The Global Plastic Problem: A Major Challenge

Humanity has a huge plastics problem. Several hundred millions tons of plastics are produced each year, with a large majority ending up as waste (National Geographic). The widespread lack of recycling and disposal leads to pollution in landfills and oceans. This poses a threat to nature and human health.

Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down, releasing toxic compounds. It's crucial to reduce plastic consumption, promote recycling, and invest in sustainable alternatives to tackle this challenge and create a cleaner future.

The Plastic Problem in the Cards Industry

The cards industry, particularly the global payment card industry (PCI), is a significant contributor to plastic waste. 

Within the PCI alone, about 4,5 billion plastic banking cards are produced yearly (Nilson Report 1272). This amounts to a staggering 22.500 tons of PVC, equivalent to the weight of 122 Boeing 747 airplanes. Unfortunately, these cards are typically disposed of after use and not collected or recycled.

Addressing the plastic problem in the cards industry is vital for waste reduction and minimizing environmental impact. One approach is to explore alternative materials and promote recycling and responsible disposal practices.

A particularly promising solution is the development of a plastic-free wooden banking card body – like the TIMBERCARD. The card body is fully biodegradable, except for the chip, antenna and magnetic stripe. 

The TIMBERCARD is made from certified wood materials sourced from domestic and sustainable suppliers. This certification guarantees that the materials meet specific environmental standards and contribute to sustainable forestry practices.

By embracing this plastic-free wooden card body and prioritizing responsible sourcing, the card industry can play a significant role in reducing plastic waste and making positive contributions to environmental sustainability.