Consumer Technology

Japanese Company Making CD/DVD Cases With Rice-Based Plastic

Published

January 13, 2009

In a first for the CD industry, Victor Creative Media Co Ltd. has begun taking orders for CD/DVD cases made with rice-based plastic. While rice accounts for less than 10% of the material, the composite plastic uses significantly less fossil fuel than traditional plastic. Victor’s product has previously been used in paper fan handles and benches.

In addition to using minimal amounts of fossil fuels, the rice-based plastic also emits 10& less CO2 than traditional materials. There’s just one catch— the production cost for rice-based CD/DVD cases is several yen higher than traditional cases. But for companies hoping to demonstrate their environmental awareness, the price may be right.

Victor’s CD cases should be on shelves in late January or early February.

Photo Credit: CC licensed by Flickr user jasohill

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In this article:Carbon Emissions, cd, dvd, Japan, plastic, rice, rice-based

Written By Ariel Schwartz

was formerly the editor of CleanTechnica and is a senior editor at Co.Exist. She has contributed to SF Weekly, Popular Science, Inhabitat, Greenbiz, NBC Bay Area, GOOD Magazine, and more. A graduate of Vassar College, she has previously worked in publishing, organic farming, documentary film, and newspaper journalism. Her interests include permaculture, hiking, skiing, music, relocalization, and cob (the building material). She currently resides in San Francisco, CA.