Production of a vinyl record has less carbon emissions than an 8oz steak, but more than a load of laundry or pint of milk 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. READ MORE: Indie labels concerned as major labels intervene in vinyl and CD distribution 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,.