Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
In today’s fast-paced world, we rarely stop to think about how we pay for things. Swiping or tapping a card has become second nature, but how often do we consider the environmental cost of these plastic payment methods? As concerns about the planet’s healthy growth, the sustainability of plastic cards is coming under increased scrutiny. Every year, billions of these cards are produced, used briefly and then thrown away. Unfortunately, many of them end up in landfills or are burnt and thereby contributing to the growing problem of plastic waste.
The Environmental Toll of Plastic Payment Cards
Plastic payment cards, typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), present a serious environmental challenge. Although they are designed to be durable and that same durability makes them harmful when they are not properly disposed of. Carelessly discarded cards can release toxic chemicals, gradually damaging the environment. Given the global emphasis on reducing plastic waste and protecting ecosystems, a crucial question arises: Are our current payment methods adaptable enough to align with efforts to protect the planet?
The Call for Sustainable Payment Methods
For years, the environmental impact of plastic cards was a remaining question with no clear answer. However, Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), a global leader in payment technology has taken bold steps to address this issue. Their mission goes beyond simply by changing the way we make payments. They are transforming the very materials used to produce these payment cards. By introducing innovative alternatives like cards made from ocean plastic and biodegradable plant-based options, G+D is making a strong statement about the future of payments. Their goal is clear while plastic payment cards may not disappear entirely, the process of producing and disposing of them is on the verge of a major service.
G+D's Ambitious Vision: A Journey Towards Sustainability
At the heart of G+D’s efforts is a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. This ambitious goal reflects the company’s determination to lead the payment industry toward a more sustainable future. Rather than merely offsetting its carbon footprint, G+D is focused on actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions through green energy use and cleaner production processes. By making these changes, G+D is not only setting an example for others but also demonstrating that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand.
In this new era of environmental awareness, G+D is paving the way for a future where plastic payments are less harmful to the planet, signalling a shift in the way we think about the environmental impact of everyday transactions.
Turning Ocean Plastic Into a Symbol of Change: The Parley Ocean Card
The pollution of the world’s oceans by plastic waste has reached alarming levels, threatening a critical life support system for our planet. In response to this growing environmental issue, Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) has introduced the Convego® Parley Ocean card. This card is made from ocean plastic by offering not just a functional alternative to conventional plastic cards, but also serving as a symbol of change in how we approach environmental responsibility.
A Card Crafted From Recycled Ocean Waste
The Parley Ocean card is produced using recycled materials with at least 75% of the plastic sourced directly from coastal environments, places where plastic waste poses the most immediate threat to marine life. This material is gathered through various global recycling initiatives. What makes this card stand out is its deeper significance—it represents the shift towards more sustainable choices in everyday life. Each time a consumer uses the card then they contribute to the broader fight against ocean pollution, turning every purchase into a small act of environmental conservation.
A Reminder of Our Impact
The design of the Parley Ocean card is not just about practical payment methods; it is a constant reminder of the importance of individual actions. By offering a card made of ocean plastic, G+D sends a powerful message that aligns consumer behaviour with environmental sustainability. With each swipe, the user is reminded of the impact that their daily choices have on the planet. This approach goes beyond the traditional function of a payment card, transforming it into a tool for raising awareness and fostering change in consumer habits.
G+D’s Commitment to Reducing Plastic Waste
G+D's innovation doesn't stop at simply creating a card made from recycled materials. The company has committed to further reducing the environmental footprint of payment cards by examining their entire lifecycle. By partnering with banks and financial institutions, G+D is pushing for widespread changes in how cards are produced, used, and disposed of.
A Greener Future for Payment Cards
One of the major initiatives G+D is involved in is the Greener Payments Partnership (GPP). This collaboration aims to eliminate the use of virgin PVC plastic in card manufacturing by 2030. Virgin plastic, made from new raw materials has a high environmental cost and reducing its usage is a significant step in creating a more sustainable production process.
Recycling and Responsible Disposal
Beyond reducing the use of virgin plastic, G+D is also developing programs to help responsibly recycle old payment cards. Instead of throwing away expired or unused cards, which often end up in landfills or are burnt, G+D encourages banks to participate in recycling programs. These initiatives ensure that even at the end of a card’s life, it can be reused or disposed of in an environmentally friendly way further reducing the overall carbon footprint of the payment card industry.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
G+D's efforts reflect a broader understanding of sustainability. By looking at the entire lifecycle of a payment card—from production to disposal—they are taking a holistic approach to reducing environmental impact. The Parley Ocean card is just one part of this vision, representing both a practical tool and a statement of commitment to protecting the planet. Through continued innovation and collaboration, G+D is helping to reshape the future of payment cards into one that is more environmentally responsible.
The Natural Card: A Biodegradable Innovation
Among G+D's notable advancements in sustainable payment solutions is the Convego® Natural card. This card is distinct from traditional plastic cards because it is made from polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable substance derived from plants.
PLA is changing the game in composting. This remarkable material breaks down completely by leaving no harmful residues behind. The Natural card demonstrates that it is possible to achieve sustainability without compromising on durability or functionality. It matches the reliability of conventional plastic cards while posing significantly less risk to the environment.
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