Our drive to become more ‘green’ – ECO Friendly ID cards
Over the last few years we have seen a shift globally within our partner and customer network towards investment in environmentally sustainable products. This has seen an increase in recycled, biodegradable and more natural ID card alternatives, such as wood and card being used.
Here at cards-x we have invested significantly into our Evohold card holder recycle program as well as launching a biodegradable and recyclable card holder product range. One area we have been developing is our range of sustainable PVC cards, and the reduction of single-use plastics. Sadly Direct-to-card and retransfer ID card printers require a plastic card in order for the print process to work! Which got us thinking… what alternatives are out there?
Recycled PET-G ECO ID Cards
Since their launch in 2020 oversized Recycled PET-G ECO Cards are increasingly being used alongside accreditation solutions at high profile events across the UK and Europe, where the adoption of sustainable products is vital and often where a sustainability target is in place. In July we shared how a high profile tennis competition in Germany used our Recycled PET-G cards as part of their accreditation solution.
Recycled PET-G is known as Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate glycol. This premium upcycled ID card contains the highest percentage of pre-consumer upcycled plastic (75%). Compared to PVC, Recycled PET-G is absent of hazardous substances and dramatically reduces first-use plastic consumption and waste-to-landfill, by upcycling materials at the source of production.
Known for its significant chemical resistance, durability, cost effectiveness and food-safe properties, it is an ideal solution for ID card printing and even Food Safe Price Tags.
For more information about the range of Recycled PET-G ID cards please contact our sales team at info@cards-x.co.uk.
Organic PVC Cards
Organic PVC Cards are also known as biodegradable PVC Cards. A special additive is applied to the card that accelerates the degradation of treated plastics in microbial rich environments, such as, compost, landfill etc. When the microorganisms settle they release acids which breaks down the polymer chain and degrades the ID card over 1-5 years.
Our biodegradable blank white cards and biodegradable Magnetic stripe ID cards offer the same high quality you’d expect from a standard PVC card and are compatible with any ID card printer.
Recycled PVC
Recycled PVC is PVC that is 70-100% recycled. Furthermore, once it has been used it can be recycled again. By recycling the PVC it minimises the production of new PVC and reduces the amount of plastic in landfills.
We offer a 100% recycled plastic card (R-PVC) repurposed from old plastic bottles, and post-consumer recycled PVC material that would have otherwise been destined for landfill. Furthermore, its rigorous testing process means the quality of the R-PVC card produced is consistent with that of a normal PVC card and suitable for use on any ID card printer.
So how else can we think smarter about buying sustainably?
ECO Lanyards
Our range of ECO lanyards are made from recycled plastic bottles. Again reducing the amount of new plastic being produced and fundamentally put into a landfill.
By switching to a recycled solution you are not only helping the environment but building on your sustainability program.
Rewritable ID Card Printers
A feature that has grown in popularity over recent years is the re-write function from ID card printers. Even some of the entry level printers such as the MC110 and the MC210 ID card printers from Matica boast this feature.
Often used for temporary and visitor passes a rewrite function allows the reuse of ID cards by erasing the information on a card and then printing new information over the rewritable surface. Again this process is reducing the amount of single-use plastics ending in landfill. Rewritable plastic cards are required for this process and normal blank white cards cannot be used for this method. However, Rewritable plastic ID cards can be printed on, erased and reprinted on up to 500 times!
ECO ID Card Holders
Produced by cards-x UK in Malton, North Yorkshire, cards-x’s range of Evohold biodegradable and recyclable ID holders are an ideal option for those looking to buy more sustainably.
The Evohold recyclable ID card holders are completely recyclable and can be disposed of with normal plastic recycling. However, in our pledge to become more ‘green’ cards-x now offer an Evohold recyclable program. This allows customers to return any Evohold ID card holder for money off any future Evohold ID card holder purchase. We then grind the returned ID card holders down and reproduce new ID card holders from the waste plastic. Take a look at our video on how we do this.
Our Evohold Biodegradable ID Card Holders are 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Much like the biodegradable ID cards, the Evohold biodegradable card holder contains a natural additive which remains dormant until it enters an anaerobic environment such as a landfill or the ocean. As such our biodegradable ID card holders can be placed into the organic waste bin! We recommend these ID card holders for those looking for environmentally friendly ID card holder options with a low environmental impact.
Summary
Printing Plastic ID Cards might not always seem the most ECO friendly option on the surface but there are more options on the market than you might think, especially when looking to make more sustainable choices! With biodegradable and recyclable plastics, as well as options to get more out of plastic products, we feel that together we can be ‘greener’ and reduce the amount of plastic heading to the landfill.
Why cards-x?
cards-x is committed to leading the industry in minimising the impact of its activities on the environment. We recognise and are conscious that we work within an industry involved in plastic and we take seriously the responsibility that we have to educate and offer alternative products which are deemed more eco friendly , such as our Biodegradable Plastic Cards, and also Recyclable card holders and Biodegradable rigid ID card holders in which we manufacturer ourselves.
For more information about any of the products mentioned in the article and our pledge to provide more sustainable products please don’t hesitate to contact our team.