Future of Payments
May 8, 2025
More and more consumers value products that reflect their sustainability values. However, the payments industry is falling behind, especially regarding card portfolios, which are still far from aligning with a sustainable lifestyle. Traditional payment cards, often made from plastic, fail to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions and do not reflect the sustainability values consumers increasingly prioritise.
Every year, 4.5 billion plastic cards are produced worldwide, generating 22,500 tons of plastic—the equivalent weight of approximately 122 Boeing 747 jumbo jets. Despite their widespread use, traditional plastic cards contribute to the global plastic pollution crisis. Most of these plastic cards are discarded and eventually go to landfills, where they can persist for centuries before breaking down. With only 10% of plastic waste being recycled and another 10% incinerated, the remaining 80% accumulates in landfills, worsening the global plastic pollution.
TIMBERCARD was developed as a response to these challenges. It is the world’s first fully biodegradable card body, setting a new standard in sustainable, luxury payment solutions. This card body is a true innovation—eco-friendly materials and a distinctive aesthetic meet the needs of modern consumers who value both sustainability and luxury.
Recognising the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions, many so-called “wooden cards” have entered the market. However, these alternatives often still contain plastic and metal layers, making them hybrid cards rather than plastic-free options. In contrast, TIMBERCARD is made entirely of wood and paper layers, with no hidden plastic components or synthetic overlays, offering a genuinely sustainable alternative to conventional plastic cards without compromising the quality or functionality expected from premium banking products. It can be processed into a traditional banking card, ensuring seamless integration with existing payment systems while maintaining its eco-conscious design.
TIMBERCARD is the first product of Copecto GmbH, a company based in Germany that offers innovative and sustainable solutions. The card body enhances luxury card portfolios for banks while reinforcing our commitment to ESG principles within the payment industry. Learn more about TIMBERCARD in our new impact video!
The Payments Association
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© Copyright 2024 The Payments Association. All Rights Reserved. The Payments Association is the trading name of Emerging Payments Ventures Limited.
Emerging Ventures Limited t/a The Payments Association; Registered in England and Wales, Company Number 06672728; VAT no. 938829859; Registered office address St. Clement’s House, 27 Clements Lane, London, England, EC4N 7AE.
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