Use of recyclates and bio-based raw materials
What practical options are there for realising the modern production of vinyl records from a sustainability perspective? Representatives from optimal media, VinylPlus Deutschland, the German PVC industry’s sustainability initiative, and PlastChem BV discussed this during a visit at the factory premises Röbel/Müritz in May.
The focus was on the sustainable vinyl record production options offered by optimal media, ReVinyl and BioVinyl. The participants were also given an insight into the modern machinery and the optimised processes that specifically help to reduce waste. Measures to conserve resources were also presented, such as waste avoidance through the reuse of production by-products and the utilisation of waste heat for heating, air conditioning and dehumidification of a large part of the company buildings.
The discussion partners agreed that ReVinyl vinyl records, which are made from 100 per cent recycled material, are a resource-saving alternative with a minimal CO2 footprint. The material for the ReVinyl is obtained locally from production returns in a traceable and traceable manner. The recyclate is processed at the site and used exclusively for recycling and further processing for the production of ReVinyl, which also makes a significant contribution to waste avoidance.
Alexander Kronimus, Managing Director of VinylPlus Germany, comments: „Record production has been around for a very long time, but the fact that recycled material is used for this purpose today is something special. It turns old vinyl records into new ones that are just as good and whose sound you can enjoy.“
BioVinyl: Vinyl records made from bio-based PVC
A visit to optimal media: Representatives of VinylPlus Germany and PlastChem BV
Discussing the challenges and opportunities of sustainable raw materials in the vinyl record production
ReVinyl: The recyclate consists of 100% recycled material and is traceable on site
F.l.: Thorsten Megow (optimal media), Thomas Hülsmann (VinylPlus Germany) and Jörg Hahn (optimal media) discuss modern and sustainable vinyl record production
Colourful variety: Coloured recyclate can also be used and enables the production of unique pieces worth seeing
Freshly pressed: A look at the vinyl record production at optimal media
F.l.: Andreas Arnold, Thomas Hülsmann, Alexander Kronimus (all VinylPlus Germany), Thorsten Megow, Philipp Hahn, Dr. Peter Runge, Jörg Hahn, Ralf Radoschofski (all optimal media), Onno-Pieter Sonnega (PlastChem)
In summer 2023, the companies optimal media and PlastChem were the first in the world to jointly establish the BioVinyl range. This innovative product is manufactured using bio-based PVC with minimal fossil content, which is supplied by PlastChem. The entire BioVinyl manufacturing process is subject to the independent ISCC PLUS certification system. This guarantees a responsible PVC supply chain in line with the circular economy. „The use of the latest materials such as bio-based PVC for a product as emotional as a vinyl record is fantastic,“ says a delighted Thomas Hülsmann, Managing Director of VinylPlus Germany.
The event confirmed that ReVinyl and BioVinyl are modern and sustainable materials for the production of vinyl records. PlastChem and optimal media are integral components of a modern, intra-European value chain. Vinyl records are produced more efficiently today than ever before. Valuable fossil raw materials can be saved through conscious customer decisions on the number of copies and choice of material – without having to compromise on quality, durability or colour variety.
„The vinyl record is a cultural asset that can be used for a very long time due to the high quality of the sound carrier. As a result, enthusiasts often don’t part with their vinyl discs and if they do, in the vast majority of cases they end up with a new lover via second-hand dealers. In addition to the very good processability, this is a reason for us to continue focussing on this material,“ says optimal media Managing Director Jörg Hahn.
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