The Cure are working with NAKED Record Club to bring fans two live tracks as a limited edition 12″ eco vinyl.

Legendary British band, The Cure, announced last week that they were teaming up with NAKED Record Club and music-focussed climate charity, EarthPerecent to release a limited edition eco vinyl. Although pre-orders for the record have already sold out, the potential popularisation of environmentally friendly vinyl is an exciting prospect.

Pre-orders went on sale the very next day after The Cure announced their new eco-friendly offering. Fans had the opportunity to snap up a limited edition double A-side 12″ single titled “NOVEMBRE : LIVE IN FRANCE 2022”. The record features live recordings of the songs, “And Nothing Is Forever” and “I Can Never Say Goodbye”. The transparent black vinyl was available for €25, with 100 copies personally signed by frontman, Robert Smith. These super limited edition eco vinyl were on pre-sale at €250, with all net profits going to EarthPercent.

What exactly is eco vinyl?

What makes these eco vinyl so eco? The band explained in their announcement that: “The sustainable vinyl used by Naked Record Club Uses a ground-breaking injection-moulding machine that is estimated to use 80-90% less electricity than traditional vinyl pressing machines.”

With environmental sustainability and great music at the heart of what NAKED Record Club does, the label is committed to delivering unique listening experiences while minimising its impact on the planet. From chemicals relating to PVC production, to intensive energy usage, there are a number of environmental issues linked to traditional vinyl records. NAKED Record Club uses PET – the most recyclable non-toxic plastic in the world – as well as innovative technology to produce its records.

Why do we need environmentally friendly records?

Traditional PVC vinyl records can take an estimated 1000 years to decompose. You may think that you want to hang onto your record collection forever, but you certainly won’t need it a millennia from now. Around 99% of newly produced vinyl records contain toxic chemicals and cannot be recycled, on top of this.

The vinyl resurgence continues to gather speed, thanks to the likes of Taylor Swift and bands like Blur and The Rolling Stones. As this physical format becomes increasingly popular with a young, new demographic of music fans, thought needs to be given to how we can protect the planet. Choosing to purchase eco vinyl can reduce harmful emissions and help to mitigate vinyl’s negative impact on the environment. But first, we need this forward-thinking version of vinyl to become much more widespread.

What can independent artists do to help?

Independent artists and musicians seeking to champion sustainability in music have a number of options. Aside from purchasing eco vinyl and supporting the popularisation of this more sustainable physical format, there are several ways artists can incorporate sustainability into their careers.

  1. Eco-friendly merch: Choosing sustainable materials and manufacturing processes for merchandise helps reduce an artist’s carbon footprint. Think band tees made from recycled materials, or using recyclable and natural packaging.
  2. Sustainable touring: Opting for greener transport can help reduce the negative environmental impact of touring, which can be a major source of emissions. Additionally, adopting a more planet-friendly diet during tours is a simple but important contribution.
  3. Environmentally conscious venues: When booking shows, look for venues that share your ideals around sustainability. These venues might predominantly use solar power, or have banned the use of harmful plastics and non-recyclable materials.

The 5000 individually numbered copies of LIVE IN FRANCE 2022 will be released on the 1st of October 2024. If you weren’t lucky enough to bag yourself an eco vinyl this time, take a look at some of the other records available from NAKED Record Club.

If you’re keen to increase your contributions to a greener music industry, remember that every little helps. Start with small changes, encourage your peers, and don’t give up! You can also check out these music-focussed sustainability and environmental charities for inspiration: