BOC unveils Sri Lanka’s first biodegradable banking card

Surekha Kulasekera

Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has launched Sri Lanka’s first-ever biodegradable banking card, coinciding with the bank’s 86th anniversary celebrations.

This card, made from non-edible corn-based PLA (Polylactic Acid), marks a significant advancement in the country’s efforts to reduce plastic waste and environmental impact. The biodegradable banking card is industrially compostable, providing an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional PVC-based plastic cards that often end up in landfills and take centuries to decompose. By introducing this eco-conscious product, BOC continues to set new benchmarks for the Sri Lankan financial sector, combining technological innovation with sustainability.

The biodegradable banking card will be rolled out in phases, beginning with new card issuances and renewals. Customers holding existing plastic cards will have the option to switch to the biodegradable version upon renewal. The card maintains the same high standards of security, durability, and functionality as conventional cards, ensuring a seamless transition without compromising user experience.

With this launch, BOC reinforces its position as an industry leader committed to innovation, environmental stewardship, and corporate social responsibility. By addressing the environmental footprint of financial products, the bank sets an example for other institutions in Sri Lanka and the broader South Asian region.

“BOC has been part of Sri Lanka’s journey for over eight decades, and as we look towards the future, we remain dedicated to being a positive force for change,” Kulasekera said. 

“Our biodegradable banking card is just the beginning of a series of sustainable innovations that we plan to introduce in the coming years.”