Green Music Australia (AUS), REVERB (USA) and The CSO Shop (USA) have released a new guide designed to help the music industry reduce the environmental and social impacts of merchandise and physical music production.

The free Responsible Merch Guide is a comprehensive resource designed for artists, managers, labels, merch teams and suppliers looking to make better environmental and ethical choices across the full merchandise lifecycle. The guide is released alongside a global supplier directory of businesses offering responsible and ethical solutions in merchandise and physical music. 

Developed through a collaboration between the four organisations, the guide offers clear frameworks and tools covering key areas of production, including:

• Pros and cons of common apparel materials
• Certification breakdowns and what they actually verify
• Fair labor manufacturing considerations
• Lower-impact options for dyeing and printing
• Overproduction and forecasting strategies
• Sustainable vinyl and CD materials and packaging
• Shipping and logistics efficiencies
• Responsible communication and greenwashing risk

The website also includes quick guide resources which summarise the findings into two-page documents that live alongside the main guide as references.

Merchandise and physical music are a central part of the fan experience – from the first band shirt bought at a show to the record sitting proudly on a shelf. These items often carry lasting memories and become part of everyday life for music fans.

For artists, merch is also an important income stream both on and off tour, helping support sustainable careers in music. Physical products also underpin a much wider network across the industry, including labels, managers, merch teams, manufacturers, distributors, online stores and independent record shops.

The guide will continue to be updated as new materials, technologies and supply chain solutions emerge. It was developed by Green Music Australia, REVERB, and CSO Shop, in collaboration with Julie’s Bicycle.

Berish Bilander, CEO, Green Music Australia:
“Artists, managers and labels often face real challenges when trying to make more sustainable choices about merchandise, from complex global supply chains to limited visibility over how products are made and what materials are used. This practical guide brings together independent research and clear guidance in one place, helping the industry make more informed, responsible decisions.”

Madeline Weir, Director of Impact, REVERB
"Merchandise is a core part of culture, the fan experience, and the music industry. But it also comes with environmental and social costs that can be overlooked in the rush of tour life. With the Responsible Merch Guide, we wanted to give artists, managers, and teams a practical tool to make thoughtful choices, so that merch can support both fans and the planet.”

Micki Weiner, Impact Manager, CSO Shop
“We're thrilled to be working with the music industry to help drive systems-level change. Cultural influencers have enormous power to shift norms and expectations, and this guide is about equipping them with the information and tools they need to realize that shift.”

Tenaya King, Climate Change & Sustainability Specialist, Julie’s Bicycle
“When artists make merchandise choices, the impact is amplified by thousands of fans buying into those choices. We're thrilled to support this international collaboration providing artists and labels with straightforward, comprehensive advice for producing more sustainable merch.”

About Green Music Australia

Green Music Australia is a trusted independent non-profit shaping a new generation of climate leaders in music. Working at the intersection of culture and environment, we equip artists and industry workers with the skills, confidence and platform to champion solutions and galvanise audiences toward a just and liveable future. Learn more about us here.

About REVERB

REVERB is the music industry’s leading sustainability partner, mobilizing artists and millions of fans to take action, and supporting the environmental movement. Through its Music Decarbonization Project, REVERB fast-tracks innovative climate solutions to directly eliminate carbon pollution from the music industry, delivering clean power to major festivals and helping implement more sustainable fan travel solutions. Learn more here.

About CSO Shop

The CSO Shop offers fractional sustainability and social impact advisory services to consumer brands, cultural influencers and forward-thinking organizations. We help unlock the power of strategic sustainability and translate it into a driver of value and growth. Learn more here.

About Julie’s Bicycle 

Julie's Bicycle is a pioneering not-for-profit, mobilising the arts and culture to take action on the climate, nature and justice crisis. Founded by the music industry 20 years ago, we continue to support the full spectrum of the industry – live and recorded – to reduce environmental impact, share knowledge, and inspire meaningful change. Learn more here.

Green Music Australia is assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia, the NSW Government through Sound NSW, and supported by the City of Sydney through their Innovation and Ideas Grant.

For interview requests and further information:
Please contact Julianna Toth // Partnerships and Communications Manager
[email protected] // 0423 512 527