Today, Mastercard announced it is fast tracking efforts to remove first-use, PVC plastics from payment cards on its network by 2028.
Starting January 1, 2028, plastic payment cards produced by Mastercard will be made of recycled or bio-sourced plastics such as rPVC, rPET, or PLA1 – and approved through a certification program.
Back in 2018, Mastercard launched its Sustainable Card Program and since, 330 issuers across 80 countries have signed up to work with major card manufacturers to transition more than 160 million cards across its network to recycled and bio-based materials.
"At Mastercard we are leading and shaping our industry's collective pursuit of a more sustainable, more environmentally conscious future," said Ajay Bhalla, President of Cyber & Intelligence at Mastercard. "As our customers respond to increased consumer desire to make more eco-friendly choices, we are making a firm commitment to reducing our environmental footprint - for the benefit of people, planet and inclusive growth."