UBB is the first company in Bulgaria to replace vinyl billboards with an innovative recyclable material

05 July 2023
United Bulgarian Bank (UBB) and DZI, part of the Belgian financial group KBC, presented their annual Report to Society, showing their impact on the economy, the environment and people.
On this occasion UBB announced that they have already replaced and will be using, going forward, only recyclable materials for their outdoor advertising boards, everywhere, as possible. The innovative material, which replaces PVC billboards, is called “green banner” and is being offered by the large-format printing company named Billboard AD. According to calculations of Mr. Kalin Genchev, Marketing Manager of Billboard AD, vinyl billboards, which are not recyclable and until recently had no alternative in Bulgaria, represent approximately one and a half million square meters per year, weighing about 500 tons, as advertisers do not usually commit to their disposal. The new "green banner" material is fully recyclable and after each campaign outdoor advertising billboards are being delivered to a certified company for having them duly recycled. Thus, advertisers are being guaranteed their negative impact on the environment decreasing and their effective involvement in the circular economy.
UBB is also the first bank to be ever outspoken and particular about targets they have set by 2030 and 2050 with regard to the most carbon-intensive sectors of their credit portfolio. It is with this report that the Bank monitors on an annual basis the reduction of emissions in its carbon footprint. The reduction of the own carbon emissions of UBB and DZI reaches 81%, as compared to the base Y2015, and it is the ambition of both companies to have 70% of their vehicle fleet comprise electric cars by end 2025.
In 2022 UBB and DZI supported over 71 projects in various sustainable development areas, including energy efficiency, urban development and cultural heritage.
An Advisory Hub was also set up over the elapsed year, linked to sustainability, ensuring cooperation with 24 business leaders, sharing knowledge and experience about sustainability practices in their capacity as external partners.
One of the most significant projects in support of agriculture is the UBB Agro Emissions Calculator – a unique digital tool for calculating the carbon footprint of agricultural producers and farmers.
„With this Report to Society we share how our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy serves as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. It leads us to create new products and services for our customers, to help them in their transition. To redesign our internal operations. To engage with stakeholders in wider society. To prepare, develop and engage our employees. To prepare the future.”, shared in his address to society Mr. Peter Roebben, Chief Executive Officer of UBB and Country Manager of KBC Group for Bulgaria.
Read more: Report to Society 2022.