The first ten months of Green Music Australia’s Music Product Stewardship Alliance have seen Australia’s leading record labels, distributors, manufacturers, and music retailers participate in solutions to reduce their emissions and improve environmental outcomes.
Today, Green Music Australia is proud to share achievements from the Music Product Stewardship Alliance following a second roundtable held in late July in Sydney.
The program, launched with the support of the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the City of Sydney, unites leaders across the recorded music industry to reduce the environmental impact of physical music products.
Through targeted research, collaboration, and the establishment of dedicated working groups, the alliance has made significant strides in its mission including:
- Publishing the Green Music Product Guide to help labels and industry adopt greener practices.
- The launch of Music Australia’s Record Label Development Scheme which will reimburse the difference in expenditure for successful record labels who follow the Product Guide.
- Establishing two vinyl deadstock recycling options via Program Records (Melbourne) and Holiday Records (Auckland).
- Coordinating a bulk purchase of 100% recycled protective sleeves.
Using data and insights provided by alliance members and the latest in research and innovations from around the world, the alliance revealed several key findings on the environmental challenges of vinyl and CD manufacturing and distribution.
Key Findings:
- Manufacturing: Approximately 4.8 million CDs and 2.5 million vinyl records are manufactured annually for sale in Australia.
- Offshore Manufacturing: Around 80% of vinyl records are manufactured offshore, with the majority being air freighted to Australia, generating significant carbon emissions. Local manufacturing not only supports our industry but is better for the climate.
- Vinyl Compounds: Vinyl is commonly made of PVC. Advancements in new vinyl compounds are proving positive, with reduced environmental impacts. Bio-Vinyl (low carbon PVC) has shown a 44% reduction in emissions per vinyl record and was recently used in Lime Cordiale’s ARIA #1 record Enough Of The Sweet Talk.
- Vinyl Materials: 180-gram vinyl and gatefold packaging increase the carbon impact and material usage of vinyl products, as well as the weight of the product generating more freight emissions.
- CD Packaging: Jewel case CD packaging is approximately 50 times more carbon-intensive than plastic-free Softpak alternatives. Additionally, jewel cases are brittle, easily broken and rarely recycled in Australia.
Berish Bilander, CEO of Green Music Australia, says, “The progress we’ve made in just ten months is a testament to the industry’s dedication to sustainability. Our focus now is to eliminate barriers that are preventing labels and artists from making green music products the norm. By working together, we can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of physical music products and lead the way in eco-friendly innovation.”
Shagofta Ali, NSW EPA Director of Policy and Strategy, says, “As a 2023 Sustainability Partner of the NSW Environment Protection Authority, Green Music Australia has been doing fantastic work to raise the issue of sustainability and support and build the capability of their music industry members to move to lower carbon products. Through Green Music Australia’s Guide and Music Australia’s new Record Label Development Scheme, we are collectively making great strides towards a less carbon-intensive music industry.”
In 2025, the Music Product Stewardship Alliance will begin to collect data to benchmark the impact of physical music products thanks to the UNIFIED Grant. For more information or to get involved in the alliance, visit Music Product Stewardship Alliance.
About the Music Product Stewardship Alliance:
The Music Product Stewardship Alliance, convened by Green Music Australia, brings Australia’s leading labels, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers together with the aim to improve the environmental impact of physical recorded music products, such as vinyl and CDs.
Members include: ABC Music, AIR, Artist First, Future Classic, Holiday Records, Impressed Recordings, JB Hifi, Jungle Merchandise, Mushroom Music, Remote Control Records, PIAS / Inertia, Program Records, Rocket Distribution, Sony Music Entertainment, Soundmerch, Suitcase Records, The Orchard, The Vinyl Group, TLDC, UNIFIED Music Group, Universal Music Australia, Vantiva, Wantok Musik, Warner Music Australia, Xelon Digital, and Zenith Records.
The Music Product Stewardship Alliance will research and investigate:
- The emissions and waste footprint of various vinyl and CD formats
- Impacts of freighting and shipping
- Packaging challenges and innovations
- Local manufacturing opportunities
- Emerging overseas and local solutions
- Challenges unique to the Australian market, including increased cost for sustainable solutions, international manufacturing and air freighting impacts
Further information on Green Music Australia
Founded in 2012, Green Music Australia is the national peak body for music and the environment. Led by a staff and board of musicians and music industry leaders, its role is to organise, facilitate and inspire musicians and the broader industry to make changes to improve our environmental performance and to advocate for ambitious political climate action. Through leading by example and bringing audiences along with us, Green Music Australia is sowing the seeds for deep, cultural change.
INDEPENDENT NEWS IS IMPORTANT.
If you value independent news please donate.
Enjoy reading Eco Voice? Please help us by purchasing a GIFT Voucher or send one to a friend and encourage people to purchase trees or seeds via The Native Shop – www.nativeshop.com.au
Plants, seeds & more delivered to your door!
www.nativeshop.com.au
Advertisement
