Santander Brazil introduces credit cards crafted from recycled plastics
Santander, a leading European bank, has announced an accelerated rollout of eco-friendly cards across several countries in the region. By 2025, all debit, credit, and pre-paid cards in Poland, Portugal, Spain, and the UK will be made of sustainable materials.
The initiative forms part of Santander's commitment to environmental sustainability and its goal to achieve zero net carbon emissions across the group by 2050, supporting the climate change goals set in the Paris Agreement.
In addition to the European rollout, Santander banks are also planning to distribute recycled plastic cards in Spain. This move is part of a broader commitment to sustainability and improving the planet, as highlighted in an announcement involving Mastercard and Banco Santander.
Rogerio Panca, head of Cards at Santander Brazil, stated that the cards' design and format remain unchanged, ensuring quality and durability. The project will start with sending recycled cards to customers who work in companies linked to Santander that follow ESG practices.
The initiative will begin with the distribution of the SX card, Santander Brazil's best-seller, and the Elite card. Santander aims to replace all debit and credit cards with recycled ones, which could potentially reduce CO2 emissions by up to 109 tonnes and plastic waste by almost 50 tonnes.
Santander also encourages customers to recycle their current cards and discard plastic waste properly. In fact, the bank will distribute 1,500 recycled PVC cards to customers starting Q1 2022.
Meanwhile, Santander Portugal is transforming expired cards into street furniture. This innovative approach not only promotes sustainability but also reduces waste.
Moreover, Santander aims to channel €220 billion by 2030 to aid customers in transitioning to a green economy. This ambitious goal underscores the bank's commitment to a sustainable future.
The new cards will be distributed when old cards are reissued or when new customers join the bank and request "Elite" and "SX" cards. As the rollout continues, Santander is set to lead the way in eco-friendly banking practices across Europe.
Santander's plans due to its commitment to environmental sustainability extend beyond eco-friendly cards, as it aims to channel €220 billion by 2030 to aid customers transitioning to a green economy, supporting the overall goal of a sustainable future. Furthermore, in the field of environmental science, the bank is exploring innovative methods to mitigate climate change, such as transforming expired cards into street furniture in Portugal, reducing waste while promoting sustainability.
