The Revolution of Eco-Friendly Gift Cards with Digital Foiling

16 Sep 2025 • 2 minute read

The Green Gift Card revolution is about more than just replacing plastic with our paper-based cards. For us, it’s a commitment to ensuring every single component and process is as sustainable as possible. From the card's core material, paperboard, to the embellishments, our cards are 100% plastic-free, recyclable, biodegradable and compostable. 

This involves working with other innovators to bring the best eco-friendly solutions to the market, such as digitally printed foils. This partnership with technology and responsible sourcing allows them to create a product that not only looks premium but also aligns perfectly with a brand's sustainability goals.

The Glimmering Truth of Digital Foiling

One common misconception is that a metallic finish makes a product unrecyclable. However, that is not the case. With digital foiling, that's not the case. This technique is a far more sustainable alternative to traditional hot foil stamping.

• No Wasteful Dies - The process eliminates the need for expensive, custom-made metal dies. This dramatically reduces production waste and cost. Making Foil the perfect solution for smaller print runs and personalised designs.
• Recyclable and Compostable - The foil itself is incredibly thin, often thinner than a layer of ink. When the paperboard card is re-pulped during the recycling process, the foil coating simply dissipates. Studies have confirmed that paperboard with digitally printed foil can be successfully recycled. Some foils are also certified as compostable, ensuring they break down safely at the end of their life.
• Dry and Solvent-Free - The digital foiling printing process is a dry, solvent-free operation. This is a significant environmental advantage over other print finishes that may require chemical clean-up. This enhanced technique further reduces our sustainable gift card's overall environmental footprint.

At Green Gift Cards, we work with suppliers who, like us, are committed to sustainability. For our foils, we work with FOIL Co, who have a unique initiative, the Zero Foil 2 Landfill initiative. 

This ensures that any unavoidable waste, such as the thin polyester carrier layer, is collected and converted into a solid recovered fuel (SRF), a more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

Innovators in Collaboration

The ability to create these stunning, sustainable, plastic-free cards is made possible through key collaborations. A prime example is the partnership between Green Gift Cards and Ricoh, a leader in digital printing technology.

• Advanced Digital Presses: Ricoh’s state-of-the-art digital presses, like the Pro C9500, are at the heart of the operation. These machines can print on thick, high-caliper paperboard. This is essential for creating a durable gift card that feels substantial and premium, completely replacing the need for PVC plastic.
• Unlocking Creative Freedom: This technology doesn't just enable sustainability; it also unlocks new creative possibilities. The combination of advanced digital printing with embellishments like digital foiling allows brands to add luxurious, tactile elements that enhance the perceived value of the card.
• Measurable Environmental Benefits: The use of a Ricoh press to print on a paperboard card reduces the carbon footprint by over 90% compared to a traditional plastic card. This data-driven approach allows brands to confidently promote their eco-friendly initiatives with clear facts and figures.

By combining the use of sustainable materials like Pulper (a proprietary paperboard) with innovations from partners like Ricoh and Foil Co, we are proving that a commitment to sustainability does not mean compromising on quality or aesthetics. We are here to set a new standard for the industry, where a beautiful, premium product and a positive environmental impact go hand-in-hand.