An all-solar-powered vinyl plant opens in Florida

A new vinyl plant opening Monday (April 22) in Gainesville, Fla., is powered entirely by solar energy. Opening amid the global celebration of Earth Day, the facility also includes a number of other sustainability-related initiatives along the vinyl production and distribution processes.

Audiodrome Record Pressing says it's the first indoor vinyl pressing facility in the United States powered entirely by solar energy. Designed as a home for independent artists to print their records, the facility features steamless record presses with closed-loop chiller systems, which eliminate fossil fuel combustion and chemical runoff while minimizing water use.

With vinyl's many environmental challenges — including the fact that it's a petroleum product — Audiodrome uses recycled PVC from vinyl trim and discarded vinyl to make new records. Additionally, the company aims to have a 'Bio-Vinyl' product that uses less petroleum by May.

Additionally, Audiodrome uses alternatives to the plastic shrink wrap that most new vinyl is packaged in, instead going with 100% recyclable and biodegradable paper outer packaging that has been certified green by various forest service management organizations. The plant will also recycle and reuse shipping materials such as cardboard, pallets and packaging materials, along with options to shrink cane wrap by 51%.

The Audiodrome is located inside Gainesville's San Felasco Tech City, a business park powered by solar trees and what it says is the world's largest array of double-sided solar panels. Audiodrome is the brainchild of artist Dave Newell and his wife, Betsy Bemis. Newell is a longtime beatmaker, creating music as Enoch with the Florida rap group CYNE since 2001.

“A big part of why I wanted to start this business is to have the opportunity to work with independent artists from around the world and help them bring their works to life,” Newell said in a statement. “It can be a daunting task as an artist to get your product out into the world. not only do you have to record your music, but then you have to navigate mastering, artwork, retail, and a bunch of other issues. Many bands and artists don't even know where to start. In addition, smaller series of files can be difficult to press. We are committed to making the entire process an easy, transparent and enjoyable experience that puts our independent clients and their projects first.”

“Creativity is an essential part of our humanity, and there's something about vinyl records that people find meaningful,” added Bemis. “They allow us to physically participate in the experience and build a tangible connection between the artist and the listener in a way that no other format does. It can be a beautiful thing. But the environmental cost to society need not be so high.”

On March, Advertising sign reported vinyl sales to grow 14.2% across all retailers in 2023 alone, according to Luminate. Billie Eilish recently spoke out Advertising sign about its decision to use 100% recycled vinyl, as well as recycled scraps for color variations and sugar cane shrink wrap, materials that Audiodrome also uses.

“Real change will require a willingness to evolve on the part of everyone: suppliers, press, artists and customers,” added Bemis. “The new materials may sound, look and feel different, but morally we have no choice.”