Sofia Martinez
Plastic gift cards are typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, which is a significant source of pollution and is detrimental to the environment. PVC is a toxic and potentially carcinogenic material that contains vinyl chloride, a chemical that has been linked to various types of cancer. The manufacturing of PVC gift cards creates carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Due to these environmental concerns, some companies are transitioning to paper-based or digital gift cards, which are more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main type of plastic used | PVC (polyvinyl chloride) |
| Other types of plastic used | PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) |
| Other materials used | Paper, cardboard, corn sugar, wood |
| Environmental impact | PVC is toxic, potentially carcinogenic, and difficult to recycle |
| Carbon emissions | 40,000+ tons of CO2 generated annually from PVC card production |
| Alternatives | Paper, cardboard, electronic gift cards |
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What You'll Learn
- Gift cards are made of PVC, a toxic and potentially carcinogenic plastic
- PVC gift cards create plastic waste and contribute to carbon emissions
- Paper-based gift cards are an environmentally-friendly alternative to PVC
- Refillable gift cards are another eco-friendly option
- Card finishes include UV coating or lamination
Gift cards are made of PVC, a toxic and potentially carcinogenic plastic
Plastic gift cards are typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic that is unfortunately detrimental to the environment and difficult to recycle. The PVC plastic used in gift cards is a particularly problematic form of plastic, as few recycling programs are equipped to handle its unique recycling process. This has led to a significant source of pollution, with an estimated $171 billion in gift cards sold in the United States in 2021 alone.
PVC itself is a toxic and potentially carcinogenic material. The production and incineration of PVC release harmful compounds into the air, including chlorine, dioxin, cadmium, lead, and phthalates, and vinyl chloride. Vinyl chloride, a key component in PVC production, has been classified as a human carcinogen and is known to cause liver cancer. The health risks associated with these chemicals are concerning, especially for businesses committed to employee well-being.
The environmental impact of PVC gift cards extends beyond pollution and waste. The manufacturing process also generates carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas linked to global warming. Additionally, the short lifespan of single-use plastic gift cards contributes to unnecessary waste.
Recognizing the environmental and health concerns associated with PVC gift cards, some companies are transitioning to sustainable alternatives. Paper-based gift cards, for example, are easily recyclable in consumer recycling programs and can be made from responsibly sourced materials with water-soluble glues and inks to further reduce their environmental impact. Digital gift cards are another eco-friendly option that eliminates plastic waste and provides flexibility for the recipient.
While PVC gift cards are the industry standard, the shift towards sustainable alternatives is gaining momentum. By adopting eco-friendly options, businesses can reduce their environmental footprint and promote employee and customer satisfaction.
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PVC gift cards create plastic waste and contribute to carbon emissions
Plastic gift cards, particularly those made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rely on a cocktail of toxic chemicals, including chlorine, dioxin, cadmium, lead, phthalates, and vinyl chloride. These chemicals pose risks throughout the card's lifecycle, from production to disposal, ultimately ending up in our environment and even our bodies.
Secondly, PVC gift cards are typically single-use, creating unnecessary plastic waste. The cards themselves, along with their accompanying packaging and envelopes, generate waste that can take up to 500 years to decompose. This waste often ends up in landfills, contributing to the already overflowing plastic waste problem.
Lastly, the act of distributing physical gift cards to employees or customers also contributes to carbon emissions. The postage and transportation of these cards result in additional carbon emissions, further increasing the environmental impact.
To reduce their environmental impact, businesses and consumers can opt for sustainable alternatives to PVC gift cards. Digital or electronic gift cards, for example, can be instantly issued via email, offering flexibility and convenience while eliminating plastic waste and reducing carbon emissions. Paper-based gift cards are another environmentally friendly option that is easily recyclable and made from sustainable raw materials. By choosing these alternatives, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and appeal to consumers who prioritize sustainability.
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Paper-based gift cards are an environmentally-friendly alternative to PVC
Plastic gift cards, particularly those made of PVC, rely on a cocktail of toxic chemicals and pose risks throughout the card's lifecycle, from production to disposal. Vinyl chloride, a toxic chemical classified as a human carcinogen, is a key component in plastic card production. It is also found in PVC pipes, windows, flooring, packaging, and many other consumer goods. The production and disposal of PVC plastic put a variety of people at risk of exposure to these toxic chemicals.
As an alternative, some retailers like Starbucks, Apple, and Amazon have begun to sell paper or cardboard cards, which are made from renewable sources and are easier to recycle. Paper cards are typically less expensive than PVC cards to manufacture. They are also recyclable and made of sustainable raw materials, eliminating the negative environmental impact of PVC gift cards. Paper mills have developed paper card substrates that are specially engineered to provide the required durability. These paper-based cards eliminate the most serious environmental concerns associated with PVC gift cards.
Electronic gift cards are another option that has zero waste, but the majority are still produced in plastic. Digital prepaid Mastercards, for example, are issued instantly to employees via email and can be spent at over 65 million shops worldwide. They offer a perfect mix of flexibility and autonomy, improving employee satisfaction and reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste and carbon emissions through postage.
For those who prefer the look and feel of traditional PVC cards, there are now cards made from recycled PVC and other biodegradable materials. These cards can be reliably recycled, and some can be recycled up to eight times. They are also biodegradable without toxic residues in a compostable environment. However, it is important to note that the structure of traditional PVCs remains intact for several years, contributing to long-term waste pollution.
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Refillable gift cards are another eco-friendly option
Plastic gift cards are typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, which is a major environmental concern. The production and disposal of PVC plastic expose a variety of people to toxic chemicals, which wind up in our environment and even our bodies. Vinyl chloride, a key component in PVC, is a known human carcinogen and has been linked to liver cancer, lymphoma, leukaemia, and cancers of the brain and lungs.
As consumers become more environmentally conscious, plastic gift cards are coming under scrutiny. In response, some retailers, like Starbucks, Apple, and Amazon, now offer paper or cardboard cards made from renewable sources that are easier to recycle. Electronic gift cards are another waste-free option, but the majority of gift cards are still made of plastic.
By choosing refillable gift cards, whether digital or physical, businesses and consumers can demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and reduce their environmental impact. It is a simple switch that aligns with the growing public concern about climate change and the preference for buying from environmentally sustainable companies.
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Card finishes include UV coating or lamination
Most gift cards are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. PVC is a toxic chemical that poses risks throughout the card's lifecycle, from production to disposal. It is a known human carcinogen, associated with liver cancer, lymphoma, leukaemia, and cancers of the brain and lungs.
Due to the environmental and health concerns associated with PVC, some companies are switching to paper or cardboard cards, which are easier to recycle and come from renewable sources. Electronic gift cards are another option that eliminates waste entirely.
Card finishes are an important consideration for businesses, as they can enhance the design and make the card stand out. UV coating, lamination, and other finishes can be applied to gift cards to protect them from moisture, scuffing, and wear, and to prevent the ink from smudging.
UV coating is a clear compound applied to the card wet and then instantly dried by ultraviolet light. It provides a glossy sheen that makes the card more attractive and also offers protection and durability. This finish is often used for marketing materials to make them stand out and last longer. UV coating is also smooth to the touch, providing a pleasant tactile experience.
Lamination is another finish that offers protection and style. It can be combined with other finishes like spot UV or foiling to elevate the card's design. For example, combining matte lamination with a glossy spot UV coating can highlight logos or important details. Lamination can also be paired with metallic foiling or holographic designs to create a luxurious and memorable brand symbol.
Other specialty finishes include soft-touch lamination, spot UV varnish, and foil stamping, which can add depth, dimension, and a luxurious appearance to the card. Debossing is also an option that enhances depth without altering the original design, making it ideal for company logos and titles. These finishes can be customized to align with a brand's professional image and leave a lasting impression on potential clients.
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Frequently asked questions
Gift cards are most commonly made out of polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC plastic.
PVC is the industry-standard stock for printing credit cards, so it is a popular choice for other plastic printing such as gift cards.
Paper-based gift cards are an environmentally friendly alternative to PVC cards. They are easily recycled in consumer recycling programs and can be sourced from responsibly managed forests.
PVC is a significant source of pollution and is detrimental to the environment. It is a toxic and potentially carcinogenic material, and its production creates carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas linked to global warming.
Although many recycling centers are not equipped to handle PVC, you still have recycling options. You can ask the retailer if they recycle used gift cards, send the card to a recycling center that handles PVC, or upcycle the gift card into something else.
