Copenhagen-based audio design company AIAIAI has unveiled the world’s first headphones created from recycled vinyl made in partnership with Ninja Tune.
AIAIAI has announced the world’s first headphone, the TMA-2 Ninja Tune Edition, which has been manufactured from recycled vinyl. Made in collaboration with Ninja Tune (Bonobo, Sampa The Great, and Little Dragon), the TMA-2 is now available.
The two companies are united by a shared focus on environmental responsibility. AIAIAI x Ninja Tune represents a joint commitment to ‘doing things better‘, in terms of their impact on the world culturally and environmentally.
According to recent reports, 85% of the world’s consumer electronics waste (e-waste) is sent to landfills and incinerators. This figure is growing annually, and, in 2019 consumers created 53 million metric tons – a 21% increase within 5 years (of which 15 tons per annum is estimated to consist of headphones).
In turn, vinyl records are manufactured from a PVC granulate derived from fossil fuels and are toxic when deposited into landfill.
Building on the AIAIAI TMA-2 headphone’s modular approach it was a natural progression for this collaboration to experiment with Ninja Tune’s main resource – vinyl. The result is the first TMA-2 Ninja Tune Edition headphones speaker units using recycled vinyl.
AIAIAI are committed to reducing waste. In 2020, AIAIAI launched new packaging made entirely from recycled materials and minimised the dimensions and weight with an upgraded design, the total packaging CO2 footprint was reduced by 80%.
By designing for longevity, and with modularity, AIAIAI’s products can be upgraded as technology or needs evolve, extending their functional lifetime, and keeping them out of landfill.
“People need to buy fewer headphones and consumer electronics – and companies like ours must accept this. Finding ourselves in an industry that can be at times comparable to “fast fashion” that contributes significant numbers to landfill, minimising the amount of waste has been one of our priorities. Our modular designs allow our users to easily upgrade parts of their headphones as their needs and technology evolves or repair them. This has allowed our product life to be extended in ways we couldn’t have imagined, and generate less waste.” commented AIAIAI co-founder Frederik Jørgensen.
Ninja Tune’s Senior Designer Joe Durnan states “This collaboration is not the final answer but more so an example of how working towards greener solutions can lead to innovative and exciting results. This project is an opportunity to continue to shine a light on an increasingly pressing global issue.”
The AIAIAI TMA-2 Ninja Tune Edition headphones have a customised sound based on AIAIAI’s Bio-Cellulose S05 drivers, and allows both on-ear and over-ear vegan leather cushions. A full charge gives 20 hours of wireless audio via Bluetooth 5.0.
AIAIAI’s TMA-2 Ninja Tune Edition headphones are available now from selected retailers and online for €250/$250/£220.