Cyprus Business Now

Hellenic Bank has released new eco-friendly credit and debit cards made out of biodegradable material.

Available since Monday, October 25, in Mastercard form, the new cards require 82 per cent less PVC (polyvinyl chloride, a synthetic polymer) to create. Biodegradable Visa cards will become available in 2022.

The new cards also incorporate a more subtle presentation of the 16-digit card number on the back of the card.

“Protecting the environment has always guided every aspect of Hellenic Bank’s operations, implementing sustainable practices, and supporting “green” initiatives and businesses,” Hellenic Bank said.

“Hellenic Bank was the first Cypriot bank to join the Priceless Planet Coalition, an environmental initiative launched by Mastercard, with members that include leading banking institutions from around the world,” the bank added.

The cards can also be linked to customers’ smartphone bank wallets and Apple Pay.

The Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (ΟΕΒ) has announced that it will go ahead with hosting the sixteenth iteration of the SAVENERGY 2022 exhibit, as well as the thirteenth iteration of the ENVIROTEC 2022 exhibit.

The two exhibits, recommencing after a two-year absence due to the pandemic, will take place at the Cyprus Exhibition and Conference Centre in Nicosia between March 18 and March 22, 2022.

The exhibits will be under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, as well as the Electricity Authority of Cyprus.

“The sharp increase in energy costs and the generous government sponsorship programmes for renewable energy projects have boosted both the importance and the interest in SAVENERGY 2022, whose resonance has surpassed any expectation,” the federation said in a statement.

The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) ended Tuesday, October 26, without significant change from the day before, registering negligible losses.

The main Cyprus Stock Market Index was at 65.55 points by 13:40 during the day, reflecting a decrease of 0.06 per cent over the previous day.

The FTSE / CySE 20 Index was at 39.13 points, representing a drop of 0.08 per cent. The total value of transactions came up to €15,069.

In terms of sub-indexes, the main index and hotels index fell by 0.17 per cent and 0.64 per cent respectively.

Conversely, the alternative index rose by 0.12 per cent, while investment firms remained stable.

The biggest investment interest was attracted by Vassiliko Cement Works (€6,925 worth of trades, no change), Demetra (no change) and Tsokkos Hotels (-6.32 per cent).