Banco Popular to Produce Gnial Cards Using Ocean-Recovered Plastic

Banco Popular Dominicano announced that its gnial debit and credit cards will be produced using plastic recovered from the coastline of Sánchez, in Samaná Province, as part of a partnership with the environmental organization Parley for the Oceans. The initiative aligns with the bank’s broader sustainability and responsible banking strategy by incorporating circular economy principles into its financial products.

The Dominican financial institution said the new cards are designed to reduce plastic waste while encouraging customers to participate in environmental conservation efforts. According to the bank, the project reflects its commitment to combining financial innovation with initiatives that generate long-term environmental and social benefits.

Environmental and Community Impact

Banco Popular President Christopher Paniagua said the updated gnial cards are intended to integrate innovation with sustainability while creating a positive legacy for future generations. Beyond reducing the use of virgin plastic, the initiative also supports local communities involved in collecting and recovering plastic waste from coastal areas.

The recovered material will be sourced from the shores of Sánchez, a municipality in the northeastern Dominican province of Samaná known for its coastal ecosystems. The collaboration with Parley for the Oceans seeks to transform marine plastic waste into a resource for everyday financial products.

Customers Can Support Ocean Conservation

Cardholders will also be able to donate their Millas Popular rewards to support projects led by Parley for the Oceans that focus on protecting coastal ecosystems and reducing plastic pollution in the Dominican Republic.

Banco Popular said that every donation made through the rewards program will be matched by both the bank and the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), through the Marena Fund, effectively tripling the resources allocated to marine conservation initiatives.

Gradual Rollout at No Additional Cost

The sustainable gnial cards are aimed at customers between 18 and 34 years old and will be introduced gradually as existing cards are renewed or replaced. Banco Popular emphasized that customers will not incur any additional costs during the transition.

The institution also clarified that the new material does not alter the product’s existing features. Credit limits, contactless payment technology, and all current card benefits will remain unchanged while the bank advances its environmental commitments.