A small step in the right direction
“As part of our social impact agenda, we’re working hard to promote sustainable development and to have a positive impact on society. We’re well aware that our more eco-friendly payment cards aren’t going to solve the world’s climate challenges, but they are a small step in the right direction. And it’s yet one more measure in the range of eco-friendly initiatives that Danske Bank is currently implementing,” says René Thejsen, Head of Cards & Consumer Payment at Danske Bank.

Each year, around six billion payment cards are produced worldwide, and this number is further augmented by all the other types of plastic cards such as gift cards and key cards. Making the transition to more eco-friendly produced cards offers a huge potential for saving the environment from the burden of large amounts of non-degradable plastics.

New pocket money first
Initially, the new more eco-friendly cards will be launched for Danske Bank’s Pocket Money solution, which is aimed at children between 8 and 14 years of age.

After a trial period, the new recycled plastic cards will begin to replace the standard plastic payment cards –both Visa/Dankort and Mastercard – for all customers. This will be achieved through the issuance of new cards and by the ongoing replacement of cards that expire – existing plastic payment cards will continue to be used by customers until they are due for replacement.

“We will of course be carrying out thorough testing of the new more eco-friendly cards to ensure that they match the same quality and are as durable as standard plastic payment cards. Once this has been completed, it will be really encouraging to know that also in this area we can contribute to the improved recyclability of plastics – and that by doing so, we can contribute to a better environment,” says René Thejsen.