Mastercard has pledged to remove first-use PVC plastics from all newly-produced payment cards on its network by 2028, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.
Instead, the new cards will be made from more sustainable materials such as recycled or bio-sourced plastics like rPVC, rPET, or PLA, which will be certified by an independent third-party auditor and imprinted with a Card Eco Certification mark.
This change complements the company’s Sustainable Card Program, launched in 2018 and has seen over 330 issuers across 80 countries sign up to transition more than 168 million cards to recycled and bio-based materials. The new rule will also support Mastercard’s global issuing partners in transitioning away from virgin PVC.
The move aligns with Mastercard’s established sustainability efforts, focusing on financial inclusion, data responsibility, and the environment. In addition, it reflects the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while delivering innovative, digital-first card programs.
“At Mastercard we are leading and shaping our industry’s collective pursuit of a more sustainable, more environmentally conscious future,” said Ajay Bhalla, President of Cyber & Intelligence at Mastercard. “As our customers respond to increased consumer desire to make more eco-friendly choices, we are making a firm commitment to reducing our environmental footprint – for the benefit of people, planet and inclusive growth.”
“Mastercard is committed to advancing climate action and reducing waste by driving our business toward net zero emissions and leveraging our network and scale to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, regenerative economy,” said Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer for Mastercard