Bye Bye Plastic Foundation has joined forces with Gigwell, the leading booking and tour management platform. DJ and producer BLOND:ISH founded the nonprofit to eliminate plastics from the music industry. Together, they’re bringing Eco-Rider 2.0 sustainable touring mainstream.

Through this partnership, Gigwell’s global network gains access to the new Eco-Rider 2.0. Consequently, over 100,000 touring artists, managers, and booking agents can now seamlessly opt-in. Furthermore, they can include Bye Bye Plastic’s signature sustainability rider directly into their booking process.

The Eco-Rider 2.0 sustainable touring initiative empowers artists with environmentally-friendly hospitality requirements. Specifically, artists can request these at venues and festivals where they perform. As a result, this influences promoters and event organizers to transition toward greener alternatives.

The foundation’s original Eco-Rider launched in 2019. Since then, more than 1,500 DJs and performers worldwide have adopted it. Through partnerships with organisers, it has prevented 325,000+ single-use plastic bottles from entering circulation. Additionally, it has eliminated 425,000+ cups.

Meanwhile, the new Eco-Rider 2.0 offers a comprehensive toolkit. This includes resources, educational content, and empowered networking spaces for artists and teams alike.

“As touring artists, the small choices we make every day add up. Eco-Rider 2.0 gives my team clear, practical steps to lower our footprint, and when artists, venues and crews align around it, making better choices becomes the default backstage.” Sam Feldt, Artist

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The Environmental Impact of Live Entertainment

The environmental cost of live entertainment is significant. For example, in the UK alone, the live industry emits above 400,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually (source).

However, the Eco-Rider 2.0 sustainable touring program helps artists and agencies drastically cut these numbers. Moreover, the initiative sparks long-term change in event sustainability.

“When I started using the eco rider, 100% of my events were using plastic,” BLOND:ISH says. “Now I’m down to 20%. And not even just in the DJ booth, but the actual entire event is single-use plastic-free.”

Gigwell’s Commitment to Sustainable Touring

Gigwell has already embedded sustainability into its technology powering global bookings. Notably, their Productivity Suite and Talent Buyer Pro platforms help agents and venues book and manage talent. These software systems offer an e-signature contract and payment system to eliminate paper waste.

In addition, Gigwell’s Tour IQ addresses the core of tour sustainability. This global venue database and tour routing software allows agents to minimize travel-related emissions. Specifically, it identifies efficient booking routes and nearby venue options.

“We’re so inspired by the mission of Bye Bye Plastic,” said Jeremie Habib, CEO and co-founder of Gigwell. “We’re motivated to activate our 87,000+ artists and 2500+ agencies to adopt the Eco-Rider 2.0. With our reach, we can help thousands more artists and booking agents take collective action to protect the planet.”

Industry-Wide Support for Eco-Rider 2.0

Support for this new chapter of sustainable touring is coming from across the music world. Notably, artists such as BLOND:ISH, Sam Feldt, VNSSA, Madame Gandhi, Deer Jade, Yulia Niko, and Mia Moretti are joining the movement. Similarly, they’re aligned with Advisory Board members Chambord, Apache and Luzi Tudor.

Meanwhile, agencies like EMPIRE, Dirtybird, and Protocol Agency are spearheading this wave of change to the touring sector. Furthermore, Lady of the House, the global alliance progressing dance music by championing women, notably supports these endeavours.

In addition, organizers will host several webinars and sessions for diverse stakeholders of this 2.0 package. For instance, this includes an upcoming AFEM Live crafted for members on Wednesday, November 12th.

“At EMPIRE & Dirtybird, we’ve always believed music can spark movements,” says Moody Jones, GM EMPIRE Dance / DIRTYBIRD. “Partnering with Gigwell to support the Eco-Rider 2.0 is a natural extension of that mission, because building culture means building responsibly. Every plastic-free show is proof that the industry can align artistry with action, and we’re excited to be part of pushing that change forward.”

Amsterdam Dance Event Launch

The official Eco-Rider 2.0 sustainable touring launch takes place on October 22nd at Amsterdam Dance Event. During this event, Bye Bye Plastic Foundation and Gigwell will host an ADE Pro ShortCut panel presentation. Additionally, they’ll open up dialogue with industry bodies to explore how Eco-Rider 2.0 can be scaled.

Following the launch, the toolkit will become available to artists and agencies worldwide. Ultimately, it’s designed for professionals who want to join the growing network reshaping the way live music impacts the planet.

Learn more at: www.gigwell.com/eco-rider