European iIndependent labels trade body IMPALA has released its third annual carbon calculator report.
The latest edition provides an overview of the independent sector’s carbon footprint and an update on the developments made to the tool in 2025.
“Building on the initial reporting identified in the first report and the practical actions outlined in the second report, this third edition marks a significant step forward in creating the most accurate picture of emissions to date and ensuring alignment with current best practices,” said a statement.
Launched in 2022, the IMPALA carbon calculator is the first bespoke environmental impact measurement tool for the independent recorded music sector.
Powered by Julie’s Bicycle, the calculator helps IMPALA’s members measure their carbon footprint with a standardised methodology that is aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) corporate standard, the most widely used framework for reporting organisational greenhouse gas emissions. The tool is supported by Merlin and Murmur as well as IMPALA’s EU network grant.
Key highlights from the new report include:
Vinyl factors: This year’s report details a significant change to how vinyl manufacturing is measured in the IMPALA carbon calculator, following research by the Music Climate Pact and Vinyl Alliance.
Recording studios: Users can now select “Recording Studio” as a building type, allowing labels to record impacts from occupied or third-party studios.
Merchandise: The Beyond Carbon survey has been expanded to include a dedicated section on merchandise to improve recording of environmental actions taken by labels.
User experience and new guidance sources: Improvements to the reporting journey enable labels to quickly access targeted guidance and generate high-quality visual reports that facilitate clear and accurate communication of progress.
The Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund: The report highlights the ongoing partnership with Merlin, whose support through the Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund has been instrumental in making the calculator accessible to a wider range of independent labels globally.
Climate investment & business case: The report offers guidance on climate investment and organisations like Murmur, and outlines the business case for sustainability.
US pilot project: The outcome of the pilot project, launched in the US together with A2IM and Merlin. The project marked the first step towards rolling out IMPALA’s carbon calculator in the world’s biggest music market.
Practical action & industry collaboration: A refreshed suite of practical tips focuses on supply chain management and energy transitions.
Richard Phillips, music lead at Julie’s Bicycle, said: “This third annual report of the IMPALA carbon calculator is a landmark moment for the independent recorded music industry. It provides the most accurate picture to date for the average emissions of an independent label. This follows important updates to how the impacts of vinyl manufacturing are measured, reflecting the latest research by the Music Climate Pact and Vinyl Alliance into lifecycle emissions of vinyl.
“Air freight and business travel make up a larger percentage of the total footprint than previously estimated. While vinyl manufacturing remains the largest source of emissions, the results mean that a holistic sustainability strategy is required to tackle multiple areas head on. With the support of Julie’s Bicycle, the IMPALA Sustainability Programme will help labels build this in for long-term success.”
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