Warner Music, GZ Media test recycled vinyl production using unsold records

The project, conducted in collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, involved the processing of approximately 10 000 unsold records collected from different artists, titles and pressing plants to reflect the variety of stock typically found across the music industry.

The records were shredded and used to produce new pressings containing varying amounts of recycled material, with recycled content ranging from 10% to 100%. The new records then underwent blind listening tests coordinated by Abbey Road Studios, during which industry professionals assessed audio quality without being informed of the material composition of each pressing.

According to the findings of the pilot, recovered material could be incorporated into new vinyl products while maintaining sound quality and production standards.

The project also examined the environmental implications of recycling vinyl. Researchers noted that while the process could reduce the use of virgin polyvinyl chloride (PVC), additional activities such as transportation, storage, sorting and shredding also contribute to environmental impact.

Product carbon footprint modelling carried out during the project indicated the possibility of reducing carbon emissions by more than 10% compared with manufacturing using entirely virgin material under the tested conditions.

The initiative comes as vinyl records continue to experience renewed demand globally, prompting increased interest in more sustainable production methods within the physical music market.

“Vinyl listeners care deeply about sound quality, so the standards for this project were always high,” Abbey Road mastering engineer Miles Showell said. “What impressed me was how consistent the pressings were across the different material blends, showing that sustainability and sound quality do not have to be at odds.”

GZ head of sustainability Vladimir Víšek said: “Sustainability and quality must go hand in hand. For more sustainable products to be adopted across the industry, it’s important they deliver the same level of quality and performance as standard products.

“We hope this project provides a foundation the industry can continue to build on as it explores more resource-efficient pathways for vinyl production.”

WMG  senior director ESG, WMG Madeleine Smith said: “Innovation doesn’t always mean creating something new; sometimes it means evolving a classic without losing what made it special in the first place.”

The companies have not indicated whether the pilot will move into broader commercial implementation.