Study Launched to Research Payment GHG Emissions

The Mint Directors’ Working Group (MDWG) spoke at the Coin Conference about new research commissioned into the environmental impact of cash compared with digital payments. With cash under pressure, the MDWG wants to ensure there is a level playing field when it comes to sustainability. There have been a number of studies into cash but hardly any into payments. It seeks to redress the balance.

The study will include studying and comparing the production, life, use and end of life for coins, banknotes, credit cards and smartphones. It will take a year to complete at a cost in the region of €200,000 funded by 16 organisations.

Responsible partners

The MDWG is made up of 28 Mints and National Central Banks in Europe. The steering committee for this project consists of the Monnaie de Paris, Casa Real de Moneda, Bavarian Mint, Oberthur Fiduciaire, Koenig and Bauer (for the International Currency Association) and Crane Currency.