EcoRecord Vinyl Incorporates PET Plastic for Environmental Sustainability

Sonospress has announced the launch of a groundbreaking LP in partnership with Warner Music, introducing a sustainable alternative to traditional vinyl records. This innovative LP utilizes polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic as its primary material, diverging from the conventional use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in vinyl production. The adoption of PET plastic holds immense promise for environmental conservation, as PVC production is notorious for its heavy chlorine usage, contributing to 40% of chlorine consumption in the United States and releasing chlorine, a key component of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Unlike traditional vinyl LPs that heavily rely on natural gas and steam during the manufacturing process, the EcoRecord vinyl created by Sonospress requires neither of these resources. In a preliminary trial operation, it was discovered that this innovative approach can yield energy savings of up to an impressive 85% when compared to the conventional vinyl production process. This significant reduction in energy consumption signifies a major step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

The inaugural production line for EcoRecord vinyl has commenced operations at the Sonospress facility located in Gütersloh, Germany. The decision to proceed with this production line came after a series of successful tests conducted last year, which showcased the promising potential of this new vinyl format.

To ensure the highest quality and efficiency, Sonospress has meticulously examined every production detail, fine-tuned production parameters, and enhanced the quality of the manufactured EcoRecord vinyl. This rigorous preparation has paved the way for the seamless transition into regular production.

The manufacturing process of the EcoRecord LP is executed using a state-of-the-art injection molding machine with a contact pressure of up to 300 tons. This machine, in combination with specially designed tools and supplementary equipment developed by Sonospress, allowed the construction of the production line in a remarkably short span of time. This innovative process draws inspiration from the tried-and-tested injection molding technique that has been utilized for decades in the creation of various digital storage media, including LaserDiscs, CDs, DVDs, and more.

Sonospress's introduction of the EcoRecord vinyl line comes at a time when the global vinyl market is experiencing remarkable growth. According to a recent report by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), vinyl revenues surged by an impressive 17.2% in 2022. This marks the third consecutive year of double-digit growth for the vinyl format, reaffirming its enduring popularity among music enthusiasts worldwide. As the vinyl market continues to thrive, the introduction of eco-conscious alternatives like EcoRecord underscores the industry's commitment to a greener future.