Coldplay transforms plastic waste into art for their latest album

Coldplay, the iconic British band, is once again breaking new ground, not just in music, but also in environmental sustainability.

Coldplay, the iconic British band, is once again breaking new ground, not just in music, but also in environmental sustainability. Their upcoming album, "Moon Music," is set to be released in a format that highlights their commitment to the planet: vinyl records made from recycled plastic bottles.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of music production.

The band's announcement of the EcoRecord LP represents a significant leap in sustainable practices within the music industry. By using recycled materials, the production of these records will cut carbon emissions by a staggering 85% compared to traditional 140-gram vinyl records. This eco-friendly approach is expected to prevent the creation of over 25 metric tonnes of new plastic, an important step in reducing waste and conserving resources.

Moreover, Coldplay is taking this sustainability effort even further with a special edition of their new album. This notebook edition will be crafted from 70% recycled plastic, collected by The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization dedicated to removing plastic pollution from the world's oceans. Specifically, the plastic will be sourced from the Rio Las Vacas in Guatemala, stopping it from polluting the Gulf of Honduras and the Atlantic Ocean.

The band's eco-conscious approach extends to their CD releases as well. These will be made from 90% recycled polycarbonate, which is derived from post-consumer waste streams.

This choice is not only innovative but also impactful, reducing production emissions by approximately 78% and avoiding the need to manufacture more than five metric tonnes of new plastic.


Related Stories


Coldplay's commitment to the environment isn't new. They recently announced that they have exceeded their ambitious climate goals during their Music Of The Spheres Tour.

For the first two years of this tour, their CO2 emissions were 59% lower than those of their 2016-2017 stadium tour, surpassing their initial target of a 50% reduction. The band achieved these results through a combination of using rechargeable batteries powered by renewable energy and other sustainability measures.

Chris Martin, the band's frontman, has been vocal about their dedication to environmental causes. In 2019, he expressed that Coldplay would not undertake a global tour for their album "Everyday Life" due to concerns about its environmental impact. This decision underscored their commitment to finding more sustainable ways to share their music with the world.

"Moon Music," Coldplay's 10th studio album, is slated for release on October 4. Its lead single, "feelslikeimfallinginlove," is set to debut on June 21. This new album follows their 2021 release, "Music Of The Spheres," which achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the UK charts and earning nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album at the Grammy Awards.

In addition to their groundbreaking album release, Coldplay is set to make history once again at the Glastonbury Festival later this month. They will headline the Pyramid stage, marking their fifth time as the festival's headliners—a record for the event. This milestone performance is anticipated to be a celebration of their music and their ongoing efforts to champion environmental causes.

Coldplay's initiatives reflect a growing trend in the music industry to address environmental issues head-on.

By choosing to reduce their carbon footprint and promote the use of recycled materials, they are setting a powerful example for other artists and industries to follow. Their actions demonstrate that it is possible to innovate and entertain while also being mindful of the planet's future.

As the world faces mounting environmental challenges, Coldplay's proactive stance serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Their efforts to integrate sustainability into their music production and tours show that meaningful change is possible, even in industries traditionally seen as less environmentally friendly.

With "Moon Music," Coldplay continues to push boundaries, not only in their sound but also in their commitment to a more sustainable world.

For more environmental news stories check out our Green Impact section at The Brighter Side of News.


Note: Materials provided above by The Brighter Side of News. Content may be edited for style and length.

Like these kind of feel good stories? Get the Brighter Side of News' newsletter.


Rebecca Shavit is the Good News, Psychology, Behavioral Science, and Celebrity Good News reporter for the Brighter Side of News.