Today, various brands are using vinyl to promote the global mission of sustainability on a large scale. Among these, you can find the eyewear fashion industry working very hard to maintain the ethical standards of manufacturing. But why has there been an increase in the use of vinyl through the process of vinyl recycling? Let’s understand today in this blog post.
Understanding vinyl and its environmental impact
What is vinyl?
Vinyl is an artificial plastic polymer. Its two major elements: chlorine and ethylene make it as harmful as other plastics. But it has become one of the go-to choices of various industries due to three main reasons:
- durability,
- flexibility, and
- cost-effectiveness
You can observe vinyl being used today in construction materials, household items, and eco-friendly eyeglasses and mirrors.
Environmental concerns
While industries are choosing vinyl due to its durability, it poses serious environmental challenges as well:
Non-biodegradability
Have you heard of the recent plastic pollution old vinyl records have caused to nature when everyone has thrown them in landfills? Due to the arrival of the digital age, the old legacy of music preserved in the records was forgotten all of a sudden. As a result, these non-biodegradable substances became one of the serious problems for the environment.
Toxicity
First of all, the disposal of recycled vinyl is a very complicated process. If not done properly, it can release toxic chemicals into the environment. They include dioxins as well which can seriously cause soil and water pollution.
Carbon footprint
The production process of recycled vinyl records is highly energy-efficient. Hence, carbon dioxide gets released in significant amounts leading to the greenhouse effect on the planet.
The importance of vinyl recycling
Due to these three major problems, recycling of vinyl has become more important for
Reducing waste in landfills
As brands like Vinylize have come ahead with the concept of recycling vinyl, a lot of waste has been minimized to end up in landfills. Ultimately, its environmental impact is being reduced. The planet is being saved from pollution.
But do you know how much vinyl is recycled on average?
As per research and studies, people generate millions of tons of vinyl waste in a year. But only a very small percentage is recycled.
Saving energy and resources
As producing vinyl takes a lot of energy, using recycled vinyl records reduces the need. Ultimately, the non-renewable raw resources are also preserved.
Prevents pollution
As less vinyl is to be produced, less environmental pollution will be there. The eco-conscious brands make sure that the vinyl recycling process goes safely and that all the toxic substances are handled carefully. This way, they prevent contamination of ecosystems as well.
Promotes circular economy
When the brands recycle vinyl and process it into new products, they support a huge circular economy where materials are used rather than discarded.
How helpful all this is for environmental preservation?
Challenges in recycling vinyl
Despite all these advantages, the recycling of vinyl to make useful products like an eco-friendly mirror also involves many challenges:
Complex composition
If you carefully assess vinyl products, you can observe that they have many additives like plasticizers, stabilizers, and pigments. These elements can make the recycling process a bit tough. To eliminate the related risks, the brands work on separating these toxic elements before the recycling process.
Limited recycling facilities
Vinyl requires special recycling machines which are not available at all the recycling centers easily. Hence, the facilities are very limited.
High costs
Working on recycled vinyl also involves a lot of expenses. From buying the machines to developing new products, every cost adds up.
Lack of awareness
Many people lack awareness about the recyclable nature of vinyl. If they know it, there’s no knowledge of proper recycling. Due to this lack of knowledge and awareness, many are involved in its improper disposal creating more environmental challenges.
Future of recycling vinyl
As more advancements are coming up in the field of technology, vinyl processing promises a brighter future:
Chemical recycling innovations
During chemical recycling, all the harmful additives of vinyl are broken down and converted into their basic component. This way, the process becomes safe and new products can be made very easily.
Government policies
Countries are also adopting many serious regulations to manage vinyl waste.
Consumer awareness campaigns
Many brands working towards eco-friendly eyeglasses like Vinylize have launched global campaigns to make people aware of sustainable practices.
Corporate sustainability goals
Many companies and brands are working very dedicatedly to commit to sustainability in all their products.
Conclusion
Everyone needs to be aware of the positives of the vinyl recycling process. It is a major step towards a sustainable future for the planet. Whether you are just looking to explore eco-friendly options for your home decor or need something in eyewear, there’s a sustainable vinyl option available.
