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Step 8 of 10 in this module#668 of 1,000

8. Environmental Impact

Part 7 • CD Replication vs. Duplication

The environmental impact varies. CD-Rs used in duplication contain metals and dyes that are not always easily recyclable. Replicated CDs are primarily polycarbonate, which is recyclable, but the entire process (from energy consumption for glass mastering to pressing) has a larger industrial footprint. Some services, like ElasticStage, are exploring more eco-friendly materials like PETG (Module 53).

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In this module: CD Replication vs. Duplication10 steps
  1. 1CD Duplication: Burning onto Blank CDRs (Small Batches)
  2. 2CD Replication: Pressing from a Glass Master (Large Runs)
  3. 3The "Glass Master": The Key Difference
  4. 4Cost Implications: Setup Fees vs. Per-Unit Cost
  5. 5Quality and Durability
  6. 6Strategic Decision-Making: Which Process to Choose?
  7. 7Artwork and Packaging Considerations
  8. 8Environmental Impact
  9. 9The Role of the ISRC in Both Processes
  10. 10Your Actionable Physical Media Strategy