RCBC (Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation) has announced a significant shift in the production of its credit cards in a bid to reduce single-use plastics and champion sustainability. The bank is transitioning away from traditional plastics and embracing recycled PVC plastic (rPVC), marking a pioneering move in the finance sector.
Through a collaboration with its supplier, RCBC Credit Card is spearheading the adoption of rPVC in its card production process. This initiative underscores the bank’s dedication to environmental responsibility and carbon footprint reduction.
“As a bank, we are committed to ensuring we have a sustainable future. Our shift to the use of recycled plastics for credit card products is one among many steps we are taking towards this goal,” according to Arniel Vincent B. Ong, President and CEO of RCBC Credit Cards.
The newly introduced rPVC credit cards comprise a minimum of 80% recycled plastic material, sourced primarily from industrial plastic waste generated by the printing and packaging sectors. Since commencing the transition in 2023, over 60% of newly issued, renewed and replaced RCBC credit cards are now crafted from recycled plastics. The bank aims to progressively increase this percentage in the years ahead.
This strategic move follows RCBC’s earlier breakthrough in 2021 when it launched the country’s first credit card made from sustainable materials — the ZALORA credit card, constructed from bio-sourced polylactic acid derived from non-edible corn. Each credit card produced by rPVC proudly bears the recycled logo, symbolizing RCBC’s dedication to fostering a sustainable value chain. Upon completion of the transition, RCBC anticipates utilizing a minimum of 2,250 kilograms of recycled plastics annually for its credit card production — an amount equivalent to the weight of up to two sedan cars.
In tandem with its eco-friendly card materials, RCBC has embarked on initiatives to minimize paper usage, notably by encouraging customers to opt for electronic statements. Presently, over 96% of all RCBC credit card accounts are enrolled in electronic statement delivery — a testament to the bank’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship.
With these progressive measures, RCBC continues to set new benchmarks in sustainable banking practices, demonstrating its leadership in driving positive environmental change within the financial industry.