Plastic Business Cards: What Material To Choose?

what material is a plastic business card

Business cards are traditionally made from cardstock, also known as pasteboard or cover stock. However, plastic business cards have become an increasingly popular alternative due to their durability, unique look and feel, and versatility. They are typically made from one of three types of plastic: clear, frosted, or white. Clear plastic business cards are transparent and see-through, adding emphasis to the company name, logo, and contact details. Frosted plastic business cards have a semi-transparent, glass-like finish that provides a distinct background for the design. White plastic business cards offer a solid white background that works with almost any type of design and colour scheme.

Characteristics Values
Materials Clear, white, frosted, or matte PVC plastic
Durability Tearproof, waterproof, durable
Thickness 20 pt or 30 pt (thinner than a credit card)
Shape Rectangle, square, or rounded corners
Design Bright colours, bold fonts, high-gloss shine
Size 3.5" x 2"
Printing Litho printing, offset printing, digital printing

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Plastic business cards are durable, unique and long-lasting

Plastic business cards are a unique alternative to traditional paper cards. They are made from sturdy plastic, such as PVC, and are slightly thinner than a credit card. This material is durable, tear-proof, and waterproof, ensuring that the cards will last for years. The thickness and hardiness of the material also give the cards a premium feel, making them perfect for VIPs and important contacts.

Plastic cards are highly customizable and can be designed to suit any taste or brand image. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the rectangle being the most common. The cards can be clear, white, or frosted, with the latter two options providing a solid background that works with almost any design and color scheme. Clear cards, on the other hand, offer something completely different and unique. Frosted cards have a semi-transparent, glass-like appearance that provides a distinct and modern look.

When it comes to design, bright colors, bold fonts, and darker shades tend to work best on plastic cards. This is because they create a strong contrast against the plastic background, making the information easy to read. Pastel and neon colors should be avoided as they tend to fade into the background. Additionally, due to the printing process, special textures or finishes cannot be added to plastic cards. However, some printing companies offer litho printing, which is the highest-quality printing process and allows for additional options such as metallic card stock, foil stamps, and embossing.

Plastic business cards are not just informative but can also serve multiple purposes. They can be used as customer loyalty cards, discount cards, or gift cards, giving your customers a reason to hold on to your card for longer. The durability of plastic cards ensures that they can withstand repeated use, making them a long-lasting choice for any business.

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They are thinner than credit cards and come in different colours

Plastic business cards are an innovative way to showcase your business. They are a step up from traditional paper cards, offering a unique look and feel with added durability and versatility. One of their most appealing features is that they are thinner than credit cards, giving them a sleek and subtle advantage when handed out to clients or partners.

The thinness of plastic business cards is a subtle yet effective way to convey a sense of sophistication and elegance. The reduced thickness makes them lightweight and convenient to carry, ensuring that your card is more likely to be kept and valued. This subtle difference from the standard credit card thickness can bring a modern and refined touch to your business's image.

Plastic business cards are typically made from sturdy 20 to 30 PT plastic, which is both tearproof and waterproof. This thinner profile does not compromise durability, as these cards are designed to withstand years of use without bending or folding. The combination of thinness and strength makes them an ideal choice for a range of applications beyond traditional business cards, such as loyalty, membership, or discount cards.

To complement their thinner profile, plastic business cards come in a variety of colours and finishes. Clear, white, and frosted options are the most common, each offering a distinct aesthetic. Clear plastic cards provide a unique, transparent background, while white plastic serves as a solid canvas for any design and colour scheme. Frosted plastic, on the other hand, offers a semi-transparent, glass-like appearance that is both attention-worthy and elegant.

The colour options for plastic business cards are not limited to these three choices, as you can utilise bright and bold hues to make your design stand out. Litho printing, the highest-quality print process, allows for a full range of colours to be utilised, ensuring your branding and colours are accurately represented. This printing method also enables additional options like metallic card stock, foil stamps, and embossing, further enhancing the visual appeal of your cards.

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You can choose from die-cut or litho printing

Plastic business cards offer a unique look and feel, as well as added durability and versatility. They can be used as traditional business cards, loyalty cards, membership cards, or even as VIP cards. With their thickness and sturdy material, they stand out and make a lasting impression.

When it comes to printing on plastic business cards, you have two main options: die-cut or litho printing. Die-cut printing allows for custom shapes and cut-outs, making your business cards truly stand out. This method involves printing cards on a large sheet of plastic and then using a die to cut out individual cards in the desired shape. Die-cut printing is perfect for unique shapes, such as notched corners, circles, or even custom logos. It offers flexibility and affordability, especially when compared to screen printing. However, die-cut printing may not provide the same level of opacity as litho printing.

Litho printing, on the other hand, is the highest-quality printing process. It involves using copper plates to transfer ink onto plastic cards, similar to the process of creating high-quality artwork prints. Litho printing ensures the most opacity, especially for clear business cards, resulting in a nearly opaque print. This method is generally more expensive than die-cut printing but delivers a superior print quality. Lithography also enables additional options like metallic card stock, foil stamps, and embossing.

Another aspect to consider is the design of your plastic business cards. You can choose from clear, white, or frosted plastic, each offering a distinct look. Bright colours and bold fonts work best, creating a contrast against the plastic background. For clear cards, white ink will appear transparent, while on frosted cards, it will have a semi-transparent effect. It's important to use a font size above 8 pt. and avoid light or pastel colours that may blend with the plastic background.

Whether you choose die-cut or litho printing, plastic business cards offer a unique and memorable way to showcase your brand. Consider your desired level of customisation, opacity, and print quality when making your decision.

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They can be used for loyalty programs and VIPs

Plastic business cards can be used for loyalty programs and VIPs. They are made of durable and versatile materials, such as clear, white, or frosted plastic, which gives them an unexpected look and feel compared to traditional paper cards. The thickness and harder material of plastic business cards make them ideal for loyalty programs as they can withstand repeated use, and they can also be used as VIP cards to give to important clients or contacts, conveying a sense of exclusivity and value.

The durability of plastic cards ensures that they will last for years without getting destroyed, making them a reliable choice for loyalty programs. Customers are more likely to hold on to a plastic card, especially if it is part of a well-designed loyalty program that offers rewards and discounts. Plastic VIP cards can also encourage customers to return and make them feel valued, fostering a sense of exclusivity.

When designing plastic business cards for loyalty programs or VIPs, it is important to consider the card's background and choose colours that stand out. Bright colours, bold fonts, and darker shades often work well with the high-gloss shine of plastic cards. However, it is recommended to avoid light, pastel, or neon colours that may fade into the background. The design should also be easily readable, with a font size above 8 pt. and strokes or lines at or above 1.5 pt.

Plastic cards can be customised to suit different needs and tastes. They are typically available in standard sizes that fit easily into wallets and business card holders, but they can also be made in various shapes and sizes to create a unique impression. Rounded corners are a popular choice for plastic business cards as they eliminate sharp edges and give the cards a polished look.

Overall, plastic business cards offer a unique and durable option for loyalty programs and VIPs, helping to enhance your brand's image and foster customer loyalty. They stand out from traditional paper cards and can be designed to make a lasting impression on your customers.

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There are eco-friendly options available

There are several eco-friendly options available for business cards. One option is to use recycled paper and recyclable packaging, as offered by Instant Print. Their cards are printed on uncoated silk, which means there is no laminate finish, and they are FSC-certified, using the greenest possible paper options available. Another option is to use LinkedIn's QR Code as an eco-friendly alternative to business cards. This allows you to stay connected with colleagues and clients without the need for physical cards. If you are specifically looking for plastic business cards, some companies offer cards made from recycled plastic, which can be further recycled. These cards are visually similar to those made of standard PVC and can be used for a variety of card types, including business cards. Additionally, there are unique options such as banana paper or wooden cards crafted from ethically sourced wood.

Frequently asked questions

Plastic business cards are made from sturdy 20 or 30 PT plastic, which is slightly thinner than a credit card but very practical.

You can use almost any type of design on a plastic business card. Bright colours work best, and darker or bolder colours are recommended to contrast with the background. Avoid light pastel or neon colours.

You can choose from clear, white, or frosted plastic, which is semi-transparent and has a glass-like background. A matte finish is also available for a stand-out look and feel.

Plastic business cards are durable and versatile. They stand out from traditional paper stocks and can be used for loyalty or membership cards. They are also waterproof and tearproof.

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