EcoDisc Testimonial
“Future, the special-interest media group, is keen to support initiatives which help to reduce our impact on the environment in a commercially sustainable way. We are very supportive of the EcoDisc because its reduced CO2 emissions, reduced weight and greater flexibility deliver that rare combination of being better for the environment, for our business and for our customers. The optical disc industry should not sit back on its laurels and consider its CO2 emissions to be someone else's problem. EcoDisc technology enables all users of discs to contribute to global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. Moving to the EcoDisc has to be the right thing to do for any business which cares about its carbon footprint.”
Robert Dark - Purchasing Manager, Future Publishing UK (a part of Future plc)
Future plc is an international special-interest media group, founded in 1985, operating in the UK, US and Australia, with over 180 special-interest publications, websites and events for people who are passionate about their interests. Future hold strong market positions in games, film, music, technology, cycling, automotive and crafts. Their biggest-selling magazines include T3, Total Film, Digital Camera, Fast Car, Classic Rock, Guitar World, Official Xbox Magazine, Official Playstation Magazine, Nintendo Power and Maximum PC.
Who invented the EcoDisc DVD?
The EcoDisc DVD was invented by a team of engineers with many years of experience in the optical disc industry. The EcoDisc team analyzed all the DVD players and drives in the market for functionality and how these interact with discs, especially for playability at high speed. They also tested and analyzed all other 0,6mm discs in the market and found the reasons for their shortcomings in said playability and functionality.
As a result they designed a disc with features that perfectly compliment the characteristics of DVD players and drives. Combining these features would guarantee the same playability and functionality as the conventional DVD5. This was to become the EcoDisc.
Who makes EcoDisc?
EcoDisc Technology AG («EDT») is a research & development company, which doesn’t have its own production facilities. EDT is licensing the EcoDisc technology to manufacturers, providing them with the necessary upgrade kits for their existing replication and printing line and is training their technical staff. EcoDisc UK through Software Logistics is the sole distributor for all EcoDisc products in the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland, IoM and Channel Islands) and the Republic of Ireland. For details of EcoDisc products in other territories visit the EcoDisc Technology website.
Is the EcoDisc technology patented?
Yes, currently there are 4 European patents, 2 international patents and 6 US patents pending. The patent protection includes all major markets worldwide, including Russia, China, Australia India and major territories in Africa and South America. The last patent application which protects the current design of the EcoDisc DVD and the EcoDisc CD has been filed in July 2009.
Is the EcoDisc logo protected?
Yes, the EcoDisc logo as well as the typical dots on the label have trademark and design protection in all major markets. They are licensed to EcoDisc manufacturers together with the patents and the manufacturing know-how.
Where can I apply for a manufacturing license?
EcoDisc Technology AG is currently the only licensor. Licenses can be signed by every optical disc manufacturer at standard terms and conditions. More information about EcoDisc technology licensing can be obtained from the EcoDisc Technology website.
What makes the EcoDisc eco-friendly?
The EcoDisc DVD only consists of one layer of plastic (polycarbonate) instead of the two bonded layers of a conventional DVD. By using only half the polycarbonate, the EcoDisc DVD is not only thinner and lighter, it also requires only half the energy in production.
This means that producing an EcoDisc DVD emits 52% less carbon dioxide (CO2 ) than producing a conventional DVD5. Because EcoDisc is only one layer, it requires no toxic bonder, which makes it fully recyclable. Additionally, as EcoDisc DVDs are only half the weight of conventional DVDs, they offer substantial CO2 emission reductions in shipping and transportation.
If the EcoDisc DVD is half the thickness, how does it store the same amount of information?
The amount of data on a disc is determined by the storage capacity of the data layer of a disc. The EcoDisc DVD has the same data structure and the same data layer as a conventional DVD5 (4.7 GigaByte). The second half of a conventional DVD5 is only a dummy, which does not contain any data.
What about the DVD9 with 8.5 GB storage capacity? Can the EcoDisc replace this DVD type?
Currently the EcoDisc DVD is limited to a capacity of 4.7 GB, equivalent to the DVD5. The most widely used applications of DVD5 are promotional, educational, children's, enterprise, government, IT bundling, newspaper and magazine cover-mounts. All these applications together cover about 70% of the market.
The typical Hollywood movies with bonus material, various language tracks etc., need the 8.5GB capacity of the DVD9 with two data layers. The EcoDisc DL (Dual Layer) is currently under development and is expected to hit the market in early 2010
Is there an EcoDisc CD available?
Yes, the EcoDisc family has been expanded with an EcoDisc CD-Audio and EcoDisc CD-ROM in September 2009. Despite a decline in sales of CDs in the music market, the CD format is still manufactured in large quantities for other purposes.
Overall the total number of CDs worldwide is still roughly equivalent to the total number of DVDs manufactured and distributed. So it's worthwhile looking at carbon emission reduction possibilities for this format as well.
Has EcoDisc been tested and certified by a third party?
The EcoDisc DVD has been tested by the Professional Multimedia Test Centre (PMTC) and compared against a standard DVD5 manufactured by one of the largest DVD manufacturers worldwide and against two other thin discs.
In 2007 the EcoDisc DVD was awarded a 99.2% playability rating (exactly the same rating as the conventional DVD), whilst the other two competing 0,6mm thin discs showed results unacceptable for large distribution to consumers.
Is the EcoDisc compatible with current CD and DVD production lines?
The EcoDisc is being produced on existing CD lines. A small investment in an upgrade kit can convert the injection mould and the downstream for EcoDisc production. More details can be obtained from the EcoDisc Technology website.
Can I print labels and graphics on EcoDiscs like normal Discs?
Yes. EcoDisc DVD and EcoDisc CD have the same size and can be printed exactly like a conventional disc. You can download the design templates in EPS format from our «Download» page, with detailed instructions on how to set-up your artwork and where to place the trademark dots and logos.
Can the EcoDisc be packaged on the same industrial automated packaging equipment?
Yes. The EcoDisc has been tested on all common automated high-speed packaging lines. They can be packaged in exactly the same way as conventional DVDs or CDs.
What about the packaging of the EcoDisc together with magazines or newspapers?
The flexibility of the EcoDisc DVD provides a big advantage for the editor or publisher who wants to include free discs together with a magazine or newspaper. Major industrial packaging companies specialized in the publishing sector have confirmed that the 'slow down surcharge' for handling DVDs in the packaging process is reduced from 20% for the conventional DVD to 5% for the EcoDisc DVD.
Can I use the EcoDisc on any equipment that plays conventional discs?
Yes. EcoDisc CDs and DVDs play on all standard DVD players, any computer drives (PC&MAC) and home and in-car entertainment equipment. The EcoDisc CD-Audio also plays in all conventional CD players.
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