A greener approach to vinyl record production.

Vinyl is thriving. At the Printing House we work with a steady stream of artists involved in vinyl projects, so we know that there’s a significant production backlog. Global demand for albums is at its highest in 30 years, it’s currently estimated at around 700 million records a year. This resurgence in demand coupled with pressing methods from the 1980s and supply chain problems during the Covid pandemic are meaning some artists and fans are having to wait around a year to receive their records.

In a recent BBC article, it has been reported that Green Vinyl, a Dutch firm, is offering, what it says is, a more sustainable - but more expensive - solution to the backlog. Harm Theunisse, owner of Green Vinyl Records, in Eindhoven, believes it is the "new standard" for the industry. His team has spent the past seven years developing a new large-scale pressing machine that uses up to 90% less energy than typical vinyl production, and which can be monitored in real time rather than retrospectively.

What’s more, the record material isn’t actually vinyl or polyvinyl chloride - the most environmentally damaging of plastics, according to Greenpeace. Instead, it uses polyethylene terephthalate (Pet) - a more durable plastic which is easier to recycle.

The barrier to finding eco-friendly alternatives to PVC has always been the desire to match the same rich sound quality while maintaining the hardness and durability of plastic. The molecular attributes of the plastic are thought to have a significant impact on the quality of how the music sounds - so historically pressing plants will avoid using impure materials. However, Green Vinyl reckon they’ve cracked it, securing it’s first order from Warner and pressing the new Tom Odell album.

“Customers obviously do care about the green credentials,” said Pete Harrison, The Printing House Sales Manager. “This is why we source our print materials from environmentally friendly supply chains. But there is a balance on cost point and I hope Green Vinyl have found it. I look forward to printing record sleeves for greener records.”