Why your business needs a plastic-free gift card solution

26 Sep 2025 • 3 minute read

Globally, there are over 300 million tons of plastic waste every year. Much of this is from single-use items. But what about the hidden plastics in our everyday lives? When was the last time you thought about the environmental impact of gift cards? 

Those shiny, convenient cards are made from PVC plastic, a material that is rarely recycled and often ends up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to break down. 

This contributes to a massive and growing problem for our planet, polluting our oceans, harming wildlife, and leaching toxins into our soil. The convenience of a physical card comes at an unseen and often unacknowledged environmental cost. 

But what if there was a better way? A plastic-free gift card solution not only helps the planet but is also a smart and sustainable choice for your business, driving growth and strengthening your brand in the process.

Enhance Your Brand and Appeal to Conscious Consumers

Today's consumers are more informed and ethically-minded than ever before. Research consistently shows that a majority of consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, actively seek out and are willing to pay more for products and services from brands that share their values and are committed to sustainability.

A 2023 study by Deloitte found that nearly half of consumers in the U.S. have reduced their consumption of single-use plastics in the last year, and they expect the businesses they frequent to do the same. By choosing plastic-free gift cards, you are not just offering an alternative; you are sending a clear and powerful message. Your business cares about the environment. 

This simple switch can significantly enhance your sustainable brand image, showcasing your commitment to corporate social responsibility. It's a powerful way to differentiate yourself from competitors and attract a growing demographic of eco-conscious customers who are willing to support businesses that align with their beliefs. 

Leading brands across various sectors (like Saracans) are already leveraging sustainability as a core part of their identity, proving that being green is also good for business. Your Green Gift Cards become a tangible part of your brand story, a physical representation of your values that customers can hold in their hands.

Reduce Your Environmental Footprint

The production of PVC plastic is a resource-intensive process that releases harmful toxins into the environment. The manufacturing of PVC involves chlorine and other chemicals that can be a major source of pollution. When these plastic cards are discarded, they contribute to the massive problem of plastic pollution, contaminating our oceans and landscapes for generations. 

Even when incinerated, PVC can release harmful dioxins, posing a threat to both environmental and human health. The lifecycle of a plastic gift card is linear. From production to use to a permanent place in a landfill. 

This is where Green Gift Cards offer a tangible, eco-friendly solution within a circular economy. Opting for cards made from sustainable materials like FSC-certified paperboard can dramatically reduce your company's environmental impact. 

These materials are not only sourced from sustainable forests in Sweden, but they are also biodegradable and can be responsibly recycled at the end of their life. Choosing these alternatives is more than just a gesture; it’s a tangible way to take a stand against plastic waste and be a leader in the movement towards a more sustainable future. By making this change, you are actively reducing your carbon footprint and minimising your contribution to global waste.

A Key Component of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

For any business looking to build a robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, a plastic-free gift card solution is a no-brainer. This initiative goes beyond simple marketing; it demonstrates a genuine commitment to social and environmental well-being. 

In a world where transparency is key, a simple change like this can create positive PR and earn you the trust and loyalty of both your customers and your employees. 

By making this a visible, public statement of your values, you are not just selling a product; you are building a reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking company. It shows that your commitment to sustainability is woven into the fabric of your business, from your largest operations to the smallest details like your gift cards. 

It is an investment in your brand's future, ensuring that you are seen not just as a business but as a positive force for change. Ready to make a change? Contact us today.