PLAYING OUR PART | At Martin Guitar, caring for the craft goes hand in hand with caring for the world around us. From responsibly sourced tonewoods to innovative alternative materials, we’re committed to making instruments in a way that supports healthy forests and the people who depend on them. That commitment carries through everything we do—reducing waste, improving efficiency, and continually finding better ways to lessen our environmental impact. It’s all part of building guitars and strings that not only sound great today, but help ensure a future where music—and the natural resources behind it—can continue to thrive. We’re always learning, always improving, and always moving forward. And we invite you to be part of that journey.
2025 Impact Report
See how Martin continues to support its people, strengthen its communities, and reduce its environmental impact. Our 2025 Impact Report highlights the progress we’ve made—and the work still ahead—as we build for the future of music.
Read the Full 2025 Impact Report
Sustainability Summit
In 2025, Martin hosted its first-ever Sustainability Summit, bringing together artists, industry leaders, and environmental advocates at our solar-powered Commerce Lane facility in Tatamy, Pennsylvania. Centered around the theme "Setting the Tone: Sustainability in Music & Manufacturing," the event fostered collaboration, education, and shared ideas—all with one goal: building a more sustainable future for music.
Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
Our commitment to reducing waste continues to evolve. In 2025, we repurposed wood falloff into cutting boards, music stands, and even components for new instruments, while expanding the use of recycled materials across cases and packaging. We also recycled over 114 tons of wood scrap and 43.6 tons of cardboard—turning excess into opportunity wherever possible.
Sustainable Instruments
Sustainability continues to shape our designs. In 2025, models like the CEO-11, D Biosphere® III, and Jeff Tweedy signature guitars featured FSC®-certified tonewoods and responsibly sourced materials, combining thoughtful design with environmental responsibility. These instruments reflect how innovation and stewardship can work together—without compromising performance.
Community Impact
Giving back remains central to who we are. In 2025, the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation awarded over $594,750 in grants, while employees supported causes through volunteer efforts, donations, and community programs. From local initiatives to national organizations, we continue to invest in the people and communities that support music.
C. F. Martin & Co.® officially achieved Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework certification for the Martin Biosphere® family of guitars, making the company the first to achieve this certification in the U.S. and only the second worldwide.
We use Richlite® on our instruments as an alternative material for fingerboards and bridges because it is an incredibly durable, sustainable, and versatile material made from paper.
Leading the green music movement since 2004, REVERB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with artists, festivals, and venues to reduce their environmental footprint while empowering music-makers and millions of music lovers to take action on today’s most pressing environmental issues.
We were the first guitar manufacturer to implement an environmental policy in 1990, achieving Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Chain-of-Custody certification (License Code FSC-C008304). Ever since, we have collaborated with numerous environmental organizations as part of our commitment to being good stewards of the planet—because at Martin, every day is Earth Day.
17.5 million
strings recycled
Over 17.5 million strings have been recycled through the Playback program. This collaboration aligns with Martin’s commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility.
We partnered with the Better Battery Company, which developed the first-ever certified carbon-neutral batteries with a seamless recycling program. It simplifies the process of receiving and disposing of batteries while helping make a meaningful difference for the planet we share.