The Vinyl Record Manufacturers Association and the Vinyl Alliance have published a report focusing on the environmental impact and carbon footprint of the vinyl industry.
Titled the ‘First Carbon Footprinting Report,’ the document details the various stages of vinyl production and explains how each stage contributes to the overall carbon footprint of a record.
By measuring the carbon impact of everything in the vinyl production process from “cradle-to-factory-gate”, this report found that the footprint of a vinyl record is in the region of a 1.15kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) – that production of a vinyl record has apparently less carbon emissions than an 8oz steak, but more than a load of laundry or pint of milk.
Half of those emissions originate from the PVC compound used in producing the records. An additional 30% of emissions result from the factory’s energy consumption, and 13% from the print packaging such as jackets and sleeves.
Distribution, particularly air freight, greatly amplifies the carbon footprint. Shipping by air from Europe to America contributes 1.36 kg CO2e per record, whereas to Australia, it adds a substantial 3.46 kg CO2e per record.
The report suggests five strategies to lower the carbon impact of vinyl: eliminating air freight, utilizing bio-attributed PVC, creating lighter pressings, streamlining packaging, and adopting zero-carbon energy in production. Consumers can help by supporting the second-hand vinyl market and opting for records made with bio-attributed PVC.
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Although the industry may face challenges, market research is encouraging. An impressive 69% of vinyl buyers would purchase more sustainable options, and 77% are willing to pay extra for eco-friendly records.
Peter Frings, author of the ‘First Carbon Footprinting Report’, said: “This report is a critical step forward for the vinyl record manufacturing industry. By understanding our carbon footprint, we can take actionable steps to reduce our environmental impact and work towards a more sustainable future.
“I am grateful for the support and collaboration from the VRMA, the Vinyl Alliance, and the thorough review by Climate Partners in making this report possible.”
The full report is now available for download here.
Vinyl production and its climate impact has been a major talking point in the music industry. One senior music executive has said artists who advocate for climate change and continue to produce physical records are “hypocritical”.
Sir Robin Millar is a senior record industry executive who has also produced albums such as Sade‘s ‘Diamond Life’ and Everything But The Girl‘s ‘Eden’.
In an interview with The Observer he said he believed the production of physical records such as vinyl and CDs should be eradicated.
“I am baffled that no large record company has had the backing of a big-selling artist to stop making physical records,” he said.
Elsewhere in the vinyl production business, independent record labels have expressed worry after a large vinyl distribution company, Utopia Music, has started to involve major labels in its finances.