American Express is partnering with Parley for the Oceans to manufacture the world’s first credit card created from upcycled ocean plastic. Although the new ocean-friendly credit card is still being developed and tested, they expect it will be available within the next year.

“Every second breath we take is created by the oceans. Without them, we can’t exist,” said Cyrill Gutsch, founder of Parley for the Oceans. “American Express is creating a symbol of change and inviting their network to shape a blue future, one based on creativity, collaboration and eco-innovation.”

Inspired by Parley’s ‘Avoid, Intercept, Redesign’ (AIR) philosophy, American Express also publicly committed to reducing its use of single-use plastics, and are in the process of redesigning any plastic products already in circulation. In a press release, they promised to phase out plastic straws and coffee stirrers in their major offices and Centurion airport lounges worldwide within 30 days.

There are even more lofty goals ahead for American Express as they roll out a waste reduction strategy, increase recycling, and attempt to achieve zero waste certification for the New York City headquarters before 2025.

“Our oceans play a vital role in our lives, the health of the planet and the health of travel and tourism, which American Express has long supported. It’s important that we raise awareness and do our part to keep our oceans blue,” said Doug Buckminster, Group President of Global Consumer Services, American Express.

Parley for the Oceans is a solution-focused organization dedicated to fighting plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. They have previously collaborated with Adidas to create a running shoe made of ocean plastic, and this year supplied every Major League Soccer team with jerseys manufactured using plastic collected from beaches and coastal communities.

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