Archive for the ‘Packaging’ Category

How do you produce the greenest possible retail DVD?

Monday, July 4th, 2011

blog_mar11_environmentfilmsThat was the challenge set by one of our clients, Environment Films.

Environment Films is an independent production company, based in London, specialising in sophisticated films, documentaries and commercials for organisations whose work and interests are connected to the natural world.

So how did we go about it? Well the DVD itself is a tough challenge – and as yet still unsolved, as you cannot meddle with the optical properties of polycarbonate. The next best thing is to recommend that recycling of CDs and DVDs is best done by specialists, like our friends at Polymer Reprocessors.

The next part of the retail product is the packaging, so we looked at the most environmentally friendly packaging possible and we came up with the following blend of materials:

Box – Amaray DVD BioBox 100 % biodegradable in landfill

Printed parts – The DVD inlay was made from 80% recycled board the other 20% FSC accredited.

Ink – 100 % vegetable derived based ink

Wrapping – None – we used just a recyclable security sticker, it’s more environmentally friendly than shrinkwrap, secure and also 100% biodegradable too.

From now on Environment Films are using this method of assembly to ensure that their retail products are the kindest DVDs in production.

For more info have a look at

Environment Films

Polymer Reprocessors

CD/DVD set kicks off the iPhone app promotional campaign for Budweiser

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

blog_april11_budweiserThis month re:fine was commissioned by ADM Promotions to produce a promotional pack for Budweiser. It consisted of a DVD and CD packed into a custom made double cardwallet with modified thumbnail cuts that create an outline of a pint glass. Re:fine designed and created the packaging and branded interfaces for both the CD and DVD, with the brief to ensure ease of use while reinforcing the brand.

The promotion will be run in conjunction with retail outlets throughout Ireland, who will redeem e-vouchers that can be accessed through the Budweiser Ice Cold app when certain temperatures are reached. This innovative strategy is being used to cross-promote the brand across multiple medium, using iPhone apps to stimulate demand and sales.

Budweiser and other members of the extended family account for 25% of beers served in North America. An aggressive marketing campaign and TV commercials between 1995 and 2002 boosted the brand’s profile. The brand has placed an even greater emphasis on its American heritage since early 2009, describing itself as “The Great American Lager.”

Centrica choose green packaging

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

centrica_bigEnergy company Centrica chose to demonstrate their commitment to the environment by using FSC approved, 100% recycled, packaging for their Health, Safety and the Environment (HSE) DVD.

Centrica’s businesses include British Gas in the UK and Direct Energy in North America and Canada.
The DVD, produced by BDA, features short case studies of four of their people from the different business areas from the North Sea gas expert to the engineer visiting customers in their homes. It describes how HSE affects their lives both at home and in the workplace.

New BioBox – a truly green solution

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

bio_smallThis month we are incredibly proud to introduce AGI Amaray’s Biobox. The case that is not only recyclable and made from recycled materials but it is 100 times more biodegradeable than other plastic cases.

The market-leading brand have researched and launched a truly green solution on three levels:

1. The case is made from recycled plastic The materials used are free from the heavy metals sometimes found in recycled plastics and adhere to EN71 Toy standards so are fit for use by children.

2. The case is easy to recycle as it is made from a single type of recyclable plastic clearly marked with the correct recycling symbols.

3. The case it biodegradeable when placed landfill or in the soil. If a proprietary mixture is added to the cases in landfill conditions the complex polymer chains can be broken down by bacteria.

It’s an impressive product and the future of recycled packaging.

Baby TV – Digibook showreels

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

big_sheepsThis month we created some gorgeous Digibooks for Baby TV.

Baby TV is a global channel that reaches parents and children through major television platforms worldwide, providing 24 hour high quality programming for TV’s youngest viewers.  Free from advertising and full of high quality series, Baby TV is designed to promote learning, activity and interaction in a fun environment.

The Digibooks are designed to help promote baby TV globally and contain a  52 page alphabet booklet featuring stills from some of baby TV’s most popular series.

The booklet is full colour throughout with a matt finish and features the cute characters of Baby TV’s most popular shows as well as the characters from the channel’s idents.  The accompanying DVD contains a trailer, showreel and a sing along activity.

See more on Sky channel 623, Virgin channel 703 on BT Vision or online

Beyond Biba – A portrait of Barbara Hulanicki

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

bibaBeyond Biba tells the story of the woman behind the iconic London store that changed women’s fashion forever.  As well as tales of the store, the clothes and the brand, the documentary provides an insight into the life of Barbara Hulanicki.  It is an amazing story that starts with a cultural explosion in London during the 1960s and continues today in Miami Beach where she resides as one of the most respected interior designers in the US

The DVD contains the 60 minute documentary and a number of bonus materials including an interview with the producer, stills gallery and deleted scenes.

It is the packaging that makes this DVD stand out.  The DVD Digipak features quotes from Hulanicki, a booklet and a set of four postcards of original Biba sketched designs.  This is presented in a slipcase boldly embossed with the Biba logo.

The DVD is on sale at www.beyondbibamovie.com,  Amazon and HMV in London.

I’d rather be the Devil – CD Replication

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

martyn202x113This month we have been working on I’d rather be the Devil, a special edition box set of the late John Martyn’s work.  The set contains 6 CDs and 2 DVDs in card wallets in a clam box case.

The Set includes his critically acclaimed comeback album The Apprentice, Cooltide and his reworked ‘best of’ album No Little Boy.   There are also two DVDs the first, The Apprentice, is John at his best with his band featuring Dave Gilmour.  The second DVD, Live in Dublin, is John in a solo concert featuring the legendary Danny Thompson.

Generally regarded as one of the most soulful singer songwriters of his generation, John died on the 29th January this year at the age of 60.

This box set is now firmly on our Christmas list and you can buy us one from here!

DVD Authoring – The Clarets Anthology

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

rhapsody202x113Just in time for Christmas we authored and replicated the Claret’s Anthology a five disc box set for Burnley Football Club.

The centrepiece of this collection is the extended edition of the film Rhapsody in Claret and Blue, the official history of Burnley Football Club.  This film, originally released in 1999, has been re-released with over 30 minutes of new footage.

Rhapsody in Claret and Blue is narrated by Alistair Campbell, a lifelong Burnley fan who completed the voice over at re:fine for the princely sum of a pizza and a beer.

The Anthology also includes four other titles available on DVD for the very first time. The Harry Potts way is particularly fascinating as it features family photos and home movies from Harry’s personal collection.  This gives a unique view of the club from Burley’s most revered Manager.

Aston Martin – DVD Authoring

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

AstonMartin_350x171This month we produced the new Dealer Showroom Loop for Aston Martin in conjunction with Ambrook Productions Ltd.

Ambrook produce commercials and launch films for the car industry and have worked with us in the past in our previous incarnation of 24-7DVD.

They wanted a finished product that was clean and stylish. So the moment their selection and editing was complete we went into action and authored their DVD taking care to ensure that in the transfer from tape to disc we retained all of the fluidity and edge of the films they had produced and almagamated.

In keeping with a luxurious product Ambrook opted for a classic packaging option choosing a Super Jewel Box casing and a screen printed disc to emphasise the Aston Martin’s clean lines and sleek finish.

We had an incredibly tight deadline for turnaround but we made it to the finish with seconds to spare!

DVD in 100% Recycled Packaging

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

01_Merlin

We created this packaging using 100% recycled material, no plastics and lots of vegetable ink!

This month we were comissioned to design, author and replicate a DVD for Business in the Community’s Merlin programme.  We proposed different packaging, in line with BITC’s clear sustainability policies. The packaging and the booklet use no plastic and are made from 100% recycled material, utilising eco-friendly soya vegetable ink, glue and water based varnish.

The packaging is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. The FSC trademark ensures that timber products or products derived from timber, such as paper, are from sustainably managed forests.

re:fine Director Yives Reed explained; “re:fine is always seeking new ways to add value for its clients and improving environmental impacts is high on the list. We are committed to environmental policies and continue to offer greener alternatives to our clients as well as recycling the plastics used in disc production.”

BITC put together interviews with nine different role models, each of whom have been successful in their own fields.  In each case, and for different reasons, every one of the people featured has been a pioneer. They have succeeded often against what most people would have predicted. One of the common features has been a strong sense of self-belief, of not wanting to give in, of determination to make something of their lives. Almost all of them faced institutional or social barriers in pursuing their career choice.  The DVD is an inspiring watch packed in inspiring packaging.