On April 28th, Rega announced the release of a new product line they're calling Rega Green Grade. Rather than boasting a new design or upgraded features, Green Grade consists of Rega's classic products we've all seen before -- but with a twist. The company is furthering their commitment to environmental sustainability with a product line that reduces waste in the production chain.
In the world of turntable manufacturing, as well as most production industries, damaged parts are a considerable challenge. Between transportation, shipping, and assembly, there are many points along the production chain where pieces can be damaged. Sometimes this affects functionality and renders parts unusable, but typically, if a piece is scratched or dented, it's only affected aesthetically.
Manufacturers still must throw these parts out due to consumer expectations that are widely shared in our society. When we buy a new product, we expect an 'A' grade piece of equipment, both functionally and aesthetically. Selling damaged parts, even if they are fully functional, isn't an acceptable practice for manufacturers and distributors. This leads to a lot of waste, with many parts being thrown out for even the most minute aesthetic flaws.
Rega has always been an environmentally conscious brand, with an entire team on their production staff dedicated to recycling and reworking damaged parts. While the team is often able to find use for damaged pieces, it isn't always economical to reword a damaged part, and some material inevitably must be sent to a landfill.
In order to solidify their commitment to waste reduction, Rega launched this new product line. They will use parts that aren't considered cosmetically 'A' grade to build Green Grade turntables. The company admits that this idea was inspired by newly popular companies that are rebranding produce that would typically be discarded due to cosmetic imperfections. Seeing the success of "wonky fruit" business and the rise in awareness of waste in consumerism, Rega decided they could implement a similar practice. The project is a non-profit initiative designed only to save parts from being disposed of.
So, what will Green Grade products look like? Well, although some parts will have cosmetic faults, Rega ensures that all Green Grade products will perform perfectly, and still come with the Limited Lifetime Warranty against functional defects. Green Grade turntables will have to pass the same stringent tests as 'A' grade Planar turntables.
The first two products being released in the Green Grade line are the Planar 1 and the Planar 1 Plus models, rebranded as ECO Decks. The ECO Decks will consist of Planar 1, P1 Plus , P2, and P3 plinths that are scratched or marked (with the appropriate brass bearing fitted for P3 plinths). As available, other Green Grade components will be used, including tonearms and platters that may have cosmetic faults. All ECO Decks will feature 'A' grade carbon cartridges.
In order to differentiate Green Grade turntables, plinths will not be silk screened with a P1 logo, and instead will be fitted with a Rega ECO lid badge, as well as a sticker on the outer carton.
Now, for the question on everyone's mind: how much will the ECO Decks cost?
Consumers are given incentive to buy the new Green Grade turntables via significant discounts. While a standard Planar 1 costs £299 in the UK, Green Grade P1s are retailing for only £199. These will be available in gloss black, gloss white, and gloss red. Green Grade P1 Plus turntables will retail for £229, compared to the normal £385 price. These will be available in gloss black and gloss white. That's all Rega is releasing at this point, but we hope to see more products added to the Green Grade line in the future.
