There’s something inimitable about vinyl records. The classic aesthetic is one thing, but their sound quality is also admirable. Ask any music enthusiast, and they will likely call vinyl music warm and more tactile. It is a very different listening experience compared to online streaming, which many of us have grown accustomed to.
Lately, vinyl records have seen a resurgence. According to Technavio, a leading market research company, the market may grow by over USD 857 million from 2025 to 2029.
So, why are sustainable music fans not happy? As it turns out, vinyl records are not good news for our environment. Let’s trace their journey and resurgence to understand what is happening here.
Decades of Musical Brilliance: The History of Vinyl
When the first vinyl record came out in the 1890s, the world could not have predicted the revolutionary impact of the format. From then to the 1970s, vinyl enjoyed immense popularity among audiophiles. These records let people experience true-blue music without the loss that subsequent formats could experience due to compression.
The format first witnessed a decline when cassettes and CDs rose in popularity. They were cheaper and more convenient. These traits quickly made them accessible to more audiences.
It seemed that vinyl would become a thing of the past until the late 2000s. In that decade, the medium saw a brilliant resurgence. Suddenly, or because of fatigue caused by digital formats, people started revisiting vinyl records.
The Resurgence of Vinyl Records
As of 2025, the demand for vinyl is high again. These records have started to become collectibles – physical and tangible music that provides a closer connection to the sound. The prices are also sky-high because the demand exceeds the availability.
More people covet these records to dive into nostalgia or connect with their former selves from another time. Technavio observes that their popularity also connects to products like turntables and gramophones. They can unite to create a distinctive musical experience that digital formats cannot imitate. No wonder listening parties and DJ-ed promotional events have embraced the trend!
Another driving force is the emphasis on rarity and uniqueness – traits that Gen Z holds dear. You can find limited-edition vinyl releases with eye-catching cover art. Recently, Taylor Swift announced a 7” vinyl of Fortnight, her single with the American rapper Post Malone. How can something anyone can stream on Spotify compare to the gloriousness of all this?
The Environmental Impact of Vinyl
Amid all this luster, it is heartbreaking to point out that vinyl considerably impacts the environment. Its production and life cycle go against the principles that sustainable music advocates. The primary reason is the use of PVC or polyvinyl chloride.
PVC is infamous for its non-eco-friendly production process. The constituents – mainly petrochemicals (like natural gas) – are non-renewable, making the process expensive for the environment. The National Library of Medicine notes that PVC is one of the most damaging plastics, causing biocontamination as it degrades into microplastics.
Over time, PVC can release chlorine-based chemicals linked to cancer and immunity problems. It brings to mind the havoc caused by PFAS, chemicals in products like nonstick cookware and firefighting foam. The ongoing firefighter foam lawsuit reveals the murky reality of how PFAS have exposed generations to cancer. Both PVC and PFAS can also contaminate soil and water.
Bioaccumulation is a significant risk of such chemicals, damaging the health of entire ecosystems. TorHoerman Law notes that many public health advocacy campaigns emanate from this risk.
Besides the risk of toxins, vinyl records can also impact climate change. A Vinyl Record Manufacturer’s Association report states that the PVC used to press the records releases 50% of the manufacturing emissions. Packaging, inserts, and shipping further increase the carbon footprint.
Some innovators suggest cutting out the center labels of discarded records. The PVC can then be melted and ground for reuse. However, many label companies want virgin vinyl, rejecting PVC that has been used before. It stems from a belief that regrinding affects the audio quality.
The Future of Vinyl Records: The Need for Conscious Action
Despite the associated risks, vinyl records have captured the imagination of music lovers again. Many argue that they purchase records as a keepsake without plans to dispose of them. The temptation to lay your hands on all the unique items, like a different bonus song, is also immense.
A few things must change for vinyl to be sustainable. Environmentally conscious manufacturers are experimenting with alternate materials like metallic resins or cardboard. CNBC reports that efforts are underway to produce greener vinyl using sugarcane waste and organic fillers. If the popularity continues, such options might be more sustainable for long-term production.
Some artists are also advocating for sustainable music. Billie Eilish is championing sustainable packaging and eco-vinyl. The singer released Hit Me Hard and Soft on recycled or eco-vinyl. Although the environmental impact of associated world tours and promotional materials is arguable, at least it is a step in the right direction.
Hopefully, vinyl records will grow into the symbolism their resurgence stands for: timeless beauty and splendor that inspires creation, not environmental destruction.