In a move applauded by environmentalists and music lovers alike, Coldplay has announced the re-release of nine of their previous albums on EcoRecords, a sustainable vinyl alternative made from recycled plastic bottles. The reissued LPs are scheduled for release on August 15th and represent a significant step in the band's ongoing commitment to sustainability within the music industry.

The albums set to be re-released in this eco-friendly format include: Parachutes (2000), A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), X&Y (2005), Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), Mylo Xyloto (2011), Ghost Stories (2014), A Head Full of Dreams (2015), Everyday Life (2019), and Music of the Spheres (2021). Notably, Coldplay's most recent album, Moon Music (2023), was the first to be released as an EcoRecord, setting the stage for this broader initiative.

EcoRecords are manufactured using 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a lightweight and easily recyclable material. Each 140-gram LP utilizes approximately nine recycled PET plastic bottles recovered through post-consumer recycling. The bottles are cleaned, processed into small pellets, and then molded into new records through injection-molding technology. This innovative process significantly reduces carbon emissions, reportedly by 85%, compared to traditional vinyl production methods. Coldplay has committed to using only recycled PET (rPET) for all their EcoRecord products, further emphasizing their dedication to environmental responsibility.

Coldplay's commitment to sustainability extends beyond EcoRecords. Their 'Music Of The Spheres World Tour' has demonstrated a significant reduction in its carbon footprint, achieving a 59% decrease to date through various initiatives, including solar-powered stages, kinetic energy floors, and tree-planting programs. In 2021, the band's tour was recognized as one of the most carbon-neutral tours ever undertaken.

Jen Ivory, Managing Director at Parlophone, Coldplay's record label, expressed pride in partnering with the band on this initiative. She stated that the shift to EcoRecord LPs exemplifies what is possible when innovation aligns with intention. According to Warner Music Group, EcoRecords sound and look the same as traditional vinyl records, but are developed with the circular economy in mind. Ivory emphasized that this is not just about a new product, but about pioneering manufacturing processes that significantly reduce environmental impact while providing fans with a high-quality audio experience, setting a new standard for physical music production.

While Coldplay has made considerable strides in making their tours more eco-friendly, frontman Chris Martin acknowledged in a 2021 BBC Radio 2 interview that there is still "quite a long way to go" to achieve a fully sustainable approach to performing worldwide. He noted the band's collaboration with various brands to minimize their environmental impact, underscoring their ongoing efforts to improve their sustainability practices.