The hidden costs of plastic gift cards & our green solution

1 Aug 2025 • 3 minute read

Gift cards have become an undeniable fixture of modern retail, offering easy convenience for both givers and receivers. They simplify holiday shopping, provide perfect last-minute presents, and empower recipients to choose exactly what they want. But beneath the surface of this seemingly ideal gifting solution lies a significant, often overlooked, problem; the "hidden costs" of those ubiquitous plastic cards. 

At Green Gift Cards, we're not just selling gift cards for brands to use; we're advocating for a fundamental shift in how businesses approach gifting. It is Green Gift Card’s goal to shed light on the hidden costs of the plastic card industry. We recently sat down with our founder, Graham Lycett, to discuss the sustainable future of gifting and what's truly behind the single-use plastic gift cards we so quickly accept.

The journey to a more sustainable gifting model begins with understanding the current landscape. Millions upon millions of plastic gift cards are produced and distributed globally each year. While convenient, their lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal, contributes significantly to environmental degradation. This is precisely the issue Graham and the team at Green Gift Cards are dedicated to solving.

What Sparked the Idea of Green Gift Cards?

Every great innovation stems from identifying a pressing need. For Graham, the inspiration for Green Gift Cards was born out of a clear and concerning problem he observed in the industry. When asked what initially sparked the idea for a 'green' alternative, Graham didn't hesitate. 

"Plastic pollution, over-engineered for their application, production lead times and limitations". 

This simple answer covers the multi-sided issues that come with in traditional plastic gift card manufacturing. 

Let's break that down. "Plastic pollution" is a global crisis, with countless tons of plastic waste accumulating in our landfills and oceans, persisting for hundreds of years. Standard gift cards, made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or similar plastics, contribute to this problem. They are often used once or a handful of times and then discarded, contributing to this ever-growing waste stream.

Furthermore, Graham points out that these cards are "over-engineered for their application". 

“Think about it, a gift card's primary function is to hold a digital value and be scanned at a point of sale. Does it truly need to be made of a rigid, durable plastic designed for much more strenuous applications? This over-engineering means unnecessary resources and energy are expended in their creation.” 

Coupled with "production lead times and limitations", the existing system is inefficient with a big environmental impact. From their production, from the extraction of petroleum (a fossil fuel) to the energy-intensive manufacturing processes, to their eventual disposal, is a significant concern that Graham and the Green Gift Cards team felt compelled to address head-on.

What Makes Green Gift Cards 'Green'?

From the beginning, Green Gift Card’s commitment to sustainability isn't just a marketing slogan; it's ingrained in the very fabric of our product and our company philosophy. It’s what truly sets us apart in the gifting industry. 

When we asked Graham what makes Green Gift Cards 'green', he explained that it reflects our innovative and responsible approach to materials and manufacturing. 

"We source materials from renewable, FSC-certified forests, transforming nature's byproducts into paperboard without fossil fuels".

Firstly, "renewable, FSC-certified forests" is a cornerstone of our environmental promise. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification means that the wood pulp used for our paperboard comes from forests that are managed in an environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner. This ensures that trees are replanted, biodiversity is protected, and local communities are respected, preventing deforestation and promoting healthy ecosystems. Read more about where our pulp is sourced.

Secondly, the phrase "transforming nature's byproducts into paperboard" speaks to our circular economy approach. Instead of relying on virgin resources that deplete the environment, we utilise materials that might otherwise go to waste. This significantly reduces our demand for new resources and minimises waste generation. See more about ‘Bringing leftovers to life’

Crucially, the process is completed "without fossil fuels". This commitment is vital for combating climate change. Traditional manufacturing often relies heavily on coal, oil, and natural gas, releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. By eliminating fossil fuels from our production process, we dramatically reduce our carbon footprint, offering a truly 'green' alternative that actively contributes to a healthier planet. 

This unique approach significantly reduces our environmental footprint, aligning our product with ecological responsibility from its very outset.

Do They Work Like a Regular Gift Card?

One of the most common questions we encounter is whether a 'green' gift card compromises on functionality. The answer, unequivocally, is no. We understand that convenience and ease of use are paramount for both businesses and consumers. 

Graham answered, "They operate just like a plastic card. However, at Green Gift Cards, we provide a wider variety of embellishment options".

This means that Green Gift Cards are compatible with existing point-of-sale systems and can be loaded, activated, and redeemed seamlessly, just as any traditional plastic card would. There's no learning curve, no new technology to adopt, and no disruption to current retail operations. This ensures a smooth transition for businesses looking to embrace more sustainable practices without overhauling their infrastructure.

The added benefit of "a wider variety of embellishment options" also speaks to the creative potential of our cards. Our paperboard base allows for vibrant, high-quality printing, intricate designs, and unique finishes that can elevate the gifting experience. You won't find any compromise on functionality, and in fact, you'll have more creative freedom to design a gift card that truly reflects your brand and delights your customers.

Our Vision for the Future of Gifting

Our founder's vision for Green Gift Cards extends far beyond simply offering an eco-friendly product; it encompasses a transformative shift for the entire gift card industry. Graham's ambition is both clear and compelling. 

On his vision for future cards, he passionately shared: "That globally there is a reduction in plastic gift card production! As innovation and technology combine, I hope to eliminate gift card fraud. Protect consumers and the planet".

This vision is multi-level and has a deep, impactful effect. Firstly, a "global reduction in plastic gift card production" would mean a big dent in the vast amount of plastic waste generated annually by the gift card industry. Imagine the cumulative positive effect if major retailers worldwide adopted paperboard alternatives. This isn't just about our cards; it's about inspiring an industry-wide change towards sustainability.

Secondly, Graham touches upon a critical, often overlooked, aspect: "As innovation and technology combine, I hope to eliminate gift card fraud". Gift card fraud is a persistent issue that costs businesses and consumers millions each year. By developing and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Green Gift Cards aims to create features that enhance security, making fraudulent activities more difficult and safeguarding consumer funds. This commitment goes beyond environmentalism, extending to consumer protection.

Ultimately, this wide-ranging vision aims to "protect consumers and the planet". It's a holistic approach that recognises the issues of environmental health and consumer well-being. We envision a world where gifting is not only convenient but environmentally responsible and secure, building trust and sustainability across the entire retail landscape.

Experience the Green Difference Today!

Green Gift Cards are not merely an alternative to traditional plastic cards; they represent the future of responsible gifting. We believe in providing a superior product that aligns with modern values of sustainability and efficiency. Our core promise can be summarised in three powerful words, echoing the values we bring to every client:

• CHEAPER: Our streamlined production process and efficient use of renewable materials often result in a more cost-effective solution for businesses, reducing expenses without compromising quality.

• QUICKER: With optimised lead times and agile manufacturing, we can deliver your Green Gift Cards faster, helping you meet demand and manage inventory more effectively.

• GREENER: This is our defining principle. By using FSC-certified renewable materials and avoiding fossil fuels in production, we offer an eco-conscious choice that dramatically reduces environmental impact.

Ready to make a tangible difference with your business while embracing a more efficient and responsible gifting solution? Visit our website to explore our full range of Green Gift Card options and discover how your business can contribute to a more sustainable future. It's an opportunity to align your brand with environmental stewardship, appeal to eco-conscious consumers, and implement a smarter, more efficient gifting program.

Take the first step towards a greener, brighter future for your business and the planet. Visit https://www.greengiftcards.co.uk/contact?sample to order your sample pack today and experience the Green Gift Card difference firsthand! You'll see the quality, feel the difference, and understand why Green Gift Cards are truly the smart, sustainable choice for modern businesses.