How Sustainable Cards Drive Real ESG & CSR Results

The Credibility Crisis No-one Talks About

A staggering 76% of consumers would cease buying from firms that neglect environmental, employee, or community well-being (PwC 2021). ESG and CSR strategies face a persistent credibility problem. Stakeholders, from investors to customers, have become increasingly skeptical of corporate sustainability claims. They’re looking for proof embedded into company operations, not just baseless sustainability claims.

That’s where most companies fail to engage their audience reliably. Plastic cards are one of those details that can sometimes get overlooked when considering sustainability initiatives.

However, the impact of plastic cards cannot be understated. For example, by just switching 100,00 plastic cards to enviricard's eco-friendly alternatives, you can save 500kg of plastic waste from landfill. Explore our carbon calculator, by entering your current card requirements and discover the sustainability benefits from making the switch. 

Did you know, 64% of consumers now rank sustainability as a top-three value driver across product categories (Simon-Kucher 2024). This shift is critical as environmental responsibility isn’t declining, it’s becoming a baseline expectation.

The Numbers That Matter

In 2021, there were over 17.2 billion plastic cards in circulation globally, and this production generated the same level of carbon emissions as driving around the world 43,000 times.

The environmental burden does not stop at production. According to some estimates, only 9% of plastics have been recycled during the past 15 years, with the remaining entering the environment through rivers, the ocean, landfill or incineration.

Every year 19-23 million tonnes of plastic leaks into the aquatic ecosystems. For organisations serious about their ESG commitments, these statistics reveal the true severity of plastic waste and a critical operational flaw within industry.

For organisations who wish to remove this burden and switch to a plastic free alternative, there are genuine benefits to businesses ESG goals. This is not an abstract improvement, it’s measurable, reportable and backed by true sustainability credentials from DS Smith, CarbonQuota and FSC.

Beyond Carbon: The Authenticity Factor

The environmental metrics matter, but here’s what the research indicates for businesses who commit to improving their ESG and CSR. 88% of consumers demonstrate increased brand loyalty to businesses who advocate for environmental and social responsibility.

This isn’t just a side benefit. It's a core reaction to sustainable business choices. When you choose eco-friendly cards, you’re making a statement that stakeholders will notice and reward. Not only do customers appreciate these choices, but investors and employees see genuine commitment to operational alignment with brand storytelling and strategic goals. 

Research from PwC confirms this: overwhelming majorities of both consumers and employees said they are more likely to buy from or work for a business that shares their values across different elements of ESG. 

The Barrier That Doesn't Actually Exist

The most common objections to switching from PVC plastic cards to eco-friendly alternatives? “It’ll disrupt our existing operations, you have to compromise on quality”. However, as discussed in our previous article on myths about paperboard, you do not need to compromise, enviricard’s are compatible with standard direct to card (DTC) printers and engineered to withstand rigorous daily use. 

Next Steps

91% of corporate leaders acknowledge their company’s duty to address sustainability issues. Yet most still issue plastic PVC cards. Making the next step is no longer just a “nice to have” it’s a business necessity. Whether you’re a global corporation, a large event organiser, or even a small local business, the transition to eco-friendly cards is a tangible, impactful step you can make today.

Ready to make the switch?
Contact our team for a personalised consultation.