Sofia Martinez
Plastic cards are most commonly used for identification and payment. They are typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and have been used for the past 75 years. However, due to environmental concerns, consumers are becoming less fond of PVC cards. As a result, companies like Mastercard are transitioning to sustainable materials such as recycled or bio-sourced plastics, with all newly-produced Mastercard cards being made from these materials by 2028. Despite the rise of digital wallets and mobile payments, physical cards are still widely used, with some predicting that they will persist as a secondary payment choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic card usage | Identity documents, debit or credit cards, gift cards, membership cards |
| Plastic card alternatives | Cards made from PLA, wood, metal, recycled PVC, recycled plastic collected from coastal areas, or recycled ocean plastic or bioplastics made from sugar or corn |
| Plastic card lamination | Increases durability and strength, shields surface, saves money in the long run, looks professional |
| Plastic card issues | Environmental concerns, unpopular with consumers, expensive to issue |
| Plastic card future | Decline in the use of physical plastic cards, Mastercard to eliminate first-use PVC plastics from payment cards by 2028 |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic cards are used for identification, authentication, and authorisation
- Plastic cards are made from PVC, but alternatives include PLA, wood, metal, and recycled plastic
- Mastercard is removing first-use PVC from its payment cards by 2028
- Plastic cards are declining in popularity due to the rise of digital wallets and virtual cards
- Plastic cards can be laminated to increase durability and protect the printed image
Plastic cards are used for identification, authentication, and authorisation
Plastic cards often serve as identity documents, providing authentication. They may include security-relevant features such as integrated photographs, security holograms, guillochés, or a magnetic strip with personal data. Smart cards, or those with an electronic chip (storage or RFID), serve as high-security active electronic documents. For example, they allow the holder to drive a car (driver's license card), receive medical treatment (health insurance cards), or perform banking functions.
In combination with other assets, plastic cards also serve authorisation purposes, most often as debit or credit cards for financial transactions. For instance, when people swipe a magnetic stripe card and enter their PIN at an ATM, the information is sent to the bank's server to verify that the PIN matches the card number. This automated authentication binds the person to the credential, ensuring they are the rightful owner.
Smart cards offer the most secure authentication capabilities, both online and offline. They can store multiple applications and complete cryptographic operations locally, providing a variety of applications beyond identification and authentication. For instance, digital wallets can be combined with the chip's microprocessor. However, most countries that have introduced multipurpose" smart cards, such as combining driving license and health information on the same card, have had limited success compared to promoting interoperability between information systems.
While plastic cards are still prevalent, there is a growing trend towards sustainable alternatives due to environmental concerns. Cards made from recycled plastic, wood, metal, or even eco-friendly materials like PLA (polylactic acid) are becoming more popular. Financial institutions are also recognising the opportunity to gain a competitive edge by offering premium services and eco-friendly cards. For example, Mastercard has committed to removing first-use PVC plastics from its payment cards by 2028, opting for sustainable forms of plastic instead.
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Plastic cards are made from PVC, but alternatives include PLA, wood, metal, and recycled plastic
Plastic cards are typically made from polyvinyl chloride, better known as PVC. However, due to environmental concerns, consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to PVC cards. As a result, several eco-friendly substitutes for plastic cards are now available, including cards made from recycled or biodegradable materials.
One alternative to PVC cards is polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based plastic derived from non-food corn or other plant sources. PLA is compostable and does not contribute to food production competition. It also has a lower melting point than PVC, making it more environmentally friendly during the manufacturing process. Cards made from PLA are becoming increasingly popular, with some banks already offering them as a more sustainable option for their customers.
Another option for eco-friendly cards is to use recycled materials such as recycled PVC (rPVC) or recycled PET (rPET). These materials are created by recycling first-use PVC or PET through mechanical or chemical processes, reducing the amount of virgin plastic used in card manufacturing. Some companies also offer cards made from reclaimed plastics collected from oceanic or coastal territories, known as Ocean-Bound Plastic (OBP). While these recycled cards are a step towards sustainability, they are not considered long-term solutions due to the challenges of PVC recycling and the environmental exposure of oceanic plastics.
In addition to PLA and recycled plastics, cards made from wood, metal, or paper are also available as alternatives to PVC. Wooden cards, in particular, have gained attention for their sustainability and efficiency. They can reduce a user's carbon footprint by up to 50% and incorporate the same features as typical plastic cards. However, wooden cards have a shorter shelf life, usually up to one year, and are not waterproof. Metal cards, on the other hand, are considered a status symbol and are highly durable, but they may not be as convenient to carry as plastic cards.
The shift towards eco-friendly cards is not just driven by consumer demands but also by the efforts of financial institutions to create premium services that stand out in the market. By adopting sustainable practices and partnering with organisations like Mastercard and Visa, banks can gain a competitive edge and attract environmentally conscious customers. While the specific release dates for these alternative cards may vary, the industry's commitment to sustainability is driving innovation in card materials and manufacturing processes.
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Mastercard is removing first-use PVC from its payment cards by 2028
Mastercard has accelerated its efforts to remove first-use PVC plastics from its payment cards by 2028. This initiative is a step towards the company's sustainability commitments and will make sustainable card offerings more accessible to consumers who want to reduce the environmental impact of their wallets.
Mastercard's issuer partners in the Asia Pacific region have been receptive to this initiative, with 90 customers already opting into the sustainable cards program across Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and other markets. This means cardholders can be assured that their cards are made from sustainable forms of plastic.
Mastercard's Sustainable Card Program was launched in 2018, and since then, over 330 issuers across 80 countries have signed up. Mastercard has been working in partnership with major card manufacturers to transition more than 168 million cards across its network to recycled and bio-based materials. This announcement accelerates these efforts and complements the company's work to deliver digital-first card programs that eliminate the need for physical cards.
From January 1, 2028, all newly produced Mastercard plastic payment cards will be made from more sustainable materials, including recycled or bio-sourced plastics such as rPVC, rPET, or PLA, and approved through a certification program. This is a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of payment cards, and Mastercard is leading the industry in this pursuit of a more sustainable future.
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Plastic cards are declining in popularity due to the rise of digital wallets and virtual cards
Plastic cards are indeed declining in popularity, and this is due to a variety of factors. Firstly, the rise of digital wallets and virtual cards has provided consumers with more convenient and accessible alternatives. With the development of digital technology, people can now make payments using their phones, watches, or even fitness trackers, without needing to carry a physical wallet or card. This shift towards digital payments is also being actively encouraged by financial institutions, with Mastercard, for example, introducing its Digital First card program, where cardholders can opt out of having a physical card altogether.
Secondly, environmental concerns are playing a significant role in the decline of plastic cards. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the impact of their choices, and plastic cards, typically made from PVC, are seen as contributing to the global plastic problem. This has led to a growing preference for eco-friendly alternatives, with some financial institutions responding by offering cards made from sustainable materials such as recycled plastic, wood, metal, or PLA (polylactic acid). Mastercard, for instance, has committed to removing first-use PVC plastics from its payment cards by 2028, opting instead for recycled or bio-sourced plastics.
The decline in the popularity of plastic cards is also linked to the rise of digital banking and online transactions. As more people conduct their financial transactions online or through mobile apps, the need for physical cards decreases. This shift is expected to continue, with economist David Evans predicting a notable decline in the use of physical plastic cards in the coming years, suggesting they will no longer be the primary payment method.
While plastic cards may be on the decline, it is important to note that physical cards are likely to remain relevant, albeit as a secondary payment choice. Cards made from alternative materials, such as metal or recycled plastic, may even become status symbols, with consumers willing to pay a premium for them. Additionally, the underlying system of using digits to represent money and intermediaries like Visa or Mastercard to settle transactions is expected to persist, even as the physical form factor evolves.
Overall, the decline in the popularity of plastic cards can be attributed to the convenience and accessibility of digital wallets and virtual cards, growing environmental concerns, and the increasing shift towards digital banking and online transactions.
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Plastic cards can be laminated to increase durability and protect the printed image
Plastic cards are an integral part of our daily lives, from identity documents to payment methods. With the rise of eco-friendly alternatives, the future of plastic cards is uncertain, but they remain prevalent. To enhance their durability and protect the printed image, lamination is key.
Lamination involves adding a protective layer, typically a thin plastic coating, over the printed image on a plastic card. This process shields the card from wear and tear, such as scratches and fading, ensuring its longevity. It also maintains the card's professional appearance, making it ideal for gift cards, membership cards, and more.
The lamination process for plastic cards offers several benefits. Firstly, it increases the card's durability, making it resistant to damage and prolonging its lifespan. This feature also helps cardholders save money in the long run, as they won't need to replace worn-out cards as frequently.
Secondly, lamination protects the printed image and any other visual elements on the card. This protection is similar to placing the card in a sealed bag, safeguarding it from external factors. Additionally, lamination enhances the card's security, making it harder for fraudsters to copy or tamper with.
To achieve effective lamination, several factors must be considered. The choice of materials is crucial, including the core material (often PVC or PET), adhesive-backed overlay, and ink. Environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, also play a role in ensuring successful lamination and adhesion.
In conclusion, while the shift towards sustainable alternatives to plastic cards gains momentum, lamination remains essential to enhancing the durability and security of plastic cards. By protecting the printed image and increasing resistance to damage, lamination ensures that plastic cards remain functional and visually appealing throughout their lifespan.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic cards are usually used as identity documents, providing authentication and authorization for financial transactions. They can also be used as gift cards, membership cards, or business cards.
Plastic cards are becoming less popular due to environmental concerns and the rise of digital wallets and mobile payments. However, physical cards are still widely used, and some people consider them status symbols.
Yes, financial institutions are offering cards made from sustainable materials such as PLA, wood, metal, recycled PVC, and recycled plastic. Mastercard has announced that it will eliminate first-use PVC plastics from its payment cards by 2028, opting for recycled or bio-sourced plastics instead.
