Vinyl?? Are there alternative materials to press recordings??

Today, I opened a  brand new sealed new LP  on a Tacet label (L-163) of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. It was recommended  by  a distributor in Germany who told me to check with Elusive disc. 

However, I played the opening track and there was no appreciable surface noise but shortly there after some intermittent pops and clicks began occurring. Bearable for side one.  Playing side two, there were more pops and clicks, and one or two loud pops.

OK, I know the litany.  "You expect perfection, just lay back and enjoy the music"  or..... "did you clean the LP before play??) ( yes, I first used a HUNT brushed it, applied a Mobile Fidelity liquid record cleaner and cleaned it) "Did you clean and check the cartridge, and tracking force?)  (YES AGAIN). The German distributor claimed they had sold 2000 copies of this particular label and recording.  The overall sound and performance are very good

My question is: has there ever been attempts  to employ other materials than vinyl to press recording that are more durable and less likely to develop pops, clicks, and surface noise even with extensive plays.

I don't think I am being picky especially since the cost of the LP is $29.00 plus 5.50 shipping( $ 34.50)  More importantly, THIS WAS A BRAND NEW RECORDING,  and the pressing was no testament to either the so-called analog renaissance and  euphonic joys of  the vinyl  LP 

I am sure this thread will cause a firestorm    Good!!!  Bring it on !