is considered,
from the extraction of the original resource to the final recycling
or disposal of the end product. Frequently, this is mandated by
government regulations. In the United States, where regulations
are more lax, companies have the option to voluntarily choose a
more proactive approach to product design and material recycling.
The benefit to this can be increased respect from customers,
reduced manufacturing and support costs, and an edge over competitors
who persist in outmoded, inefficient approaches to product handling.
Microsoft,
among others, has taken a prominent role in designing low-impact
alternatives to conventional disc and product packaging. Their October
2000 release of Office 2001 for the Macintosh took to heart the
latest green packaging trends. The new package consists of a rounded
jewel case composed of 100% recycled materials (primarily, water
bottles and Compact discs), measurinfg a mere 6-inches wide, 6-inches
high, and 1.5-inches deep. The printed materials include an eight-page
ReadMe card with start-up instructions, a licnese agreement, and
a small insert with the product banner and details. Compare this
to the previous release: Office 98 Macintosh Edition, shipped in
a paperboard box (7.87" x 9.5" x 3.87") containing
several hundred pages of user manuals, a disc in a polystyrene jewel
case, and a host of other printed materials. By adopting new packaging
methods, Microsoft's Office 2001 reduced the package weight by more
than 90%.
The
growing importance of the international marketplace also suggests
that U.S. companies pay heed to some of the evolving packaging requirements
of other countries, if they want to distribute their products in
the broadest possible market. The Thompson Publishing Group (www.thompson.com)
offers newsletters and references that can help navigate the perplexing
sea of regulations, both domestic state and federal, as well as
international. Directives issued by the European Union on packaging
and packaging waste apply to U.S. manufacturers who want to distribute
products to European Union members. Up-to-date details in these
areas can be obtained from organizations that specialize in tracking
changing guidelines in the packaging arena, such as SAIC (www.saic.com)
and Environmental Packaging International (www.enviro-pac.com).
Republished by permission of Disc
Makers.
Back
|
