Modo—short for komodo, as in the dragon, judging by their logo—is responsible for some of the more unorthodox CD, DVD and vinyl packaging out there these days, serving a broad range of clients from their offices in Los Angeles, London, Brighton and China (no exact location given). It seems that some musicians still stubbornly insist on producing a physical document of their work despite the best efforts of iTunes, Spotify, etc.; Modo takes these ideas to the next level with everything from digipaks to flash drives, from traditional print and packaging to bespoke, injection-molded deluxe cases.

Thankfully, Modo's designs won't end up in landfills any time soon: each of their projects is a showpiece, fit to display on a bookshelf or mantle (assuming that the same people who buy box sets also buy books, picture frames, moose heads, etc.).

It turns out that they've been around since 1998, circa the peak of CD sales worldwide, but thanks to their willingness to adapt to the more niche market for premium product, they're as busy as ever these days. According to their website:Modo is dedicated to providing resources far beyond the scope of traditional print and packaging companies. Our extensive network and worldwide facilities enable us to offer our customers a comprehensive array of creative and manufacturing services... Modo can provide an endless list of materials allied with cutting-edge print technologies and finishing techniques.

Our commitment to renewable energy, wind-powered facilities, recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing is industry-leading, while our patented 'Act-Pac' and 'E-Trays' are the world's first and finest solutions to traditional plastic digipacks and CD cases; offering a true alternative, reducing the manufacturing processes' carbon footprint and harmful impact on the environment.

Modo's ongoing investments in cutting-edge technology and hands-on, dedicated project management, means we can minimize inventory overage, wasteful by-products and obsolescence and in-turn, maximize our services and efficiency to the client.

It's not clear whether they also handle the art direction in-house; I imagine the musicians have their own ideas for the design. But credit to Modo for executing a range of innovative packaging ideas in the declining category.

They've even gone so far as to create an embossed blister pack for on of their clients.

You can view most of their work in Modo's Coroflot portfolio, but there are a few more gems on their website as well.