Back in 2021, Warner Music Group joined a collective of the world’s largest and independent record companies to form the Music Industry Climate Pact, a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, and achieve a 50% reduction by 2030 through Science Based Targets.
Last week, Warner Music declared that its near-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets had formally been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, putting the label well and truly on that path towards a more sustainable future for the record company.
As a part of its journey towards net zero by 2050, WMG has now established ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes, committing to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions 54.6% by 2033 from a 2023 base year. It has also committed to reduce absolute scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution as well as business travel by 32.5% within the same timeframe.
“The SBTi’s validation of our targets underscores WMG’s commitment to leading the way in climate action,” said Olga LaBelle, Vice President, ESG, Warner Music Group. “WMG is making meaningful strides toward reducing our carbon footprint as part of our broader strategy to inspire artists and songwriters, fans, and the broader music industry to take action on climate change.”
The SBTi enables companies worldwide to actively contribute to combating the climate crisis by leveraging rigorous climate science and data. Science Based Targets are greenhouse gas emission reduction goals aligned with the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
WMG’s primary source of scope 1 and 2 emissions stem from on-site combustion, cooling, heating, natural gas, and purchased electricity. These emissions represent less than 5% of the company’s total annual emissions. The majority of Warner Music Group’s emissions fall under scope 3, with the most material categories consisting of purchased goods and services, capital goods, upstream transportation and distribution, and downstream transportation.
Earlier this year, Warner Music Group committed to sourcing 100% renewable energy across its global operations by 2030. To support its ambitious climate goals, the company spearheaded the development of the industry’s first 140g Vinyl Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a critical tool for understanding and reducing the environmental impact of vinyl records throughout their production journey. Further solidifying its commitment to sustainable innovation, the company unveiled the EcoRecord, a groundbreaking LP crafted from recyclable PET, the world’s most commonly recycled plastic.
Sustainability in merchandise and licensing
In an interview with Products of Change earlier this month, Alex Mitchell, licensing and record retail account director at WMX – Warner Music Group’s dedicated retail and merchandising arm noted that sustainability now lay “at the heart” of every consideration when developing licensing partnerships and licensed consumer product “right alongside creative and commercial reasons.”
“We’re finding artists simply won’t entertain deals that don’t have sustainability at the centre of the project,” said Alex.
The list of artists playing a more leading role in the sustainability credentials of their licensed merchandise programmes is growing rapidly, with names like Billie Eilish and Coldplay making headlines for their pioneering approaches to industry progression. However, just as strong in their demands are the consumers now growing more conscientious and discerning with where they place their money.
“It is important to musicians, and therefore it’s an important part of their merchandising programmes,” says Alex. “But it’s also an unavoidable requirement from both retailers and consumers alike.”
Earlier this month, WMX was shortlisted for the Best Sustainable Licensed Product award within this year’s Licensing Awards role-call of finalists, championed for a pioneering co-branded partnership between Forest Green Rovers and Grateful Dead. The clothing collection – developed by the ethical clothing brand I Dress Myself – will be on display in the ‘finalists’ showcase at the Products of Change booth A265 at Brand Licensing Europe this week.
