Thunes pledges to plant one tree for every 5,000 transactions processed on its platform over the next two years with Handprint. Additionally, this initiative will enable Thunes’ customers and partners to make positive environmental changes through payment processing.

Handprint empowers businesses to make a meaningful impact by connecting them to regenerative projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives range from reforestation and coral reef construction to targeted education and biodiversity loss.

Thunes currently supports reforestation efforts in Indonesia, Nigeria, India and Kenya; the vast majority of these projects are for mangrove tree restoration. The company plans to extend its tree-planting initiatives further to additional areas in the regions where it operates.

The company partnered with Handprint in 2022. Since then, Thunes has planted over 125,000 mangrove trees. Depending on local conditions, each mangrove tree will absorb between 180 and 500 kg of CO2 over its 20-year lifespan. Mangrove reforestation supports the SDG 13 for Climate Action, SDG 14 for Life Below Water and SDG 15 for Life on Land.

Thunes’ pledge is a key part of its ‘Turning Transactions into Actions’ ESG programme, which promotes sustainability, responsibility, diversity and equality.

Handprint ensures trees are planted in areas with the most pressing ecological needs. All reforestation efforts are fully traceable and audited using the company’s innovative technology platform. Its technology reduces intermediary costs, helps ensure the reliability of its NGO partners and tracks project fulfilment.

Peter De Caluwe, Deputy Chairman, Thunes, commented: “With our commitment to reforestation and biodiversity, we are making a positive impact on the environment with every transaction. Handprint’s impressive standards and far-reaching work will enable us to deliver an effective sustainability programme. Furthermore, our pledge helps differentiate Thunes as a truly innovative payment partner.”

Dr Simon Schillebeeckx, Chief Vision Officer of Handprint, said: “We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Thunes to help it and its customers play a more meaningful role in regenerative sustainability. All industries, including fintechs, can do more to support nature, improve biodiversity and protect people. Our platform connects an enterprise’s KPIs to specific sustainability initiatives, making it easy for them to make a tangible difference.”