What do you need before starting a CD or DVD duplication project?

So you’re ready for place your CD or DVD duplication order. Here’s a quick check-list to help you prepare all the parts that your CD and DVD duplication supplier will need in order to start producing your order.

• Master disc
  Check your master CD/DVD thoroughly and make sure it is set up exactly how you want your duplicated CDs to be. Your CD/DVD duplicator will make exact copies of the master disc so you must make sure that it runs smoothly and works on all the relevant media players.
  
  
• Artwork
  Thorough guidance on how to set your CD, DVD and packaging artwork up can be found on our website and in previous blog posts but here are a few pointers:
  
  Request artwork templates from your supplier and any other guidelines they may have – every supplier has slightly different specifications so its important to use your current suppliers templates to avoid having to amend your artwork at a later stage.
  
  Check your CD/DVD artwork thoroughly before sending it to print, including checking for spelling mistakes.
  
  It’s always a good idea to print out your artwork and make a quick mock-up of any packaging and paper parts you are ordering, to ensure that the design is laid out as you want it.
  
  
• Payment
  Ask your CD/DVD duplication company what their payment terms are and ensure that you’re happy with these terms before going ahead.
  If you are a brand new customer then they may ask for 50% payment before production starts and most suppliers ask for full payment prior to dispatch so be sure to agree this with your duplication company before placing an order.

Having submitted your CD/DVD master disc, artwork and payment to your supplier you can expect to receive digital proofs and confirmation of an expected delivery date. Then sit back and wait for your finished discs to arrive! :-)

Eco-friendly Paper…FSC Accredited vs. Recycled Stock?

Using card or paperboard to create your CD or DVD packaging is a great step towards producing a sustainable media project. However, the wide range of ‘eco-friendly’ options available to your may seem overwhelming at first!

In the past we have discussed the difference between using virgin card and recycled card but your ‘green’ options are not limited to recycled cardboard.

Recycled stock may seem like the obvious choice – it utilizes waste material and therefore diverts waste paper from landfill. However, the process through which paper is recycled is key. In the past, people have been concerned that recycled paper is not that eco-friendly because harmful pollutants are required in order to bleach the paper pulp. Fortunately, new methods exist which have the ability to bleach paper whilst only releasing water and oxygen into the atmosphere. Other methods include ‘de-inking’ which simply disperses the ink throughout the paper. Recycled cardboard can add to the aesthetics of your DVD/CD packaging design since it is available in a range of textures and colours.

Alternatively, you could opt for FSC accredited stock. FSC accreditation gives you complete assurance that the paper/card used for your project is not harming the environment since FSC paper comes from sustainable and well-managed forests. So you can your CD/DVD packaging from high-quality virgin paper whilst still being environmentally responsible.

In actual fact, it is often difficult to distinguish between virgin and recycled stock in terms of quality so the decision often just comes down to the overall look and feel you are seeking for your CD or DVD project. If you are unsure of the options available to you then seek advice from your supplier. They will be able recommend a stock which is most suitable for your requirements and provide you with a number of samples to help you make a decision.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on FSC Accredited vs. Recycled Paperboard so please post your comments. Which do you prefer?

Recycled Stock FSC Accredited