IMPALA‘s sustainability task force has selected FÉLIN (the French National Federation of Independent Labels and Distributors) and its record recycling initiative, ReDisco, as the latest Organisation with a Cause, marking the start of EU Green Week.
ReDisco was founded in 2023 following the introduction of France’s AGEC 2022 law, which prohibits the destruction of unsold records. The programme enables labels, distributors, cultural spaces and bookstores to recycle unwanted CDs, vinyl and DVDs, repurposing them into everyday objects or new vinyl. To date, it has collected and given a second life to 1.2 million records from 60 participating stakeholders across the recorded music industry.
From June 2026, ReDisco will open to the general public for the first time, with collection boxes for vinyl, CDs and DVDs installed throughout France.
Céline Lepage, Executive Director of FÉLIN, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by the IMPALA sustainability task force. With ReDisco, we aim to offer a sustainable national solution for the entire sector and to expand this model across Europe and internationally for a greener global industry. This recognition will help us towards achieving our aim.”
Helen Smith, IMPALA Executive Chair, added: “ReDisco proves that independent players are at the forefront when it comes to driving change. Ensuring that innovative initiatives get the recognition they deserve in Europe is essential to building a more sustainable and responsible music ecosystem for the future.”
Organisation with a Cause scheme
The Organisation with a Cause scheme is co-funded by the European Union through IMPALA’s EU network grant. It promotes collaboration on shared messaging with sector-led initiatives working on equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) and environmental sustainability. The scheme is part of IMPALA’s broader work programme as a recognised EU cultural network and aims to amplify the work of organisations driving systemic change. It aligns with key milestones such as European Diversity Month and EU Green Week, using these moments to raise awareness and encourage wider action.
IMPALA’s sustainability programme
IMPALA began its sustainability work in 2019 and launched a task force in early 2020. Its sustainability programme, published in April 2021 and reviewed in November 2022, includes a bespoke carbon calculator, practical guidance for members, and voluntary targets for the European independent music sector. The programme is supported by the Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund in association with Merlin, the climate investment charity Murmur, and IMPALA’s EU network project.
IMPALA represents more than 6,000 independent music companies across Europe. Small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists account for 99% of Europe’s music companies, producing over 80% of all new releases and 80% of the sector’s jobs.
