Transforming Payments: How ekko and Optty Aim for Global Sustainability Standards

In an age where consumer consciousness about the environment is at an all-time high, two companies, Optty and ekko, have launched a partnership that aims to make sustainable payment practices a new norm. As a B Corp-certified global payment infrastructure platform, Optty is joining forces with ekko, a platform designed to integrate sustainability into banking and payment processes.

The Growing Demand for Transparency

The desire for environmentally friendly options is rapidly increasing among consumers. Recent studies highlight that 63% of individuals regard climate change as a pressing issue, with a growing thirst for information about a company's environmental practices. In response to this demand, the partnership between ekko and Optty seeks to embed sustainability deeply into the payment experience for consumers and businesses alike.

Key Features of the Partnership

The collaboration enables financial institutions and their retail partners to provide real-time carbon tracking directly linked to their payment processing systems. Customers can now see the environmental impact of their purchases and choose to take action by supporting verified environmental initiatives through micro-donations. This innovative approach successfully marries consumer spending with environmental responsibility, allowing a seamless integration of eco-conscious choices into everyday transactions.

Merchants can configure ekko’s sustainability tools through Optty's platform with just a simple click. Stretching across 140 countries and over 135 payment partners, this infrastructure gives businesses the agility to adopt local payment methods while also promoting sustainable practices. The partnership brings unparalleled ease and speed to integrating sustainability measures, which can be enabled within minutes, ensuring minimal disruption to existing business operations.

Positive Impact on Consumer Choices

What happens when consumers are equipped with clear insights into their purchasing behavior? The results can be profound. Shoppers can now align their financial decisions with their values, transforming everyday transactions into powerful tools for environmental change. As businesses integrate these capabilities, customers will have a straightforward, habitable way to contribute to sustainability while shopping, making eco-friendly choices part of their usual consumer behavior.

Oli Cook, CEO and co-founder of ekko, emphasizes the significance of this partnership, stating, "This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the future of payments. We're equipping consumers and businesses with the means to enact positive environmental change without additional hassle. Through our efforts with Optty, we are redefining the spectrum of payment experiences to encompass social responsibility."

Steven Ritchie, Interim CEO of Optty, adds to the perspective, stating that simplifying payment processes while elevating the standards for sustainability is a natural evolution for both companies. "Our aim has always been to empower merchants with choice and control in the payments process. With sustainability as our guide, we are enhancing customer engagement and driving positive impacts—both for clients and the planet."

The Future of Sustainable Spending

The partnership between ekko and Optty can substantially shift the current paradigm of traditional payment methods, allowing businesses across various sectors—including retail, mobility, and travel—to embrace sustainability. As they roll out their integrated solutions globally, the impacts could ripple through economies and shopping behaviors worldwide.

Shoppers will not just make purchases—they will gain the opportunity to participate in actionable sustainability initiatives, ranging from carbon tracking to meaningful micro-donations. Consequently, as more businesses join this movement, the potential for making sustainable choices more accessible will only grow.

For further details regarding this transformative partnership and its offerings, interested individuals can visit ekko or Optty.

Together, by embedding sustainability into financial transactions, ekko and Optty are paving the way for a future where making environmentally responsible choices is straightforward, seamless, and rewarding.