These are Banco Santander eco cards

Banco Santander has proposed that by 2025 all its debit, credit and prepaid cards in Europe be made from sustainable materials such as recycled PVC and substitutes made from corn. Because they use less energy in their production than traditional plastics, the change will prevent the release of more than 1,000 tons of CO2 per year, which is equivalent to the energy consumption of almost 1,000 homes. In addition, the use of plastic will be reduced by 60 tons per year after the process is completed.

The group, which has more than 30 million cards in Europe, is also simplifying the offer by reducing its range by more than 30% to simplify the customer experience and increase efficiency. This process includes new unique and modern designs for all cards across Europe (Poland, Portugal, Spain and the UK), so called. OneCard. These cards integrate an eco-friendly logo and have a unique pattern for each user segment, allowing them to be better identified, as well as at the bottom, to facilitate access for the blind.

As Antonio Simees, Europe Regional Manager, explained, “Reducing unnecessary consumption of plastics and using sustainable materials is a very important step in the bank’s ecological transition. By switching to sustainable cards, we are reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our ambition to achieve a net zero emissions. Also, it is a perfect example of what we can do using collective force One SantanderWhich allows us to take advantage of our global dimension and offer better service to our customers. ”

The bank’s subsidiary in Portugal started this project in 2019 with cards made of polylactic acid (PLA) and in 2020 joined Santander Spain. In addition, the bank in Portugal has taken another step in partnership. Counter systemsSantander employee in personalizing cards, develop a project for recycling means of payment in street furniture such as chairs, pool platforms or walking elements.

The customer can return used cards by inserting them in the cash register, which collects them automatically, or by sending them in an envelope, which the subject sends with the new card. Subsequently, a specialized team Counter systems Collects them to destroy and turn into chips. This material is supplied to Extruplás, the company that introduces it to the transformation process that produces ready-made street furniture. Santander Portugal will compensate for CO2 emissions in card plastic production from 2020.

Now the unit has made the leap to Latin America by launching Eco Cards, a new generation of more sustainable and secure payment methods in Chile. One of their main features is that they are environmentally friendly because they are made from recycled PCV, they are vertical and have an attractive design. They also contain a bottom cutout that allows the blind to know in which direction to use it.

In addition, they combine security gains, as only the cardholder’s name and the last four digits of the card are visible on the back and work just like any other card in face-to-face shops and ATMs. This eliminates data that is not necessary to be purchased at physical facilities, thus providing greater protection against possible fraudulent attempts. For shopping OnlineThe client will have a dynamic CVV for each transaction performed and which can be consulted on the bank’s personal website and Applications.

“Our DNA includes finding new and effective ways to meet the needs of consumers, as well as the challenges of caring for the planet.” Both aspects can and should be hand-picked, as evidenced by the release of these new cards, which are advancing on the path of rejecting the use of plastics and meeting the demands of a growing digital world where almost 60% of transactions take place in stores. Online. “Strengthening processes and security measures for the benefit of our customers is a priority in this scenario,” said Nicolas Bessa, Payment Methods Manager at Santander Chile.

In addition to transforming its assortment of cards, Banco Santander is expanding its catalog of green products into mortgages, car loans or reforms, investment funds and retirement plans. It also produces loans for low-carbon agriculture and environmentally responsible vehicles; Financing real estate development with high energy efficiency certificates; Or a Leasing for the installation of photovoltaic self-use solutions for both individuals and companies.

Green funding

Banco Santander doubled its funding for green funding last year, by more than € 32,000 million, compared to € 18,000 million in 2020. In the last three years, it has mobilized 60,700 million euros. This figure includes project financing, syndicated loans, green bonds, equity financing, consulting, structuring and other products to help clients transition to a low carbon economy.

In 2021, the entity funded renewable energy projects with power generation capacity equivalent to 9.2 million homes per year. Წ During Funded and recommended new renewable energy projects (Greenfield) With a total installed capacity of 13,604 MW, avoiding 251 million tonnes of CO2 emissions; And facilitated the expansion, improvement and maintenance of existing renewable energy infrastructure projects (Brownfield) With a total installed capacity of 1776 MW.

To accelerate and stimulate investment in renewable energy projects that are under development and under construction, the entity has just established Santander Green InvestmentWhich is already participating in 9 solar photovoltaic and wind technology projects in Spain with a total capacity of about 500 MW.

As part of its responsible banking goals, Santander has committed to mobilizing € 120,000 million in green financing in 2019-2025, which will increase to € 220,000 million in 2030; And maintain a leader position in renewable energies. It also reduces the impact of its own activities, reducing emissions worldwide. Since 2001 it has been measuring carbon footprint and since 2020 it has been carbon neutral in its activities. In addition, he announced an ambition to achieve Zero carbon emissions across the group by 2050 To support the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.