Bioplastic records could help decarbonise music business, says developer
Sugar-based alternatives to vinyl might help the music industry to decarbonise as a result of its development, according to its developer.
UK-based Evolution Music says its bioplastic can be used to create records and is aimed at making it easy for record labels and artists to stop using plastic without having to change all production equipment and machinery at pressing plants.
According to Evolution Music’s acting CEO Marc Carey, the music recorded on the bioplastic records is “absolutely spot on” both sonically and in terms of equalisation.
He added that they are continuing to develop the product, adding there is some surface noise in the lead-in and between tracks, so if you like it, it’s great.
“We’ve got a unique recipe, but we are a (research and development) company – we’ll carry on with iterations of R&D to improve it,” he said.
The co-founder of Music Declares Emergency (MDE), a music industry climate action campaign group whose members include Napalm Death, Julian Lloyd Webber, and others, says recording artists will be eager to switch to bioplastics for their physical products.
We like vinyl. What’s the solution? Find a non-toxic way to do it. Hey, presto, here it is,” said Lewis Jamieson, co-founder of MDE. Vinyl production is toxic in many ways, and many of the processes that are involved are harmful to the environment.
While digital media and easy-to-use streaming sites like Google and Spotify have made it easier for consumers to access music, vinyl record sales have grown over the past decade.
Vinyl LPs are becoming increasingly popular due to their richer sound, attractive covers, and ability to be held in the hands.
“The music industry, the creative arts, should be at the forefront of innovation … and cultural change is typically what affects political and social change,” Carey said.
The first record made using Evolution’s bioplastic was pressed at Press On Vinyl, a record manufacturer in Middlesbrough. It features a piece by electronic duo Bicep.
Carey said he believes as soon as one major recording artist or band opts to use bioplastic instead of vinyl, the industry will never be the same
Source- Reuters
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