TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Bank of Taiwan on Thursday launched “Green Go,” the nation’s first wooden credit card, as part of its efforts to promote sustainability.

The card is made from cherry wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which reduces carbon emissions by 45% compared to a conventional plastic card. The card also features the natural wood grain, emphasizing its eco-friendly design, per CNA.

The bank said the card's wood is specially treated to be moisture-resistant, crack-resistant, and durable. It is also equipped with a chip and a contactless module, and has undergone security and performance testing.

Bank of Taiwan Chair Ling Chung-yuan (凌忠嫄) said that the card is targeted at individuals with an annual income of at least NT$600,000 (US$18,600), with a goal of issuing 30,000 cards in the first year.

The card offers up to 7% cashback on domestic purchases and 2.2% on international spending. It can be used at more than 30 major retail chains across Taiwan and for transportation services, including THSR, Taiwan Railways, and Uber.

The bank noted that cardholders can use the card to donate to 15 charities aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and receive 1% cashback reward on those donations.

The bank has also joined Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition, a global initiative to plant 100 million trees by 2030. Ling said the bank will promote reforestation and ecological restoration through the project, with plans to plant approximately 17,200 trees this year.

The bank hopes the card will help promote greater environmental protection and sustainability in society. Ling added that the bank will keep integrating sustainable principles into its investment, wealth management, and financing services.