Leonardo DiCaprio teams up with HSBC for green card

by Nikki Sandison Brand Republic 26-Mar-08, 09:25

LONDON - Leonardo DiCaprio, star of 'Blood Diamond', 'The Departed' and 'The Aviator', is promoting the launch of HSBC's new line of green credit cards, which are made of environmentally friendly materials.

The launch is a joint project between HSBC and the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Every transaction made on the card will contribute to a local environmental protection project, while paper bills have been ditched in favour of digital bills to cut down on paper consumption.

DiCaprio promoted the green card during his first visit to Hong Kong, where the card is launching this month, before being rolled out to other regions if successful.

In a YouTube clip, DiCaprio explained the benefits of the green credit card. He said: "Every time I buy a product, I know that a percentage is going to be given back to the environment."

The move highlights HSBC's plans to become a more environmental and sustainable company to enable it to compete with other banks on green issues.

Barclaycard already offers an eco credit card, called Breathe, which launched last year, and Virgin Money has announced plans to release an eco-friendly card, which will be made from biodegradable materials.

HSBC has also launched a climate partnership and claims it was the first major bank to go carbon neutral.