Cocoon

Cocoon is a compact disc sleeve developed in response to the detrimental impacts of the music industry's most pervasive packaging solution- the sterile and indestructible plastic jewel case. Made from recycled paper pulp, especially low grade paper which may be unsuitable for further recycling, Cocoon seeks to address the entire life cycle of single-use packaging. More importantly, the design poses questions about the alarming amount of waste produced by our total dependence upon plastics for single-use packaging by imagining the possibilities of a more environmentally conscious future.

Cocoon's manufacturing process capitalizes on the virtually endless supply of consumer paper waste (newspapers, magazines, shredded printer paper, etc.) and simple, quick manufacturing methods. Paper and water are blended into pulp which is colored using Rit dye. The natural fibers of the pulp are readily infused with dye. Pulp is then sprayed in thin layers onto a felt formwork that has been cut and sewn into the desired shape. Once dry, the paper is peeled away from the re-usable fabric form and Voila! a strong, but flexible, recycled paper shell to transport a CD - no plastics, no folds, and no glue necessary. Taking on the textural qualities of the felt formwork, the interior is a soft and smooth protective surface that tightly hugs the CD. The outside is rough and tactile alluding to its sprayed method of creation.

Cocoon addresses changing consumer habits arising from the increasing digital distribution of media and new licensing models. Platforms such as iTunes and Bandcamp, and gadgets like the iPod and smart phones, are catering to music and media super-consumers that have by and large become estranged from the sensual (mainly, visual) vitality of the brick-and-mortar record store. Furthermore, the select few who still seek out physical copies of music often immediately discard the jewel case and add CDs to a larger binder collection or copy the disc digitally onto a hard drive after purchase. With a limitless variety of Cocoons to flip through, walking through a music store highlights the serendipitous experience of discovering music rather than the infinitely-searchable of the internet. It creates a highly tactile, visual experience unique to each person’s highly individual taste (for beauty is in the eyes of the beholder). It radically alters the experience of shopping for music as well as the enjoyment of the product, while also influencing perceptions of artists and record labels - altogether strengthening people’s connection to the music and adding a new appeal to physical and tangible music stuffs.

Process of Making a Cocoon Video: http://www.vimeo.com/19239598