Five tonnes of plastic debris is to be converted into Ocean Plastic cards by Australian bank ING, in partnership with environmental organisation Parley for the Oceans.
The equivalent of all the plastic collected from beaches and coastlines by Parley’s Global Cleanup Network will be used to produce cards issued to new customers or to replace ING’s Orange Everyday or Orange One cards.
ING says the Ocean Plastic cards help the bank reduce its use of virgin plastic within its retail banking operations – and save five tonnes of marine plastic from entering the ocean.
Matt Bowen, head of daily banking at ING – feels proud to provide customers with a card that tells an important story about the impact of plastic on the health of our oceans and represents more sustainable choices in their daily banking.
“At ING we are striving to make a difference for the planet and people,” said Bowen.
“Rolling out Ocean Plastic cards is one way that ING is working to reduce the environmental impacts of our business, helping us play our part to steer our business in line with the Paris Agreement to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees.”
Tony Verutti, global head of partnership and strategy at Parley for the Oceans also hopes ING’s Ocean Plastic card will encourage customers to take it a step further and reduce their own plastics footprint.
As part of the partnership, ING will join Parley in promoting its AIR Strategy – Avoid, Intercept, Redesign – to help raise awareness and prevent plastic waste in coastal areas.
- Recommended reading: Camira’s new Quest fabric is made from recycled ocean plastics.
