D’Addario, a renowned manufacturer of strings for guitars and orchestral instruments, has taken a groundbreaking step towards sustainability with its innovative program, Playback. Since its launch in 2015, Playback has been repurposing used guitar and orchestral strings in partnership with recycling company TerraCycle, keeping over 1.5 million pounds of strings out of landfills each year.
Through Playback, metal strings are smelted into new alloys, while nylon strings are recycled for industrial plastic applications. The program has already recycled almost 13 million strings, drawing attention from big names in the music industry like U2, My Morning Jacket, and Young the Giant, who have supported the initiative through donations and partnerships.
In 2022, D’Addario introduced World String Change Day to encourage consumers to try new strings and accessories, with the event returning for its third year on June 6. The company also leads drives for donating used instruments to in-need students, as highlighted in the Academy Award-winning documentary, “The Last Repair Shop.”
Despite facing logistical challenges and rising costs, D’Addario remains committed to expanding Playback globally in the coming years. Brian Vance, D’Addario’s vp of fretted strings and accessories, emphasizes the importance of putting the planet above profit in the face of an existential crisis.
With a mission to prioritize sustainability and music education, D’Addario continues to lead the way in the industry, setting an example for others to follow.