CHIEF OF POSSIBILITIES ... mostly. Oh, and all posts and comments here are my personal opinion and not related to my former/current employer(s). I like my job…
A new debate on the cost of cool, which digs into the environmental impact of increasing vinyl sales and rising concerns among several major artists. In summary, some counter-argue that the tech behind vinyls is significantly evolving, notably with BioVinyl, whilst others mention the environmental cost of storage data from streaming platforms. For me, it is entertainment, it is what consumers want, and it is the same debate as EV cars vs. good old gas. It’s evolution meets nostalgia. What do you reckon?
I think it's always easy to just say, the impact is not that high and there are more impactful things you can do. Similar to the argument, that we can do what we want but over there in Asia the majority of the carbon gets exhausted. But in reality China is far more advanced now when it comes to electrification for example. Change begins everywhere and we at !K7 determined that 88% of our carbon footprint is based on manufacturing. Until 2 years ago everyone was happy that they can even get a production slot below 10 months waiting for vinyl. Now the market changed, there is enough capacity and more advanced plants work on new technologies for a more sustainable manufacturing. The more demand, the more change. We meanwhile produce vinyl made of PET with up to 70% less energy consumption. The comparable full lifecycle analyises are still missing to compare the solutions out there. But this will come soon so it will become mainstream. We as "the Music Industry" and the Artists should use our reach into society to promote change and a greener future!
I can’t for the life of me see what’s meant to be happening in the illustration; I see a record, with a tree growing from it, but what are the hands doing? Anyone? Anyone?
In the scheme of things vinyl is irrelevant in terms of climate change and sustainability. And to Wills point, vinyl is not disposable - people collect and keep it especially as the more disposable pop releases are most likely not on vinyl or in relatively small volumes. Of course bio vinyl etc is a positive step but there are many other things to focus on before setting our sights on records as a way to combat climate change!
Putting the sometimes OTT multi-format vinyl releases aside. Surely the relatively limited-volume, non-disposable nature and resale market of vinyl negates any carbon/environmental aspects?
Sounds like a scratched record to me. 😊
Interesting question. I’d love to see some people comment on this.
CHIEF OF POSSIBILITIES ... mostly. Oh, and all posts and comments here are my personal opinion and not related to my former/current employer(s). I like my job…
1mohttps://news.sky.com/story/is-buying-vinyl-bad-for-the-planet-and-what-can-be-done-about-it-13136333