“We believe that Australian music is a vital part of life and we want to help musicians make a living from their craft,” shared Kathy Wilson, co-founder of Suitcase Records. The family-run business operates out of Brisbane, Australia, and aims to support local musicians by providing a more sustainable PVC compound to produce high-quality vinyl records.

Suitcase Records was a 2023 winner in the ‘Innovating for environmental sustainability’ category of the Xero Beautiful Business Fund for their initiative, which set a new rhythm in vinyl production for musicians across Australia. We spoke with husband and wife duo Neil and Kathy Wilson to learn more about their story, how they’re putting their winnings to use, and what’s ahead for the business. 

Balancing quality sound with eco-friendly materials

Suitcase Records was founded from surprising origins. Transitioning from corporate careers, both Neil and Kathy decided to leap headfirst into entrepreneurship in midlife, selling their house to fund their venture. “We were about to turn 50, our kids were in the process of leaving home, and we decided it was time for a new adventure,” Kathy mused. 

Balancing business and a commitment to sustainability, Kathy and Neil are both committed to implementing eco-friendly practices and innovative R&D. “Neil and I want to make great music in a sustainable way,” said Kathy. “We set up the factory as sustainably as we could and we were keeping a close eye on developments in low-carbon compounds.”

They had searched for a way to make records that maintained a quality sound without generating a big impact on the environment. This started with testing a few early prototypes, but they found faults in the way they sounded. At last, they managed to balance both, finding a low-carbon PVC compound that significantly reduces CO2 emissions without compromising on sound quality. 

“When we tested the compound we are now using, we couldn’t hear the difference in sound quality but it reduced the CO2 output by 92.5% compared to standard available compounds, so we knew we were onto a winner,” they stated. “We knew this was the one we wanted, but we didn’t have the cash flow to import enough to get us started with our first major order. So when I came across the Xero Beautiful Business Fund, I never dreamt that we would actually win. But I’m so glad we said ‘Why not give it a go?’ And that’s what our submission was all about.”

Striking the right chords with the Xero Beautiful Business Fund

The application process for the Xero Beautiful Business Fund was almost a missed opportunity. “I had got stuck in my head that the video had to be a high-quality production and we needed to script it perfectly,” Kathy recalled. However, the founders opted for authenticity over perfection, submitting a heartfelt video shot just before the deadline. “I grabbed Neil late one afternoon and put the camera in front of him and said, ‘Go.’ We finished the entry in three takes.”

Winning the Xero Beautiful Business Fund gave Suitcase Record a much-needed financial boost. With their winnings, they purchased two tonnes of low-carbon PVC compound, which helped them to start offering the product commercially. The success of these first orders facilitated the purchase of a larger batch, solidifying the demand for eco-friendly records as a viable commercial product and laying the groundwork for future growth. 

“Winning the fund allowed us to move Suitcase Records right into the front of the sustainability movement within the music industry,” said Kathy. “There’s very strong demand to produce music sustainably and this prize made it possible for us to be one of the frontrunners.”

Since the win, Suitcase Records has had artists like Lime Cordiale reach out to place large orders. The band’s recent album Enough of the Sweet Talk was produced using the low-carbon PVC compound. “As a touring band, Lime Cordiale has been trying to reduce their carbon footprint. They heard about what we were doing, and their support really cemented our reputation as innovators in this industry.”

Composing a greener future

With their newfound position as leaders in sustainable music production, Suitcase Records aims to continue innovating and setting new standards in the industry. Neil and Kathy’s remarkable journey is a story about how steadfast dedication to sustainability and a passion for music can make a significant impact.

By turning the tables on traditional vinyl production methods, Suitcase Records is setting a green groove that an entire industry is listening to. Their commitment to sustainable practices, coupled with their support for Australian musicians, ensures Suitcase Records will keep spinning for generations to come.

We’re thrilled to share that the Xero Beautiful Business Fund is back for 2024 and entries are officially open.

The 2023 winners are an incredible group of small businesses and nonprofits who are passionate about solving problems and making an impact in their local communities. We’re spotlighting some of the past winners to hear more about how the fund has impacted their business and helped them achieve their goals. Read stories from other Xero Beautiful Business Fund winners by visiting the Xero blog.

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