Where you use your cards for access control, ID or contactless payments, a card for a business is more than its purpose; it's a tangible representation of your brand's values. It's often the first physical touchpoint a potential customer or employee has with you. Every card has the power to leave a lasting impression.
As consumers, clients and stakeholders become more environmentally conscious, they are increasingly drawn to businesses that are proving that they share these values too. This has led to a major shift, with companies in the finance and fintech sectors moving away from environmentally damaging plastics, even so-called ‘green plastics’ and seeking out sustainable alternatives for their cards.
This guide is designed to help you navigate this new landscape. We'll explore the hidden environmental costs of traditional cards for businesses and introduce you to a certified, independently tested and proven alternative - enviricard.
The Hidden Environmental Cost of Your Card for Businesses
For decades, the standard card in business has been made from materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a common type of plastic. While durable, the environmental impact of this material is staggering. PVC can take several hundred years to decompose, contributing to the global crisis of landfill waste and vast "floating garbage islands" in our oceans.
The problem isn't just about disposal but also the entire manufacturing footprint. The production of traditional PVC plastic and so-called ‘green plastic’ cards requires significant energy and resources, often relying on non-renewable sources.
This full lifecycle, from creation to disposal leaves a large carbon footprint. The choice to use a traditional PVC plastic card sends a silent message to your audience. A message that may contradict your brand's values and impact your ESG reporting. It's time to re-evaluate these choices and adopt sustainable practices, starting with this small but significant detail.
Defining "eco-friendly", ditching the greenwashing
True eco-friendly products are defined by more than just a green logo. It's about a commitment to sustainable materials, a responsible production journey and a conscientious plan for the product's end-of-life. All backed up by independently tested third parties.
At enviricard, our business is built on this approach. The card's core is a pulp-based paperboard sourced from Holmen Board & Paper, a company known for responsible forestry and a verified carbon footprint. In fact, the paperboard substrate alone has an 88% lower carbon footprint compared to plastic. The card also features a polylactic acid (PLA) laminate, a bio-based material that, along with the paperboard, is designed for a sustainable end-of-life.
It's important to note the distinction between recyclability and compostability. According to the CarbonQuota report, the combined paperboard and PLA product only biodegrades under industrial composting conditions (EN13432), a critical detail for transparency.
The recyclability of the card has also been independently validated. Tested under the 4evergreen Recyclability Evaluation Protocol, enviricard achieved a classification of "Suitable for Standard Mill Recycling*".
*This is a nuanced classification that applies as long as the cards are "not abundant in incoming fibre streams," with a recommended volume of less than 7% of bale content. This provides a more detailed view than a simple pass/fail, offering clarity for specific recycling contexts.
enviricard's proven sustainability
At enviricard, our environmental claims are not just marketing; they're backed by independent analysis. A comprehensive study by CarbonQuota assessed Enviricard's carbon footprint against PVC alternatives and found that the Enviricard has an overall carbon footprint that is 57% lower than its PVC equivalent.
This figure accounts for the entire product lifecycle, from material sourcing to final disposal, providing a verifiable metric of its environmental advantage.
Similarly, the 4evergreen Recyclability Evaluation Protocol provided a concrete, third-party validation of the card's recyclability. The test's methodology, which includes processes like disintegration and screening, ensures that the product is evaluated under real-world conditions. These independent reports provide concrete, verifiable data that businesses can trust, proving that the switch to enviricard is a choice that makes a tangible, positive impact.
That is why we are proud to announce that we are the only certified alternative to plastic cards.
A practical guide to making the switch with enviricard
Transitioning to eco-friendly cards for businesses is a simple, three-step process:
-
Easy integration – Our cards are designed to be a seamless transition. Simply replace the plastic cards in your DTC printer with enviricard. Whether you are using plan cards or pre-printed ones, our cards will help you make an environmental statement without the investment in new infrastructure.
-
Choosing your enviricard product - enviricard offers both plain cards and pre-printed options. For ultimate flexibility, you can order pre-printed cards with your branding and then use a Direct-to-Card (DTC) printer for on-demand personalisation.
-
The printing process - Using a DTC printer with enviricard's products is a seamless process. This approach is not only cost-effective but also reduces waste from large, bulk print runs. It gives you the flexibility to print new cards as you need them, ensuring you never run out and never have to discard outdated cards.
Your card, your legacy
In an era where every choice a business makes matters, choosing an eco-friendly card is a simple decision with a dramatic impact. Enviricard provides a proven, independently tested solution that makes a tangible statement about your brand's values.
By making this switch, you can dramatically lower your carbon footprint, reduce plastic waste, and build trust and loyalty with a growing audience of environmentally conscious consumers. Your card is more than a card—it's a reflection of your commitment to a sustainable future. What will yours say about you?