The world is waking up to the urgent need for sustainability, and industries everywhere are re-evaluating their practices. The ID card and events sectors, which have traditionally relied on plastic, are no exception.
At Enviricard, we have been at the forefront of this green revolution for a while. Whilst you might know us for our paperboard gift cards, membership cards and loyalty cards, recently we have seen an increase in demand for eco-friendly event tickets and plastic-free ID cards, with benefits to both the planet and brands' bottom lines.
For years, plastic has been the go-to material for ID cards and event tickets. It's durable, versatile, and seemingly cheap to produce. However, the true cost of plastic is far-reaching. From its production, which consumes vast amounts of fossil fuels and releases harmful emissions, to its disposal, where it can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills, the impact on our environment and humans is undeniable.
As consumers and businesses become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable ID cards and eco-friendly event tickets is skyrocketing.
Why go sustainable with your ID cards and event tickets?
Beyond the obvious environmental benefits, switching to sustainable cards offers a wealth of advantages for businesses and event organisers:
1. A greener footprint, a stronger brand
Today, sustainability isn't just a buzzword and customers are quick to catch on to greenwashing. It has become a core value for many consumers. By choosing plastic-free cards, you visibly demonstrate your commitment to the environment, your customers' well-being and your stakeholders' investment.
A strong, sustainable brand image appeals to a growing demographic of eco-conscious clients and potential investors looking for CSR (corporate social responsibility). All of which sets you apart from competitors. Imagine the positive messaging you can convey by stating that your event is committed to a plastic-free experience.
2. Durable and data-rich for seamless identification
When it comes to ID and access cards, durability, reliable data capabilities, and seamless integration are paramount. Our sustainable card solutions, crafted from robust plain paperboard, are designed to last in dynamic environments.
The DTC (Direct to printer) capabilities allow for the incorporation or printing of a range of features for secure identification, including:
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QR codes for quick and efficient scanning.
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Variable data printing for unique data on each card, ideal for personalised ID, access control, and visitor management.
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RFID Capability beyond visual identification, Enviricard's sustainable cards can be embedded with RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology. This enables:
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Contactless access control provides faster and more secure entry and exit for events, workplaces, or specific zones.
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Real-time tracking and analytics monitor attendance, flow, and engagement at various points within an event or facility. This data is invaluable for optimising layouts, staffing, and future planning.
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Enhanced security RFID provides an additional layer of security, making it harder to duplicate or misuse cards.
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Streamlined transactions for cashless payments or quick information retrieval at concessions or information points.
3. Eco-friendly disposal – no landfill guilt
One of the biggest headaches with traditional plastic cards is their disposal. Our sustainable cards offer a clear and eco-conscious end-of-life solution.
Made from sustainable paperboard, they are biodegradable and compostable, meeting EN13432 standards and independently tested for recyclability, which significantly reduces landfill burden. This means after your event, there's no lingering environmental impact from discarded passes.
4. Innovation driving change
The sustainable card industry is constantly innovating. We're seeing advancements in materials, printing techniques, and integrated technologies that make eco-friendly cards just as functional, if not more so, than their plastic counterparts. For more information on our specific offerings, check out our Enviricard Blank White Paperboard Cards.
The drive towards sustainable ID and event solutions
The push for sustainability is transforming the ID and event industries, driven by new regulations, corporate goals, and growing consumer demand.
The evolution of ID cards is heavily influenced by mounting regulatory pressure, with legislation like the EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) encouraging industries, including ID card manufacturing, to seek sustainable alternatives, even without outright bans.
This aligns with the ambitious net-zero targets of many companies, which are increasing the demand for sustainable ID cards that support their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Concurrently, technological advancements in materials are making robust, secure, and plastic-free ID card options increasingly viable.
Similarly, the events sector is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainability, largely propelled by public and attendee demand for environmentally responsible, eco-conscious events, covering everything from waste management to ticketing materials.
The EU's SUPD has directly impacted events by banning certain single-use plastics, raising overall awareness and prompting the adoption of plastic-free alternatives for items like tickets and badges. This is further reinforced by industry commitments, with event organisers and bodies setting ambitious sustainability targets to enhance both attendee experience and reputation. Finally, the rise of digital transformation, particularly digital ticketing, is reducing the need for physical tickets, shifting the focus to any remaining physical tickets to sustainable materials and responsible disposal.
The future is Enviricard
The shift towards sustainable ID cards and eco-friendly event tickets isn't just a trend; it's the inevitable future. As regulations tighten, consumer expectations evolve, and the urgency of climate action grows, businesses and event organisers who embrace eco-alternatives will be the ones that thrive.
At Enviricard, we're proud to offer solutions that enable this vital transition. We believe that convenience, security, and sustainability can, and should, go hand-in-hand. Join us in building a greener future, one card at a time.
Ready to make the switch to sustainable ID cards and event tickets? Contact Enviricard today to discover our range of cards.