Barclays launches 'carbon netural' card

Barclays customers are set to go green with the launch of the UK's first carbon neutral debit card. This new card, which is entirely blue including the edge, is being rolled out to the bank's 11 million debit card users as their current ones expire.

Barclays has worked closely with Axalto, its card manufacturer on this innovative card. Axalto, advised by The Carbon Neutral Company, has undertaken to finance projects that work to reduce carbon emissions in the developing world, effectively balancing out the harmful emissions of the card's manufacturing process by preventing the release of the same amount of greenhouse gases somewhere else.

Brian Cunnington, Head of Debit Cards at Barclays, said: "We are pleased to be able to offer this brand new carbon neutral debit card. It is good news for people who want a greener form of banking and its distinctive blue edge makes it easy to spot in your wallet or purse.

"The launch of this unique card continues Barclays long history for bringing innovative products to the market. We were the first bank in the world with an ATM, and the first in the UK to issue a credit card and offer internet banking."

Barclays is committed to a responsible approach to the issue of climate change and has adopted a three prong approach: reducing the company's energy consumption; increasing its use of renewables and working towards 100% carbon offsetting for UK operations.

The Climate Leadership Index, published on 18 September 2006, in the Carbon Disclosure Report, lists Barclays among the top 50 "best in class" companies in the Global FT500 for initiatives addressing the challenges of climate change. Barclays is the fifth highest ranking bank in the index.