Coldplay has been making waves not just with their music but with their environmental efforts. One of the most notable is their dedication to fighting plastic pollution.
The band has teamed up with The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organisation that tackles plastic waste in rivers, transforming their commitment into action. Their latest album, Moon Music, features vinyl records made from recycled plastic waste, and the story behind it is as remarkable as the music itself.
These special vinyls are crafted from plastic collected from some of the most polluted rivers in the world, including the Klang River in Malaysia and the Cisadane River in Indonesia. At one point, the Klang River was ranked among the 50 most polluted rivers globally, but thanks to Coldplay’s involvement, there’s hope for its recovery. The band has supported the deployment of Interceptors, advanced machines designed to extract plastic waste from rivers before it flows into the ocean. In Malaysia, Interceptor 002 operates behind Masjid Bandar Diraja Klang, and Interceptor 005 is stationed near Jambatan Parang in Port Klang, working tirelessly to clean the waterways.
Each vinyl record of Moon Music is made from nine plastic bottles collected from these rivers, giving new life to discarded waste. In an interview on October 3rd with QVC Live, Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin revealed this initiative, showing how the band’s passion for sustainability has shaped not just their tour practices but their products as well. The vinyls are translucent, a visual reminder of the plastic pollution problem that’s being addressed.
Coldplay’s eco-conscious approach goes beyond just their music. By actively supporting projects that combat plastic pollution, they’re raising awareness of the issue, particularly in Southeast Asia, where river waste is a major contributor to ocean pollution.
The Ocean Cleanup, founded by Dutch inventor Boyan Slat, has expanded its operations globally, including in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and the Dominican Republic, in addition to Malaysia and Indonesia.
This project is a shining example of how innovative solutions can turn waste into something meaningful. Coldplay’s use of recycled materials for their album not only helps clean the environment but also spreads an important message. It encourages fans and the global community to take action in the fight against plastic pollution.
Every vinyl purchased is more than just a collector’s item — it’s a symbol of hope for a cleaner, greener future.
