Emirates NBD has partnered with payment technology company IDEMIA to launch the first eco-friendly payment card in the UAE.

Emirates NBD, a banking group in Dubai, will leverage IDEMIA’s GREENPAY to offer a credit card made from recycled plastic.

A Greener Payment Partnership member, IDEMIA intends to decrease first-use PVC plastic in card manufacturing. The GREENPAY card making involves more than 85% recycled PVC extracted from production waste.

IDEMIA senior vice president (Middle East and Africa), Financial Institutions, Julia Schoonenberg said: “We are proud that Emirates NBD has chosen our GREENPAY solution for the UAE’s first eco-friendly card.

“As market leaders in innovative card technology, IDEMIA is committed to provide unique world-class solutions that address the customer’s business objectives and the evolving real-time concerns of the community.”

IDEMIA noted a Boston Consulting Group research that found 81% of consumers in the UAE are willing to live sustainably.

In addition to supporting Emirates NBD’s sustainability commitment, the new eco-friendly card will boost its position. The banking group offered multiple first-to-market payment solutions.

Emirates NBD executive vice-president and head of Retail Banking in UAE Marwan Hadi said: “Emirates NBD has always been an active champion of initiatives that support the community and environment, as we believe that all businesses have a role to play in protecting our future.

“With IDEMIA’s eco-friendly payment cards, we are pleased to further support customers who are committed to a more sustainable future.”

This March, Emirates Islamic partnered with IDEMIA for a smart metal credit card in celebration of the 49th National Day in the UAE.

Also, French banking group Société Générale teamed up with IDEMIA earlier this month on its first Visa-branded eco-friendly payment cards.