British rock band Coldplay is set to re-release its entire catalog of nine studio albums on "EcoRecords" made from recycled plastic bottles. This initiative, announced in June 2025, marks a significant step towards environmentally conscious music production and underscores the band’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. The albums will be available as recycled plastic records starting August 15, with pre-orders beginning immediately.
Each EcoRecord will be manufactured using an average of nine discarded plastic bottles, transforming waste that would otherwise pollute landfills and oceans into a tangible and eco-friendly music format. The band's decision aligns with growing pressure across industries to minimize environmental impact and promote circular economy practices.
The complete list of albums being re-released includes: "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). Fans will have the option to purchase each album individually or as a complete set.
Coldplay's journey toward sustainability in music production isn't new. Their tenth album, "Moon Music," released last year, was the first album manufactured as a recycled plastic record made entirely from discarded bottles. The success of this initial venture spurred the band to extend the eco-friendly format to their entire back catalog.
According to Warner Music Group, Coldplay's record label, EcoRecords offer the same high-quality audio experience as traditional vinyl records. However, they are manufactured using 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a lightweight and easily recyclable material. The injection-molding technology used in production reduces carbon emissions by 85% compared to conventional vinyl production. Each 140g LP is crafted from post-consumer recycled bottles that are cleaned, processed into small pellets, and then molded into new records. Coldplay has specifically chosen to use only recycled PET (rPET) for their EcoRecord products.
Jen Ivory, Managing Director at Parlophone Records, emphasized that these recycled plastic records signify more than just a new product. "The shift to EcoRecord LP for their releases is a testament to what's possible when innovation meets intention," she stated. "It's not just about a new product; it's about pioneering manufacturing that significantly reduces environmental impact, providing fans with the same high-quality audio experience while setting a new standard for physical music production.”
Coldplay's commitment to sustainability extends beyond recycled records. Their current "Music Of The Spheres World Tour" has achieved a 59% reduction in carbon emissions compared to their previous tour. The band has employed various strategies to minimize their environmental footprint, including using rechargeable batteries powered by renewable sources for their shows. In 2019, frontman Chris Martin expressed the band's dedication to climate action by stating they would not launch a globe-trotting tour for their album "Everyday Life" until they found a sustainable approach.
The band's efforts have included planting seven million trees, deploying solar-powered river interceptors, and achieving an 86% return rate for their LED wristbands. They have also partnered with green travel providers to encourage fans to use low-carbon transportation to concerts.
Warner Music Group views Coldplay's recycled plastic records as a potential model for the entire music industry. The company hopes that other artists will follow suit and adopt sustainable manufacturing practices. Traditional record production relies on petroleum-based materials and energy-intensive processes that contribute significantly to carbon emissions.
The re-release of Coldplay's albums on EcoRecords is scheduled for August 15, giving the band and their label time to manufacture sufficient quantities to meet the anticipated demand. The clear plastic design and the environmental story behind the records are expected to appeal to both longtime fans and new collectors interested in sustainable products.
