With so many questions about about ecological sustainability being raised, Key figures from the manufacturing industry will come together to explore various aspects related to making vinyl production more environmentally friendly. The panelists will focus on discussing innovative technologies and practices that can reduce energy consumption, carbon footprint, and waste associated with vinyl manufacturing. They will delve into the latest research advancements in developing new materials for vinyl production, with a specific emphasis on exploring options that are not derived from crude oil and can be biologically produced. They will also explore ways to avoid greenwashing within the vinyl industry and promote genuine sustainable solutions. By uniting ancient technology with environmental responsibility, the panel aims to foster a dialogue that drives the vinyl industry towards a more sustainable future.
Andreas Kohl (Keyproduction)
Andreas works for Keyproduction, a UK-based manufacturing broker, helping labels to release their music on vinyl and other formats. Keyproduction works with a great variety of pressing plants, printing houses and mastering facilities. Andreas is Keyproduction's European Operations Manager and consultant for all things vinyl: quality, sustainability, manufacturing questions. He has helped getting sounds to records for renowned artists such as My Bloody Valentine, Aphex Twin, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Idles, Autechre, Brian Eno, to name a few. With over 30 years experience in the music business, working as publicist, tour and festival organiser and sales manager he has pretty much worked in every field of the industry. He furthermore works as journalist for the German vinyl-only magazine MINT and runs his own label Exile On Mainstream.
Gerben Tieltjes (PlastChem)
PlastChem are the market leader in vinyl record compounds, the raw plastic that your records are being pressed from. Making premium PVC compounds for all applications, but especially for vinyl records is their business. PlastChem is all about being passionate for the products they make. Their recently introduced BioVinyl, a plastic made from natural sources, is one of the first really groundbreaking innovations in the long history of vinyl records.
Karen Emanuel (Keyproduction)
Karen started off her music and entrepreneurial journey as Events Sec at Leeds University, DJ-ing and booking Indie bands. Her love of music led her to a short career at Rough Trade Distribution where she started as a receptionist and ended up as Head of Production. Karen started Key Production back in 1990. Through several acquisitions Key has become the largest broker in Europe a team of 60 plus people across various sites, specializing in vinyl, CD, DVD and cassette mnaufacture, bespoke packaging, global sourcing, project management and high-end promotional items for both music and other industries. Not content with just running her companies, Karen now mentors as well as working with the business school in Leeds, helping to inspire future entrepreneurs.
Karla Rogozar (Impala Sustainability Task Force)
Karla is the Network Development, Sustainability and Project Manager at IMPALA, the European association of independent record labels, based in Brussels. 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. Karla is the lead person on sustainability topics at IMPALA, including IMPALA's bespoke carbon calculator and on IMPALA's network development activities, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, providing support to (future) members in the region.
Thorsten Megow (Optimal Media)
Optimal Media is one of the biggest manufacturers for vinyl records on the planet. Thorsten has been with optimal since 1991 and made his way through all the optical disc formats, their replication, pre-mastering, glassmastering, authoring, patent licensing, etc.. He now works as a quality assurance manager and ranks as one of the most renowned the whole industry. In his own words he claims: "Music in general terms is an experience for more than just our sense of hearing and so is vinyl! Manufacturing vinyl is an intense experience and at the same time requires to pay attention to subtle details and best of all: Vinyl is people! Vinyl can't be created without people who team-up and care."
Ruben Planting (Deepgrooves)
Ruben has been working within the music industry for 12+ years. Worked as an artists manager, event promoter, booker, production manager, labels manager and store manager; Ruben has now been working for Deepgrooves since the start in 2017. Started at the record store and label Deeptrax Records he is now responsible for the commercial side of the Deepgrooves Vinyl Pressing Plant. Working with a wonderful group of people at the plant and specialising from the sustainability working group, always aiming for the best quality records for the best labels in the world is what drives his passion.
Information
Times: 11:30-12:30
Location: PHIL, Van Beinumzaal
This session is accessible for Vinyl Culture and Weekend Pass ticket holders, available here.