It's not unusual for recording artists to use bits of someone else's music in their own albums. The usual examples involve cover songs, remixes and sampling existing work.
A vinyl record pressing company has a different take, reclaiming vinyl from records that failed quality control tests or unsold, overstock albums that failed to sell and recycling the PVC into material for new records.
Independent Record Pressing of Bordentown, N.J., says it has already made 150,000 records with its IRP EcoMix blends, which also use flash and trim from processing at its site.
The recycled-content records aren't IRP's only sustainable production angle. The company won certification as a Climate Neutral Brand from the Climate Change Project in 2023. It also plans to add bio-based vinyl to its record material offerings soon.
Beyond vinyl, the company stresses recycling of shrink wrap, plastic strappings and bags used in its production. Employees are encouraged to recycle food packaging and bring in reusable water bottles and coffee cups, the company told members of the Bordentown City Green Team during a visit in October.
IRP began operations in 2015 with six vintage Hamilton presses from the 1970s and 1980s. It now operates with nine presses from Toronto-based Viryl Technologies Corp.
