Brussels, 2 June 2026

Through our Organisation with a Cause scheme – co-funded by the European Union through our EU network grant – IMPALA’s sustainability task force is proud to collaborate with FÉLIN-led record recycling initiative, ReDisco.

Founded in 2023 by FÉLIN, the French National Federation of Independent Labels and Distributors, following the introduction of the AGEC 2022 law prohibiting the destruction of unsold records in France, ReDisco facilitates the ecological transition of the recorded music sector for all its players: labels, distributors, cultural spaces and bookstores with record sections, by providing a record (CDs, vinyl and DVDs) recycling programme to repurpose unsold/unwanted records into everyday objects or be made into new vinyl.

ReDisco’s mission is to protect the planet while rethinking how the music industry manages its inventory. To date, the project has collected, recycled and given a second life to 1.2 million unwanted records from sixty participating stakeholder labels and distributors across the entire recorded music industry. Learn more about how the process works here.

From June 2026, ReDisco will be opening its door to individuals for the first time. The general public will be able to drop off vinyl records, CDs and DVDs in specially installed collection boxes throughout France. Learn more here.

Céline Lepage, Executive Director of FÉLIN commented: “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.”

About Organisation with a Cause
IMPALA’s EU-funded scheme is aimed at promoting collaboration on shared messaging with sector-led initiatives working on equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and environmental sustainability. It is part of IMPALA’s broader work programme as a recognised EU cultural network and is for selected organisations making a meaningful impact across Europe. The aim is to help amplify shared objectives through the work of organisations already active on the ground, helping promote initiatives that inspire systemic change. The overall aims are promoting awareness of climate action within the music sector and communicating and disseminating messages that are aligned with IMPALA’s network values. The scheme also aligns with key sector milestones such as European Diversity Month and EU Green Week, using these moments to amplify awareness and encourage wider action. In parallel, IMPALA will launch dedicated social media campaigns highlighting key resources, showcasing best practices, and reinforcing the role of Europe’s independent music sector in social and environmental transformation.

About IMPALA’s Sustainability Programme
IMPALA’s work in this area started in 2019 when we joined MDE’s declaration of emergency and started a task force early 2020 to help members move forward in a standardised way via our programme and tools. IMPALA’s sustainability programme was published in April 2021 and reviewed in November 2022. The programme includes IMPALA’s bespoke carbon calculator, practical guidance for members, the business case for sustainability, climate investment advice for emissions that can’t be reduced and more, and sets an overall goal for the European independent music sector, with voluntary targets and voluntary tools, see more below. IMPALA’s work is supported by the Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund in association with Merlin, the climate investment charity Murmur and also through IMPALA’s EU network project. IMPALA also uses its voice to call for the EU to invest in clean energy solutions at scale and support sector pathways to help meet EU Green Deal targets. 

About IMPALA
IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents over 6000 independent music companies in Europe. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change, and increase access to finance. IMPALA works on a range of key issues for its members and started a new co-funded work programme as an EU cultural network in 2025. IMPALA runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the European independent sector – Friends of IMPALA. This year we are celebrating our 25th anniversary with a series of interviews Faces of the Independent Sector and other features, see more here.