Coop Bank Denmark, part of the Coop retail group that is owned by its 1.4 million members, is deploying Gemalto’s unique bio-sourced Optelio Contactless EMV cards . This represents the first commercial rollout of its kind which, says the bank is evidence of their strengthening of Coop Bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The cards are manufactured from a unique, corn-based PLA(1) material that is 100% biodegradable and carbon neutral, while retaining the potential for creative, high quality artwork solutions.

The innovative combination of bio-sourced technology and contactless EMV has been approved by the major international payment associations. In the summer of 2015 the card will also incorporate the national payment scheme, Dankort. Under the multi-year agreement, Gemalto is providing the bank with comprehensive artwork, production and fulfilment services.

“Having already deployed the first ever bio-sourced EMV cards from Gemalto’s Optelio range, it is a natural step for Coop Bank to also launch the first dual interface version of the product. We hope this will set a new global environmental standard for the banking industry,” commented Charlotte Skovgaard, Managing Director for Coop Bank Denmark. “Gemalto was an equally natural choice as supplier, with proven delivery capabilities and strong local presence in Denmark.”

The infrastructure for contactless payments is being massively rolled out in Denmark, with deployment of contactless-enabled POS terminals set to boom in 2015. The speed and convenience of contactless payments will ensure strong customer adoption and the deployment of contactless products will open up previously untapped markets for low value cash transactions, thus creating new revenue streams for the bank.

“Our bio-sourced solution fits perfectly with Coop Bank’s vision for a business rooted in social and environmental sustainability,” said Philippe Cambriel, President for Europe, Mediterranean and CIS at Gemalto. “The environmental awareness in Denmark is high and people are expecting environmentally friendly products in every part of their life, including banking. This new deployment will also help to familiarize Coop Bank’s customers with completing transactions with nothing more than a tap, paving the way for even more exciting developments such as mobile payments.”

(1) Made from poly lactic acid (PLA), a plastic substitute, Gemalto’s bio-sourced card is non-petroleum based, biodegradable and compostable, and is also non-toxic if incinerated.