Warner Music Group

The music industry leader’s moves could help drive environmental reforms in the paper industry.

Warner Music Group (WMG), one of the world’s “big four” music companies, is using its purchasing power to drive environmental reforms in the paper market. Working with NRDC, the music giant has engaged its manufacturing partners to green the entire supply chain for its paper products – including the paper used in all standard CDs and DVDs as well as its office and printing paper.

WEA Corp., Warner Music Group Corp.'s U.S. sales and retail distribution company, committed to buying paper for its CD and DVD inserts made from recycled fiber and wood harvested by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified vendors. This will help preserve critical environmental assets in the battle against global climate change and biodiversity loss. WMG sent out its business to bid to a select group of suppliers, identified in collaboration with NRDC and the company’s printer Ivy Hill/Cinram, that offered paper with 30 percent recycled content and FSC wood fiber. WMG’s move represents a pioneering step in moving the music industry toward environmentally preferable packaging.

“Environmentally responsible behavior is good for corporate America: it’s smart ecology and smart economics,” said John Esposito, President and CEO of WEA Corp. “It lowers the costs of paper procurement and waste. And it strengthens employee morale. There is no downside to being friendly to the planet.”

Arthur Kern, President of Ivy Hill, said the contract marks a landmark for his company. "We offer special thanks to the NRDC. Their guidance has brought us closer to our goal of providing the entertainment industry with the most environmentally-responsible printing and packaging materials available."