Is Recycled Vinyl Records Eco-Friendly?
As recently, we all are becoming aware of the sustainability of the planet, many brands including Vinylize have come up with innovations in recycled vinyl records. From sustainable glasses to good-quality vinyl palettes, you can expect a lot of sustainable options to arrive in the market in the upcoming era. But are these old vinyl records a greener alternative to other harmful elements? We will learn about the same today.
Understanding vinyl records and their environmental impact
The old music records that we all know are made up of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The latter is originally derived from fossil fuels which are present in limited quantities on the earth. Their whole processes are highly energy intensive. Not only this, but the use of harmful chemicals during the process also results in emission of greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately pollution.
On the other hand, recycled vinyl records are a potential solution as they involve the use of old or discarded records from landfills. Instead of putting a lot of time, effort, and environmental energy into making new substances, the recycled options provide an eco-friendly option.
The process of recycling vinyl records
Commonly known by the name vinyl recycling, the process starts from collecting old, used, or damaged records. After that, the important steps of the procedure include:
Melting and reshaping
Once the good quality records are collected at a place, the manufacturers melt them and give them the shape of sustainable substances like eco-friendly glasses.
Repurposing materials
In this process, after shredding the vinyl, it is used in many other projects.
Crafting eco-friendly alternatives
Through the sustainable process of vinyl recycling, the eco-conscious brands aim to provide eco-friendly options in the market by mixing recycled vinyl with fresh PVC to create records. This also results in the reduction of the overall demand for new plastic.
Advantages of recycled records
By using these old records to make sustainable glasses made from recycled materials, one can enjoy a lot of benefits:
Reduction in PVC production
As the manufacturers recycle the existing records, there is no need to produce new plastic. As a result, a lot of environmental energy is also getting saved and less chemical emissions are being relieved.
Waste reduction
By promoting the production of sustainable products like a vinyl record mirror, the landfills are getting free of a lot of waste. This is also concerning the issue of non-biodegradable waste.
Lower carbon footprint
Also, if you compare the recycling process to the basic procedure of making recycled vinyl records, the former consumes less energy and hence contributes to a smaller carbon footprint.
Promotion of circular economy
By being a part of the recycling process, one can support a circular economy where the materials are reused until their full potential, minimizing the depletion of resources of the environment.
Challenges in recycling vinyl records
Despite so many useful advantages, some challenges also come when manufacturers go ahead with recycling the old records to make eyeglasses made from recycled material:
Complex recycling process
Although it seems very basic and easy theoretically to collect records, melt and reshape them, and then convert them into useful sustainable products. However, in reality, the manufacturers have to follow a very complex practical process to recycle everything efficiently without compromising quality.
Energy use in recycling
While the process of recycling requires less energy, the steps of melting and reforming the plastid to make eco-friendly glasses or other sustainable products require significant energy.
Quality concerns
If you are an audiophile, you might have many audio fidelity concerns if you go with recycled vinyl products. This is because it may not always match the one from virgin PVC.
Limited infrastructure
Not all manufacturers and eco-friendly brands have access to vinyl. In many places, there is less infrastructure which makes the process of recycling vinyl records inaccessible.
Innovations and eco-friendly Vinyl alternatives
When these challenges occur, many environmentally conscious companies and researchers are working on many innovative solutions to make vinyl records more eco-friendly:
Bioplastic records
There has also been experimentation going on with biodegradable materials including polylactic acid. If this becomes successful, it can replace traditional plastic in the production of vinyl.
Green Vinyl records
Many are also working to develop the concept of “green vinyl.” This way, less PVC will be used and recycled materials will be used. Ultimately, there will be less environmental impact.
Digital integration
Many companies are also looking to encourage digital downloads or streams alongside vinyl purchases. This approach will reduce the overall demand for physical records.
Conclusion
With the old vinyl records, a great eco-friendly alternative is all set to go. You can also be a part of this global mission by shaking hands with the eco-friendly products available in the market. From choosing glasses made from recycled materials (sustainable ones) to using eco-friendly vinyl palettes and mirrors at your workplace, you can align your life with the principles of sustainability.
What's Your Reaction?
