Airtel Payments Bank is the first Indian bank to launch an eco-friendly debit card, available for both new and existing customers with savings bank accounts. This initiative underscores the bank’s dedication to sustainability and its mission to advocate for eco-conscious practices within the financial sector.
The newly introduced debit cards are crafted from r-PVC material, a certified environmentally friendly substance. By adopting this sustainable material, Airtel Payments Bank is making a substantial contribution to environmental preservation. Production of every batch of 50,000 r-PVC cards results in a noteworthy reduction of 350 kilograms of carbon emissions, setting them apart from the conventional PVC cards widely used in the market. In addition, the manufacturing of r-PVC cards leads to a remarkable 43% reduction in hydrocarbon utilization, thereby decreasing petroleum consumption. The bank’s innovative approach also contributes to water conservation, with each batch of r-PVC cards conserving an impressive 6.6 million litres of water. This remarkable conservation effort showcases the bank’s unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and its active role in minimizing environmental impact.
Ganesh Ananthanarayanan, the Chief Operating Officer of Airtel Payments Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “We are excited to introduce our new eco-friendly Debit Cards, crafted using recycled PVC. Airtel Payments Bank is dedicated to responsible consumption and production for a sustainable future. These cards exemplify our endorsement of sustainability and our pledge to provide a secure and convenient banking experience. Our goal is to empower India with accessible and inclusive banking by catalyzing positive change in the financial industry and offering our customers a seamless and secure payment experience.”
Airtel Payments Bank is introducing two variants of the Classic card – the Personalised Classic Card and the Insta Classic Card. Customers can order the Personalised Card through the Airtel Thanks app, while the Insta Card will be available at selected neighbourhood banking points by the end of the current quarter. These cards come with a range of rewards, including e-commerce benefits of up to INR 10,000, and complimentary dining experiences through One Dines in major cities across India.