Bank Australia is raising awareness of the dangers of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans with the launch of a campaign and a bank card made from recycled plastic.
The campaign asks Australians to “pay with purpose, not virgin plastic,” highlighting how everyday choices, such as the bank they use, can make a positive impact on the planet.
The campaign spans web, OOH, social media, paid and organic channels, in-branch activity, PR, influencer partnerships and events.
As part of this, the bank hosted a one-day public art installation, the Aquarium of Tomorrow. The installation showcased ocean creatures crafted from plastic waste, including bottle caps, bags, cans and food wrappers.
At the centre of the campaign is the launch of the bank’s new Visa Debit, Visa Credit, and Platinum Rewards Visa cards, which were developed in partnership with Parley for the Oceans, a global organisation focused on protecting and celebrating the world’s oceans.
The cards are made from 100% recycled plastic, with the exception of certain functional components, such as the chip, hologram and magnetic strip, that couldn’t be made from recycled materials. Of the plastic used, 64% was collected from coastal communities by Parley for the Oceans.
The card launch comes after research by Bank Australia revealed that four in five customers are highly concerned about plastic waste. Therefore, it demonstrates that the customer-owned bank is responding to the issues its customers care about.
The campaign aligns with Bank Australia’s mission as an ethical bank for people and the planet. As a customer-owned institution, it aims to prioritise customers, balance purpose with profit and make decisions that benefit people, communities and the environment. The card launch is a clear example of this approach in action.