3 Main Types of Eco-Friendly Cards To Know

What are Eco-friendly Cards?

Eco-friendly cards, also known as sustainable cards or green cards, are payment cards made from environmentally preferable materials like plant-based plastics, recycled plastics, or compostable materials instead of traditional PVC plastic. 

They are designed to have a lower carbon footprint than conventional plastic cards over their entire life cycles, from production to disposal. With growing consumer demand for more sustainable products and payment solutions, many card issuers now offer various eco-friendly cards to appeal to eco-conscious customers.

Why Choose Eco-friendly Cards?

There are a few key reasons why choosing eco-friendly payment cards makes sense. Traditional plastic cards take up to 1000 years to decompose in landfills. By 2050, an estimated 75 billion plastic cards will have ended up in landfills. 

Secondly, the production process for plastic cards requires fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Switching to Eco-Friendly Cards can help reduce this environmental impact. Finally, it allows consumers to make small lifestyle changes that cumulatively help protect the planet.

Types of Eco-Friendly Cards

Here are the three main Types of Eco-Friendly Cards available today:

1) Recycled Plastic Cards:

These cards are made from recycled plastic, such as recycled PVC. Producing 1 ton of recycled PVC cards saves 1.4 tons of carbon emissions compared to virgin plastic cards. 

Benefits of Recycled Plastic Cards:

1. Waste Reduction:

Cards made from recycled plastic decrease the volume of waste accumulating in our dumps. By repurposing old plastic into new cards, we cut down on unused materials cluttering our planet and extend the usable life of existing plastics already in circulation.

2. Lower Carbon Footprint:

Recycled plastic cards have a lower carbon footprint than standard plastic cards. This is because recycling plastic means less new plastic must be produced, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.

3. Supports the Recycling Industry:

Payment cards from recycled plastic offer crucial support to recycling centres by utilising post-consumer materials. This collaborative approach between industries improves recycling rates and ensures that plastic waste is given new life instead of ending up in landfills.

Limitations of Recycled Plastic Cards:

Recycled plastic cards are a step in the right direction, but recycling is challenging. The recycled material must meet strict standards to ensure the card’s reliability. Producers work hard to source enough post-consumer recycled material while upholding performance. Continued innovation aims to lessen this limitation.

2) Plant-Based Plastic Cards

These innovative cards are made from plant-based plastics like compostable PLA derived from corn starch. Around 3.5 billion pounds of crops are needed annually to produce compostable plastics, which are recyclable and biodegradable. However, their production also requires agricultural land and water.

Benefits of Plant-Based Plastic Cards:

1. Reduced Environmental Impact:

Plant-based plastic cards have a lower carbon footprint and are better for the planet. They do not rely on petroleum extraction or production, helping minimise pollution and waste from plastic manufacturing that harms the environment.

2. Consumer Appeal:

Plant-based plastic cards have a strong consumer appeal, as people find them more environmentally friendly. Many customers feel good about choosing options that use renewable, natural materials instead of oil-based plastics that harm the planet.

3. Resource Sustainability:

Plant-based plastic cards are derived from renewable plant sources instead of fossil fuels. This ensures that the raw materials used for production can be replenished naturally, allowing for continued manufacturing without depleting precious non-renewable resources.

Limitations of Plant-Based Plastic Cards:

Plant-based plastic cards are a step in the right direction for reducing waste. However, the technology is still evolving to match the longevity we expect from payment cards. Researchers continue optimising plant material formulations to withstand daily use as long as customers need them. With further advances, bioplastics should serve users as reliably as traditional plastics. However, they also have a higher cost than conventional plastic cards.

3) Metal Cards

Metal cards, like those of titanium, are extremely durable and can last over 100 years. They are also 100% recyclable. However, producing metals like titanium is energy-intensive and tends to be heavier than plastic cards.

Benefits of Metal cards:

1. Longevity:

Metal cards are highly durable and can withstand regular use and flexing over extended periods. Their sturdy construction ensures they will not break down or degrade quickly like plastic alternatives, providing the benefit of a payment method that can last for years with proper care.

2. Premium Appeal:

Metal cards have a luxurious feel that appeals to status-conscious customers. The solid weight and shine of the metal suggest these cards are for higher spending customers, boosting the issuer’s upmarket image.

3. Recyclability:

Metal payment cards can be easily recycled at the end of their usage life. The cards are made of metal alloy, so they can be melted down and remoulded to manufacture new metal cards or other metal products sustainably.

Limitations of Metal cards:

Metal cards, though luxurious in appearance, do come with some challenges. Their heavier composition can burden wallets or pockets. Repeated flexing may also gradually mar the finish through inevitable bumps and bruises of normal handling. 

Additionally, they have limitations regarding compatibility with card readers at older payment terminals. Still, their high-quality craftsmanship leaves a lasting impression valued by those less concerned with these modest troubles.

Choosing Ecofriendly cards according to your needs

When choosing between the different Types of Eco-Friendly Cards, evaluating your specific needs and preferences is important. For example, a recycled plastic or metal card may be best if you’re looking for a long-lasting and durable option. Plant-based cards are ideal if your priority is biodegradability. It’s also worth balancing upfront card costs, environmental impact, and compatibility.

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Conclusion

Statistics show plastic waste from traditional payment cards is a huge global issue. By switching to eco-friendly alternatives, consumers can help reduce the estimated 75 billion plastic cards that will end up in landfills by 2050. 

Whether you choose recycled plastic for durability or plant-based options for biodegradability, switching to Eco-Friendly Cards is a small step we can all take towards protecting the environment. This blog provided helpful information on the different types available and tips for selecting the right sustainable payment card according to your individual needs.

FAQs

1)What are eco-friendly cards made of?

Eco-friendly cards are typically made from recycled plastics, plant-based plastics like PLA, or metals like titanium. The goal is to use more sustainable materials with a lower environmental impact than traditional PVC plastic cards.

2) How do recycled plastic cards help the environment?

Recycled plastic cards reduce waste, have a lower carbon footprint than virgin plastic since less new material needs to be produced, and support the recycling industry by utilising post-consumer materials.

3) Are plant-based plastic cards biodegradable?

Yes, plant-based plastic cards made from materials like PLA are biodegradable. However, they still require agricultural land and water for production.

4) How long do metal cards last?

Metal cards like titanium are highly durable and can last over 100 years with proper care. Their sturdy construction makes them a long-lasting payment option.

5) Which type of eco-friendly card is most durable?

Due to their sturdy construction and materials, metal and recycled plastic cards are the most durable, eco-friendly options. Both can withstand regular daily use and flexing over extended periods.

6) How do I choose the right eco-friendly card for me?

Evaluate your needs, including longevity, biodegradability, costs, and compatibility factors, to determine the best eco-friendly card type, whether recycled plastic, plant-based, or metal.