Qonto launches 100% recycled cards as part of its environmental ‘Impact’ commitment

Qonto, the leading European business finance solution, has partnered with IDEMIA, the global leader in identity technologies, to launch the new cards lineup made from 100% recycled plastic materials. Developed and produced by IDEMIA, the new cards come with additional design benefits, such as choice of colour, as well as improved and broadened user insurance. This initiative is part of Qonto’s “Impact” strategy, which aims to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, while also offering tailored cards that meet customers’ evolving needs. Recycled cards as a step towards a more sustainable business The new cards offering is part of “Impact”, a Qonto initiative that aims to drive positive environmental change while improving diversity and inclusion across the organisation. A key aspect of the initiative is to reduce the company’s overall carbon footprint by 5% before the end of 2023. Qonto conducted a first detailed carbon footprint assessment to evaluate what aspects of the business could be improved, including marketing, travel, supplier policies, data centres - and now the new cards range. Previously, all of Qonto's cards were made of virgin plastic. As of November 14, all issued One and Plus cards will be produced from 100% recycled Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), originated from the printing and packaging industries in Europe thus reusing waste material and reducing use of virgin plastic. Key updates of the new cards lineup Along with their sustainable materials, the new Qonto Plus cards also give customers the following benefits:

• Colour options: Qonto customers can now choose from three colours: silver, black, and light purple.
• Choice between embossed or printed cards: Customers also have the possibility to personalise their cards by choosing between embossed card details in the front or printed card details in the back.
• Improved insurance: The new cards include additional insurance benefits, such as phishing coverage (new), purchase protection (existing and extended), and fraudulent payments (existing and extended).

VP Strategy of Qonto, Albertine Lecointe stated: “Offering cards out of recycled PVC is a major milestone for Qonto and, as with our ‘Impact’ strategy, we aim to set an example for the industry. As a company, we are conscious of the growing environmental effect we have on the world and the sentiment of our increasing customer base. In line with Mastercard’s mandate to remove first-use PVC plastics from payment cards by 2028, we wanted to be a step ahead. The goal is to not only lower our own carbon footprint, but also help reduce the footprint of our customers.” Senior VP Europe Payment Services of IDEMIA, Aaron DAVIS stated: “We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Qonto and to offer IDEMIA's expertise and innovations in payment solutions. It is particularly true in terms of more environmentally friendly payment methods, such as our GREENPAY solutions. As a market leader in innovative card technology, IDEMIA is committed to providing unique, world-class solutions that meet the expectations of banks, their customers, and society in general.”