Paperboard vs Plastic Cards: 4 Common Myths Debunked

Myth 1: Eco-friendly cards require printer overhaul

Enviricard is designed to work with direct to card DTC printers. This allows for rapid on-site printing at events seen in our partnership with cVent. There’s no need to invest in brand new expensive machinery to facilitate this switch. For example, cVent’s On-Arrival check-in system effortlessly integrates with enviricard allowing for mass adoption with no added complexity. 

For businesses that wish to reduce their carbon footprint and meet their ESG goals, this feature is highly valuable as this makes the switch a seamless operational change. The only difference is the material used to produce the cards, plant-based materials instead of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).
 

Myth 2: Customers won’t notice the difference

According to Think with Google, 82% of consumers say that sustainability is more top of mind now than it was before 2020. Furthermore,a PwC study found that in 2024, consumers globally would pay on average 9.7% more for sustainably produced or sourced goods. McKinsey also found that sustainable packaging products grew at a cumulative rate of 28% over five years, outperforming products lacking sustainability-related claims. These studies indicate that public appreciation of eco-friendly options is not only growing, but now highly favourable.

As a result, enviricards are a fantastic way to differentiate your business from your competition. When businesses make a commitment to sustainability through something as tangible as an ID card, membership card etc, you’re not just meeting growing sustainability expectations, you’re building loyalty that transfers to your bottom line.
 

Myth 3: Paperboard cards are not as durable

Enviricard’s paperboard invercote, are engineered to be durable for everyday wear and tear due to its robust and resilient construction from responsibly sourced plant-based ingredients. Our cards are designed to maintain their integrity and functionality, saving you time and money.  

Leading the way in eco-innovation, we are not just offering an alternative to plastic, but also providing a truly sustainable solution from seed to disposal that carries a powerful message to your audience. 
 

Myth 4: enviricard isn't significantly more eco-friendly

Some may question ‌how truly sustainable enviricards' solution is to the plastic waste problem. As greenwashing can be so prevalent within the sustainable solutions industry, this can sometimes be accused of enviricard. However, our commitment to sustainability is not just based on trust, it is based on independent certification and measurable impact. 

From seed to disposal, every aspect of our eco-friendly cards is crafted for environmental responsibility. Our plant-based materials are made from wood pulp sourced from our paper pattern Holmen Board and Paper. They operate a truly sustainably managed forest, where more trees are planted per year than harvested. Holmen, based in Sweden, is rated platinum by Ecovadis, placing it in the top 1% of the most sustainable companies in the world. 

Furthermore, our cards are certified biodegradable and compostable to EN13432 (for industrial composting) but have also been independently tested for recyclability in standard paper pfr mills.

Making the switch to sustainable cards is simpler than you think

Transitioning to paperboard is not as difficult as you might think. Start with our carbon calculator to highlight the carbon footprint reduction your business could achieve with enviricard. 

Switching to enviricard isn’t just an environmental gesture, it’s a genuine step forward to meet your sustainability goals or ESG objectives. This switch isn’t just a strategic business benefit, but also a change backed by public demand, long-term brand value and verifiable sustainability credentials.

Ready to discover how enviricard can help your business achieve its sustainability goals? Get in touch with us today.