While slogging through rush hour traffic the other day, the radio hosts announced that Coldplay's upcoming album will be released on CD and vinyl records made from recycled plastic. According to the band, it will be "the world's first album released as a 140g EcoRecord LP." But what does that mean?
The EcoRecord, developed by Sonopress, utilizes recyclable plastic as its primary material and doesn't rely on natural gas for production. According to the company, this process cuts down the environmental impact by up to 85 percent compared to standard manufacturing methods. Each of Coldplay's records will be made from nine recycled plastic bottles, while CD editions of the album will be made of 90 percent recycled polycarbonate.
Traditionally, vinyl records are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which means they'll more or less last indefinitely in a landfill. Over the years, the music industry has introduced a variety of eco-friendly initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact. There have been records made from recycled ocean plastics gathered from shorelines, while several other companies specialize in shredding vinyl offcuts and old records to make PVC granulate. Why is this significant? It showcases the circular economy in action and promotes sustainable practices among fans and artists, hopefully leading to more green innovations in the industry.
Of course, every rose has its thorns. The quality of these recycled materials can vary, potentially affecting the sound quality of the record. Sourcing and processing the materials to meet these high standards can also be a bit tricky. And while Coldplay is taking the lead, scaling this approach across the entire music industry will require substantial effort.
It's also important to note that the increasing popularity of streaming and digital downloads has reduced the demand for physical albums. The result is lower resource consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions associated with manufacturing, packaging, and transporting CDs and vinyl records.
The commitment to sustainability doesn't stop at music itself. Many artists are now producing merchandise like t-shirts and posters from recycled or sustainably sourced fabrics and paper, while others offer plant-based merchandise like vegan leather jackets and accessories. Record labels are also reducing the use of plastic shrink wrap as more sustainable packaging options become the norm.
Overall, Coldplay's use of recycled materials for their album marks a significant step toward a more sustainable music industry. This initiative not only showcases the potential of the circular economy but also inspires further innovation and commitment to reducing environmental impact. As more artists and companies adopt these practices, the music industry can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.
