Ekko and Optty Partnering to Elevate Sustainable Payments to Universal Standards

The Rise of Sustainable Payments: Ekko and Optty's Revolutionary Partnership

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability in finance, ekko, a platform focused on carbon tracking, has partnered with Optty, a certified B Corp global payments infrastructure provider. This collaboration aims to make sustainable payment solutions accessible for businesses worldwide, effectively embedding environmental consciousness into everyday transactions.

The Need for Sustainable Solutions

According to a recent GlobeScan survey, an increasing number of consumers—63% in 2023—are concerned about climate change, a significant rise from 49% in 2003. Additionally, 72% of respondents expressed a desire for more transparency regarding how companies improve their products for environmental benefit. This data underscores the growing consumer expectation that businesses act responsibly regarding sustainability.

The partnership is designed to respond to this demand by allowing financial institutions and their clients—from retail to travel—to incorporate carbon tracking features into their payment processes. This enables consumers to gain real-time insights into the environmental impacts of their purchases, empowering them to take meaningful action by supporting certified environmental projects.

Seamless Integration of Sustainability

Through Optty's extensive global payments platform, which connects merchants to over 140 countries, ekko's sustainability tools can be activated through a simple, quick process. Retailers can enhance their checkout experiences by giving customers insights into their carbon footprints and options to make micro-donations to prominent environmental organizations. Such a feature not only makes sustainable shopping more convenient but positions it as a standard practice in the payment process.

This initiative offers a transformative experience for consumers, providing a straightforward way to align their purchasing habits with their values, all without complicating existing systems. By integrating sustainability into everyday transactions, the partnership will create a new dialog between consumers and businesses while fostering a culture of responsible spending.

A Game-Changer for the Future of Payments

Oli Cook, co-founder, and CEO of ekko, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: "This partnership marks a major milestone for the future of payments. Consumers are eager to make sustainable choices, and businesses want to support this shift without adding complexity. By collaborating with Optty, we can facilitate carbon footprint tracking and options for compensation seamlessly. Together, we're turning everyday actions into positive impacts."

On the other hand, Steven Ritchie, Interim CEO of Optty, articulated the natural progression of sustainability within payment technology: "Optty was designed to simplify payments for merchants. Partnering with ekko allows us to embed a climate-conscious solution that not only enhances customer engagement but genuinely contributes to the planet. We’re proud to lead in setting sustainable payment standards as a B Corp-certified entity focused on responsible commerce."

Global Rollout of Sustainable Solutions

As these sustainable payment features roll out globally with various merchants, consumers will find it easier than ever to shop in a way that reflects their commitment to environmental stewardship. This initiative represents a pivotal transformation in the relationship between consumers and payments, with sustainability becoming a hallmark of modern commerce.

In conclusion, ekko and Optty are not just creating a product; they are championing a movement aimed at integrating sustainability into the fabric of financial transactions worldwide. For more information on this partnership, visit ekko.earth or optty.com.