biosourced and 100% recyclable vinyl records are appearing

Vinyl continues to make a comeback, but it is also making its ecological revolution with the first plant-based LPs.

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Vinyls made from recycled plastic could make the industry less polluting.  (illustrative photo).  (KINGA KRZEMINSKA / MOMENT RF)

Current models of vinyl record production pollute enormously. They are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the worst plastics in existence, because it is very difficult to recycle. Some records even contain lead even though it is a notorious poison. This is why the return of vinyl is not really good news for the environment.

But this could change thanks to Evovinyl, a bioplastic made from sugar cane which can directly replace polluting vinyl in pressing factories. This is an invention from the company Evolution Music which has already attracted the interest of several major labels. According to specialists, there would be no difference in sound. In addition, it would have the advantage of generating much less static electricity, therefore attracting less dust. Which is rather good news.

The longevity of sugarcane-based plastics

The question of the longevity of this plant-based bioplastic still arises. This isn’t the first time we’ve created herbal records. Last year, Canadian DJ Blond:ish launched her album on a completely biodegradable cake. But she was forced to accompany it with digital files of the songs, because she didn’t know if her record would decay after two, three or four years. However, it is mainly collectors who buy vinyls, therefore people who would like to keep them as long as possible.

The longevity of this sugar cane-based vinyl will depend on storage conditions, temperature and maintenance. But a priori, it should easily last several decades, because it is not biodegradable. It’s just recyclable. This is still less than the centuries that PVC vinyl could last. These new vinyls are a good compromise for collectors with ecological fiber.


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