Bper Banca launches payment cards in recycled PVC

The Bper Banca Group, in partnership with Idemia, world leader in Augmented Identity, abandons the standard PVC by transforming its card fleet into recycled PVC. The introduction of recycled plastic (rPvc) in the card production chain makes it possible to replace standard PVC and therefore to actively participate in the reduction of pollution. Furthermore, the use of eco-friendly water-based inks with low quantities of Voc (Volatile Organic Compounds) reinforce the environmental qualities of this paper. Together with the Bper Cards, thanks to the use of recycled paper, the envelopes for sending the cards and the related accompanying letters also become sustainable. The approach adopted by the Group, which issues credit, debit and prepaid cards through the product company Bibanca, provides for a progressive replacement of the entire catalog of Bper Cards through a criterion of sustainability and reduction of waste: in fact, disposal will take place following the ordinary exhaustion of stocks in standard PVC without the massive replacement of the cards in stock, which would entail an increase in costs in terms of environmental impact.The transition process began last February as part of the acquisition project of approximately 600 Ubi Banca and Intesa Sanpaolo branches, which saw Bper Banca involved, in a first phase, in the replacement of approximately 560 thousand cards and, in June, in the migration of over 33 thousand cards. Two thirds of the products in the catalog were issued in recycled PVC and by October all the new issues and renewals of the Bper Cards will be made exclusively with eco-sustainable materials. A choice that in the next few years will have an impact on approximately 3 million Bper Cards. “The migration to the new recycled plastic material will allow internally to reduce carbon emissions by 36% compared to standard PVC. The cards also benefit from the tokenization service , which in the future will lead to a complete transition to digital. The Bper Banca Group has also joined, since 2017, the United Nations Global Compact program as evidence of the strong commitment to the environment and the green sensitivity of customers – observes the General Manager of Bibanca, Diego Rossi – In 2020 Bper, thanks to a series of actions aimed at mitigating climate risks and preparatory to achieving the objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda, was the only credit institution in Italy to have obtained an important recognition for environmental sustainability from Cdp (Carbon Disclosure Project), with the inclusion in the prestigious ‘A List’ for the contrast to the climatic change. The transition to a sustainable economy has made the choice of a partner such as Idemia crucial, which shares the same objectives of innovation and respect for the environment “.” We are immensely proud of the long-standing partnership with Bper Banca and of having the opportunity to accompany the Institute in its path of environmental sustainability, supporting it in the launch of their first green cards made of recycled PVC. We are excited to pursue this partnership, which focuses on service innovation and environmental protection. With the introduction of Greenpay, our eco-friendly offer for financial institutions, Idemia is determined to help significantly reduce plastic waste and CO2 emissions, in one of the biggest challenges facing our planet “, remarks Eric Vernhes, managing director of Idemia Italia.