The world's first plastic-free wooden card: Solving the 6 billion annual plastic cards production challenge

My guest today is Christian Lehringer, CEO at Copecto. Copecto’s innovative product is The TIMBERCARD. The world’s first plastic-free wood payment card that can be used like any conventional banking card. It is fully biodegradable, except for the chip, antenna and magnetic stripe. and when exposed to the soil, it decomposes much quicker than conventional plastic cards

We talk about the 6 billion per annum plastic cards problem and how the Timbercard is part of the solution. He talks to us about the innovative processes behind the card and the challenges in building such an innovative product, including the controversial topic of deforestation. Let’s go and create a world where we have a wood bank card in everybody’s wallet!

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Let’s dive into it!

👉 You can find Christian here

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-lehringer-745623137/
• LinkedIn Copecto: https://www.linkedin.com/company/copecto-gmbh/
• Website: https://timbercard.com/

👉 And you can find Monica here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamillares/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moni_millares
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moni_millares
• Website: https://moni-millares.mystrikingly.com/

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In this episode we cover:

(0:00:00) The problem of plastic cards in the payment industry

(0:03:08) Introduction to Copecto and the Timber card

(0:07:06) Definition of success and building long-term relationships

(0:13:03) Purpose of using wood as a material in Copecto's products

(0:21:02) Customers demanding sustainable products in financial services

(0:22:55) Impact of plastic card waste on the environment

(0:24:19) Size of the plastic card waste problem

(0:25:55) Biodegradable components and decomposition process of Copecto card

(0:27:07) Laser engraving and personalization options for Copecto card

(0:29:17) Contactless engraving and scheme logos on Copecto card

(0:32:18) Challenges in manufacturing and selling the product

(0:40:41) Leadership style and team approach

(0:43:37) Desire for a more balanced approach in the fintech industry

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Production and marketing by Monica Millares. For inquiries about coaching, collabs, sponsoring the podcast or creating or editing your podcast email fintechwithmoni@gmail.com

Disclaimer: This episode does not constitute professional nor financial advice and does not represent the opinion nor views of my current, past or future employers. The guest has agreed to record and release our conversation for the use of this podcast and promotion in social media.