WMG Partners With Independent Record Stores to Assess Viability of Recycling Vinyl
The initiative follows a study that shows recycled vinyl can be used for new records with no issue
Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced a new partnership with independent record stores on a new vinyl takeback program. People can bring their unwanted vinyl, regardless of condition, to participating stores, which will then direct them to potential material recovery pathways.
Why it matters:
With vinyl sales continuing to grow, the ability to recycle old records would prevent a significant amount of waste from entering landfills.
How it works:
Virterras Materials, which specializes in technology for converting waste into usable materials, will evaluate all the records collected for their viability of being repurposed.
The overall program will consider numerous factors, such as participation rates, material quality, transportation, and processing requirements, to assess whether a comprehensive recycling effort is sustainable.
Background:
WMG conducted a study with GZ Media and Abbey Road Studios, which proved that recycled vinyl can be converted into new records without any loss in quality.
What they said:
Madeleine Smith, Senior Director, ESG, WMG: “Independent record stores have long served as gathering places for music fans and stewards of music culture. The pilot brings together retailers, recovery partners, and music fans to explore an important question: what would it take to create practical pathways for recovering unplayable or damaged vinyl records? It’s a vital first step in understanding what’s possible.”
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This article was written from a press release provided by WMG.
We covered it because if this effort is successful, it could lead to a much more sustainable music industry.
