Image courtesy of Citizens

Citizens Bank announced that it fully converted its Mastercard debit and ATM cards to plastic made from 90 percent recycled PVC and will start reissuing cards in January 2024.

It said that it also included Mastercard’s “touch card” feature, which improves card recognition for people who are blind or partially sighted.

The bank said that the new debit and ATM cards carry Mastercard’s sustainable card badge and are verified to reduce energy and material consumption, carbon footprint and waste according to current industry benchmarks.

The re-issuance for consumer and business debit and ATM cardholders will begin in January 2024, converting all Citizens’ debit and ATM cards to Mastercard.

Brendan Coughlin, vice chair and head of Consumer Banking at Citizens, said the bank is committed to providing sustainable and accessible products that reduce its environmental impact and help its customers and communities thrive.

“The full conversion of our new Mastercard debit and ATM cards is another milestone in our expanded, strategic partnership with Mastercard, a collaboration that embodies our shared commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and unparalleled customer experience,” Coughlin said in a statement.

John Levitsky, President of U.S. Financial Institutions at Mastercard, said that the partnership with Citizens will continue to make the consumers’ experiences seamless, safe, and secure while protecting the planet.

Earlier, Citizens committed $50 billion in financing sustainable green projects such as renewable energy, clean technology and “green” buildings, as well as social initiatives like affordable housing, support for small businesses, affordable basic infrastructure and community development projects.