Is there a green solution to the vinyl record backlog?

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The backlog in the vinyl industry since the start of the pandemic means artists and some music fans have to wait about a year or so to receive their records.

Global demand for albums is at its highest in 30 years, while most factories use still the same pressing methods deployed in the 1980s.

But a Dutch company offers, so it says, a more durable - but more expensive - solution. back.

And it does it without the material that gave vinyl its name.

Harm Theunisse, owner of Green Vinyl Records in Eindhoven, believes this is the "new standard" for the industry.

His team has spent the past seven years developing a new large-scale press that uses up to 90% less energy than conventional vinyl production, and can be monitored in real time rather than retrospectively.

"This machine can also do nearly 40% more capacity than traditional mills," Theunisse said.

"The pressing here is both faster and better for our planet."

The Eindhoven machine avoids using PVC (polyvinyl chloride - which gave vinyl its name) - the most environmentally harmful plastic, according to Greenpeace.

Instead, it uses polyethylene terephthalate (Pet) - a more durable plastic that is easier to recycle.