Green Vinyl Records

Record manufacturing plant based in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. Records are not made by the traditional method of pressing vinyl but based on a casting process, similar to CD manufacturing. The process does not use regular vinyl (PVC) because the required temperature is higher than vinyl can sustain but instead uses a mixture of different types of polyethylene, or PET. Standard color of the record is clear but can be produced in any desired color. No label is required, the information can be printed directly on the record. According to the company the records start to produce the first signs of noise after 400 playbacks, contrary to after 70 playbacks for regular vinyl. The energy consumption for this process is 93% lower than the traditional method. Green Vinyl Records is a cooperation project between Symcon B.V., Polymer Research Group B.V., Geelen installaties, Koot Automation & Service, MPB Mechanical Parts, Record Industry, Stichting Fontys, Hogeschool Toegepaste Natuurwetenschappen and Mikrocentrum. Managing director: Harm Theunisse