Gemalto is the very first to introduce bio-sourced degradable smart cards

Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, today launched the world’s first bio-sourced degradable smart cards. The card body is made from renewable material, is easily recyclable and compostable, and can be incinerated without emissions of toxic fumes. Additionally, Gemalto offers packaging made from recycled paper and vegetable inks that significantly reduce the product’s environmental impact. Gemalto’s bio-sourced smart cards will be ready for mass production in the first quarter of 2010.

This innovation breakthrough answers a long standing demand from banks and operators around the world. To meet this market need, Gemalto offers a bio-sourced smart banking card and a bio-sourced SIM card, each compliant to the industry standards in their respective sector. At Cartes & IDentification this year, Gemalto will be presenting both products on its stand.

The bio-sourced smart cards complement Gemalto’s portfolio of eco-friendly cards, made from paper-based materials for short-term use (e.g. scratch cards), as well as ABS* and PETG** based products, a chlorine-free alternative to PVC cards. The company opted for non-chlorine polymers in the late 1990’s and today, adopting material stemming from agro-products is a major step forward in promoting sustainable solutions for card vendors and end users alike.

“Gemalto has always believed an alternative solution was achievable,” commented Tan Teck Lee, Gemalto’s Chief Innovation and Technology Officer. “We are extremely proud to have developed the world’s first degradable smart cards the market has been seeking. These product launches lie within the scope of Gemalto’s corporate strategy to commit to sustainability, with products and manufacturing processes that have a reduced environmental impact.”