Video Game Cartridge / Disc

Material Composition Assumptions

The CCI score assumes a typical video game disc weighs approximately 60 grams with the following material breakdown:

• Aluminum polycarbonate disc substrate: 25g (42%)
• Polypropylene case: 20g (33%)
• Polyethylene packaging film: 8g (13%)
• Glossy paper cover and booklet: 6g (10%)
• Rare earth metals and other trace materials: 1g (2%)

These materials require energy-intensive manufacturing processes, particularly for plastic production and metal extraction components.

Manufacturing Geography

Primary manufacturing occurs in China, where most consumer electronics and optical media production facilities are concentrated. The Chinese national grid operates at 555 gCO2e per kWh, reflecting the country’s coal-heavy electricity generation mix. This region dominates global disc manufacturing due to established supply chains, specialized equipment, and cost advantages for mass production of plastic components and optical media.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2e/kWh	38	Baseline
Germany	311 gCO2e/kWh	32	-16%
United States	386 gCO2e/kWh	34	-11%
India	708 gCO2e/kWh	43	+13%
Costa Rica	99 gCO2e/kWh	26	-32%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Facility-specific electricity consumption data and renewable energy procurement contracts for disc manufacturing operations.
2. Material sourcing documentation showing recycled content percentages for polycarbonate and plastic case components.
3. Transportation distance and mode specifications from manufacturing facility to distribution centers.
4. Packaging weight reduction initiatives and alternative material substitutions with associated emission factors.
5. End-of-life recycling program participation rates and waste diversion percentages for the specific product line.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions for a single physical game disc including packaging materials and initial distribution.
• Scope 3 emissions dominate due to upstream material production and downstream transportation requirements.
• Functional unit covers one complete retail package ready for consumer purchase.
• Excludes consumer use phase, retail storage, and final disposal emissions.
• Carbon intensity varies significantly based on game file size when comparing to digital alternatives.
• Data gaps exist around regional recycling rates and specific plastic polymer emission factors.