Mastercard launched the Sustainable Card Program in 2018. Since then, more than 330 issuers in 80 countries have signed up, working in partnership with major card manufacturers to facilitate the transition of more than 168 million cards across the network to materials recycled and of biological origin. The company is accelerating these efforts by continuing to invest in the development of innovative, digital-first programs that completely eliminate the need for physical cards.

All newly issued cards will be certified by Mastercard, thus evaluating their composition and sustainability statement; the certification will then be validated by an independent third-party auditor. Once a card has been validated, it can be printed with the Eco Card Certification symbol.

"Mastercard promotes and shapes our industry's collective concern for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. As our customers respond to consumers' growing desire to choose greener options, our firm commitment is to reduce our environmental footprint - for the benefit of people, the planet, and inclusive growth," says Ajay Bhalla, President of Cyber ​​& Intelligence, Mastercard.

Mastercard defined its sustainability efforts more than a decade ago with a focus on financial inclusion, responsible data use, and protecting the environment. Through its network, the company collaborates with partners to bring innovations and new environmental initiatives to market, such as the Priceless Planet Coalition, the Carbon Calculator, and the Sustainable Card.

"Mastercard is committed to promoting climate action and reducing waste, to net zero emissions and by leveraging our network and reach to accelerate the transition to a regenerative, low-carbon economy," said Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer, Mastercard.

In 2018, the company launched the Greener Payments Partnership program in collaboration with card manufacturers Gemalto, Giesecke+Devrient, and IDEMIA to reduce the use of non-recycled PVC plastic in card manufacturing.

"New sustainable materials such as rPVC offer our sector a clear way to step up efforts to build a more sustainable future. At HSBC, as part of our net zero strategies, we have already introduced recycled plastic payment cards in 28 of the markets in which we operate, globally, and have integrated the requirement to use sustainable materials for all debit, credit, and commercial in our product governance policy; as a result of these measures, we eliminated 85 tons of plastic that would have ended up in landfill," says Taylan Turan, Group Head of Retail Banking and Strategy, Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC.

"To address the global climate crisis, it will require our involvement, of all of us. Through the network, we collaborate with partners to bring innovations and new environmental initiatives to market, such as the Priceless Planet Coalition, the Carbon Calculator, and the Sustainable Card Program. We are also joining forces with the public, private, and social sectors to drive the next generation of climate innovation," the company's representatives say.