In order to ensure that environmental protection is not restricted to specific product segments, we have been calculating the product carbon footprint (PCF) of payment cards throughout their entire lifecycle and identifying potential savings since 2019. For example, PINs for cards can be sent to customers via text message instead of by mail. We’ll also soon be in a position to offer completely climate-neutral products. These will require customers to offset the CO2 emissions of their purchases by investing in a climate project.
G+D is working on sustainable and climate-neutral solutions in many other areas of its portfolio as well, such as in the SIM card segment. For example, we not only use 50 percent less plastic to manufacture our Half SIM, a half-size phone SIM card, but the smaller card body is also approximately 40 percent lighter than similar products, meaning its transport-related CO2 footprint is significantly reduced. We also offer eSIM cards that can be permanently installed as a chip when a device is manufactured. Personalization is then carried out remotely by providing the network operator-specific data online or via mobile communications or Wi-Fi. This eliminates the need for a plastic card body. The logistics are also simplified as only the SIM chips have to be shipped to device manufacturers. In addition, SIM cards no longer need to be physically replaced during the lifecycle of a device, thanks to remote personalization updates.
Environmentally friendly payment cards and SIM cards are not the only examples of how we are helping to conserve the planet’s natural resources. In banknote manufacturing, for example, G+D has launched a sustainability initiative entitled “Life of a Banknote,” which aims to identify potential for improvement in the areas of raw materials, production, logistics, and recycling of banknotes. Some of the energy used in our printing facilities comes from renewable sources and we have cut down significantly on plastic packaging by using cutting-edge banknote processing machines.