World’s first bioplastic vinyl record : GS TIMES IAS-PCS

British firm says it has produced the world’s first bioplastic vinyl record, which it hopes will reduce the need for highly toxic PVC (Polyvinyl chloride).

Bioplastics are derived from sources such as sugars and starches — rather than oil or gas. These plastics do not create any toxic waste in their production.

The new bioplastic vinyl by UK firm Evolution has been endorsed by NGO Music Declares Emergency, a climate change campaign group set up in 2019 by artists and music industry professionals.

Currently, all vinyl records are made from Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC — described by Greenpeace as the most environmentally damaging plastic, whose production releases toxic, chlorine-based chemicals that are building up in the water, air and food chain.

What are Bioplastics?

Bioplastics are made wholly or in part from renewable biomass sources such as sugarcane and corn, or from microbe such as yeast. Some bioplastics are biodegradable or even compostable, under the right conditions.

Bioplastics made from renewable resources can be naturally recycled by biological processes, thus limiting the use of fossil fuels and protecting the environment.

Therefore, bioplastics are sustainable, largely biodegradable, and biocompatible.

What is Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)?

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic resin made from the polymerization of vinyl chloride.

PVC is a commonly used polymer that finds applications in a variety of products due to its excellent properties and low cost.

It is used in several products in day to day use such as pipes, cable insulation, roofing sheets, packaging foils, floor coverings, bottles, medical products, and so forth.

Its degradation starts at comparatively low temperatures (~300℃C) in the presence of light to release hydrogen chloride.

PVC is the most widely used plastic resin in medical devices. Approximately 25% of all plastic medical products are made of PVC.

The main reason is the resin’s low cost, ease of processing, and the ability to tailor its properties to a wide range of applications.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a popular thermoplastic and it is currently ranked as the third most widely used plastic in the world (behind polyethylene and polypropylene).

Common consumer products such as raincoats, plastic bags, children’s toys, credit cards, garden hoses, door and window frames, and shower curtains are also made from PVC in one form or another.