Martin Guitar Hosts First-Ever Sustainability Summit, Setting the Tone for a Greener Music Industry

C. F. Martin & Co.® hosted its first-ever Sustainability Summit on October 9, 2025, at the company’s solar-powered Commerce Lane facility in Tatamy, Pennsylvania—just a short drive from its historic Nazareth headquarters. The daylong event, themed “Setting the Tone: Sustainability in Music & Manufacturing,” brought together more than one hundred artists, industry leaders, educators, and sustainability advocates to explore real-world solutions at the intersection of music and environmental responsibility.

Driving Change Through Collaboration

The summit featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, artist-led demonstrations, and live performances, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices across the music and manufacturing industries. Representatives from REVERB, the Forest Stewardship Council®, Sustain Music & Nature, Columbia University’s Climate School, Hearne Hardwoods, Unified Wood Economy, and more shared case studies and actionable strategies for creating lasting environmental impact.

“Martin’s been such a clear leader in sustainability, and that’s what my nonprofit is all about,” said Adam Gardner, co-founder of REVERB and member of the band Guster. “Our approach has always been to meet people where they’re at—whether they’re a fan, manufacturer, artist, or venue—and help them move down the path toward sustainability. It’s a process, not a destination.”

Dylan Siegler, SVP and Head of Sustainability for Universal Music Group, added, “Being here has really opened my eyes to how musical instruments themselves are a mechanism for change. We all form the supply chain of the artist—record labels, manufacturers like Martin, and everyone in between—creating the possibilities that help artists be more sustainable in all of their practices.”

Artists Leading the Way

Throughout the day, attendees experienced firsthand how creativity and sustainability intersect. Gardner and Jacob Tilley of Young the Giant performed live, reinforcing the summit’s mission to inspire sustainable change through music.

Tilley reflected on the urgency of action after years of touring: “As a band, we felt it was our duty to look under the microscope at what we can do better to keep live music available for the next generation. The summit brought together like-minded people to forge relationships and create a path forward for a more sustainable future.”

Kate Micucci, musician, comedian, and actress, led a reclaimed-art and sustainable ukulele demonstration, transforming discarded materials into new creative expression. “I started painting on discarded guitar tops that would’ve been thrown away otherwise,” Micucci shared. “Today reminded me that sustainability is about what we can do daily—and also about making something bigger and more impactful together. The ukulele I played today [a Martin T1 Tenor Uke] was totally sustainable.”

The day also included a special video message from Wilco frontman and Martin signature artist Jeff Tweedy, whose new FSC®-certified signature guitars launched the same day. “Keep making sustainable guitars,” Tweedy said. “It’s great for everybody, and it’s great for business—because what’s better than sustainable? I’m proud to see more of these guitars being made and proud to be part of it.”

Key Insights and Next Steps

Sessions throughout the day explored topics such as responsible tonewood sourcing, carbon-neutral touring, circular economies, and the use of reclaimed and alternative materials. From wood composites made of biodegradable matter to reimagined supply chain partnerships, attendees left inspired by what collaboration can achieve.

“The big takeaway for me,” said Siegler, “is that any network trying to achieve real change needs a strong root system—just like the trees that inspire us. And that’s exactly what we’re building here today.”

Looking Ahead

The Martin Sustainability Summit marks the beginning of a broader, long-term initiative to connect and empower leaders across music, manufacturing, and environmental sectors. “I think today was a reminder that we all know what needs to be done—it’s just about putting it into practice,” Micucci said. “Martin has been doing this for years, and it’s pretty cool to see that commitment inspiring others.”

Martin Guitar extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, artists, and attendees who made the inaugural Sustainability Summit possible—and to the partners and organizations working every day to set the tone for a greener future. For more information on Martin’s sustainability efforts, visit martinguitar.com/sustainability.