For most consumers, a payment card is simply a way to pay for purchases or withdraw cash. But for Maya, it has also become an opportunity to reduce plastic waste.
The digital bank and fintech company has begun rolling out payment cards made entirely from recycled Polyvinyl Chloride (rPVC), making more sustainable materials the new standard across its prepaid card portfolio.
By the end of the year, Maya expects all newly produced prepaid Mastercard and Visa cards to be made from recycled plastic, reducing its reliance on virgin plastic while maintaining the same security, durability, and functionality customers have come to expect.
Shailesh Baidwan, Group President of Maya and Co-Founder of Maya Bank
The initiative forms part of the company’s broader sustainability agenda, demonstrating how environmental responsibility can be integrated into everyday financial products rather than existing as a standalone corporate initiative.
“The most meaningful sustainability efforts are often the ones that become part of how a business operates,” said Shailesh Baidwan, Group President of Maya and Co-Founder of Maya Bank.
“By transitioning our card portfolio to recycled plastic, we’re integrating more responsible practices into products used by our customers every day. It reflects our belief that sustainability should be embedded into how we build and grow our business.”
Customers receiving newly issued prepaid cards will notice a “Made from 100% Recycled Plastic” mark on the back of their cards, signaling the company’s move toward more environmentally conscious materials without compromising performance.
The cards can still be used for ATM withdrawals and purchases at more than 150 million merchant locations worldwide where Mastercard and Visa are accepted.
Sustainability beyond digital finance
IMAGE CREDIT: Freepik
The rollout coincides with Philippine Environment Month this June and reflects Maya’s wider efforts to reduce its environmental footprint across its operations.
Since 2022, the company has tracked and reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions while expanding initiatives that encourage more sustainable workplace practices.
Among these is #MayaSWITCH, an employee-led program promoting energy conservation and reducing single-use plastics across Maya’s offices.
Rather than relying on one-off environmental campaigns, Maya says its approach is to incorporate sustainability into the way it designs products, manages operations, and serves customers.
The recycled card initiative also complements the company’s work in financial inclusion, responsible innovation, customer trust, and employee well-being.
As businesses increasingly face pressure to balance growth with environmental responsibility, Maya’s latest move highlights how even everyday financial products can contribute to broader sustainability goals.
