The third annual IMPALA Carbon Calculator report: new vinyl factors, recording studios in the calculation, and a finding that air freight and business travel weigh more than previously thought.
On 19 February 2026, IMPALA, the European association of independent music companies, published the third annual report of its IMPALA Carbon Calculator. The report sums up the independent sector's carbon footprint and describes what changed in the tool during 2025.
The calculator launched in 2022 as the first environmental impact tool built specifically for independent labels. It was developed with Julie's Bicycle, and its methodology follows the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, the most widely used framework for organisational emissions reporting. The work is supported by Merlin, Murmur and IMPALA's EU network grant.
What changed in the calculator
- Vinyl is now measured differently, based on research by the Music Climate Pact and Vinyl Alliance into lifecycle emissions of records.
- Labels can select “Recording Studio” as a building type and include their own or third-party studios.
- The Beyond Carbon survey has a new section on merchandise.
- Reports are easier to generate, and guidance opens directly in the relevant section.
What the data shows
Vinyl manufacturing is still the largest source of emissions. Air freight and business travel, however, make up a larger share of the total footprint than earlier estimates suggested, so labels need a strategy that covers several areas at once.
“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.”
— Richard Phillips, Julie's Bicycle
The report also covers a US pilot run with A2IM and Merlin, the first step towards rolling the calculator out in the world's biggest music market. Other sections deal with Merlin's Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund, which makes the calculator available to more labels worldwide, climate investment, and practical tips on moving from data entry to actual reductions, especially in supply chains and energy.
“The independent sector is well positioned to drive the record industry's transition, and this report provides the foundation to do just that.”
— Peter Quicke, Chair of Ninja Tune and of IMPALA's Sustainability Task Force
For SPILNA members
SPILNA is a member of IMPALA. If your label wants to measure its emissions, get in touch and we will check the access terms with IMPALA.
Read the full announcement on the IMPALA website.
IMPALA's work in 2025–2028 is part of a network programme co-funded by the European Union.