BOQ becomes first Australian bank to issue debit cards made from recycled plastic
Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has today become the first bank in Australia to issue debit cards made from recycled materials to its customers. The move will see more than half a million new cards made from industrial waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfill.
BOQ has worked with Melbourne-based manufacturer, Placard, to roll out the new recycled cards which have been validated by global independent safety science company, Underwriters Laboratories (UL)[1].
Group Executive Retail Banking, Martine Jager said she was very excited to be launching the Bank’s new recycled debit cards and leading the way to a more sustainable future for the banking sector in Australia.
“Plastic waste is one of the top three social and environmental issues that concern most Australians[2] so I’m proud that we can do our bit to create a second use for industrial waste. This initiative alone will prevent three and a half tonnes of waste from going to landfill, and is a great example of how we can help support our customers in their journey to living more sustainably.
“Over the next three years we’ll issue more than half a million debit cards made from recycled material, and our customers will experience the same strong quality and durability with some fantastic new features including compatibility with digital wallets and smart devices,” Ms Jager said.
The Bank will initially distribute 150,000 BOQ Personal VISA Debit and BOQ Business VISA Debit recycled plastic cards, while the remainder will continue to roll out to customers through new or replacement cards.
This announcement is the latest sustainability initiative for BOQ, having recently achieved its carbon neutral certification by Australia’s governing standard, Climate Active, in July 2021.
ENDS
[1] Each debit card is made up of a chip and antenna, which can’t be recycled, and the remaining 82% of the card is made from 99% recycled material
[2] Republic of Everyone – Power and the Passion Feb 21 https://republicofeveryone.com/power-and-the-passion/
