All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Around the world, it’s estimated that more than one billion single-use plastic bottles are used every day. That’s about 600 billion per year. These numbers are staggering, so Hydro Flask and Universal Music Group (UMG) are joining forces to reduce plastic water bottles used within music spaces.
UMG announced a new partnership with Hydro Flask to integrate hydration stations and reusable drinkware throughout the music company’s global network of studios, songwriting sessions and events in an effort to curb single-use waste. By supporting this network, Hydro Flask becomes part of the moments where ideas are exchanged and songs are developed, reinforcing its role in supporting music spaces. The partnership officially launched at Abbey Road’s Studio Two in London, with a special performance from Sekou on June 1.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to reducing environmental impact within the everyday creative lives of artists and teams,” says Naomi McMahon, executive vice president of global marketing & partnerships, Universal Music Group For Brands in a statement. “By bringing reusable products and refill solutions directly into our studios, Hydro Flask is helping reduce waste in a real and practical way. When environmental responsibility is built into the spaces where music is made, artists can stay focused on creating while knowing their choices are helping protect the planet.”
In the first year of the partnership, UMG hopes to eliminate more than 10,000 single-use bottles and cups, thus reducing studio and creative space waste by up to 80%, companywide. Hydro Flask x UMG believes this effort can be achieved with the introduction of more than 2,000 reusable bottles.
Dan Massie
“Our partnership with Universal Music Group brings our mission to life in a space where culture is created and shared with the world,” adds Larry Witt, president of Hydro Flask. “By making reusable bottles and refill solutions part of the music ecosystem, we’re fueling the creative process, empowering artists to create with intention while reducing single-use waste.”
Meanwhile, Hydro Flask and UMG are set to release a new collection of exclusive bottles, mugs, tumblers and other products. It features studio-inspired designs, including East Iris Studios in Nashville, Chelsea Studios in New York City and Los Angeles, Abbey Road in London and Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, as well as collections cocreated with recording artists, such as Gigi Perez and Sekou.
“Artists are at the heart of everything we do at UMG, and the studio environments we create for them should reflect our values,” says Dylan Siegler, svp, head of sustainability at UMG. “This partnership helps embed our commitment to positive impact into the creative process.”
Learn more about Hydro Flask x Universal Music Group here.
