3 Jan 2025 • 3 minute read
Tag Systems UK (part of AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS) has made headlines with its recent investment in the Ricoh Pro C9500 digital colour sheetfed press. But why is this a game-changer for the card industry and leading UK-based card print manager, Green Gift Cards in particular?
Digital printing is revolutionising the printing landscape, offering faster turnaround times, lower operating costs, and significantly less waste compared to traditional methods. However, efficiency and reduced waste mean little if the end product is still made from single-use plastic destined for landfill.
Tag Systems understands this challenge and is taking action by investing in Ricoh and Green Gift Cards. By embracing sustainable gift card and loyalty card production, they are pioneering an innovative, eco-friendly approach to the creation of gift, loyalty, membership, and ID cards. This investment not only supports environmental goals but also sets a new standard for the industry.
Ready sustainable goals
Through its partnership with Green Gift Cards, Tag Systems is now producing paperboard cards that are biodegradable, compostable to EN13432, and 100% recyclable. This shift has significantly reduced their carbon emissions from 46.97gCO2e per PVC card to just 4.28gCO2e per paperboard card—a remarkable 90% reduction!
Thanks to the advanced capabilities of the Ricoh Pro C9500, which can print on high-caliper paper up to 800 microns (a feat previously unattainable with dry toner presses), Tag Systems can now support Green Gift Cards with customisable, short production runs tailored for localised and targeted promotions.
Ronnie Hart, President, Tag Systems UK (member of AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS), comments: “It is clear the gift card market is ready for this innovative solution that has been co-created with Green Gift Cards and Ricoh. It can help brands deliver the same high quality, vibrant and attractive product, but in a responsible way that enables them to achieve their sustainable goals. They can also develop cost efficient short run, responsive, customised offerings that connect more engagingly to improve consumer experience and foster loyalty.”
Global environmental impact
The global gift card market was valued at an impressive £771.29 billion in 2023. However, a significant portion of the cards produced for this booming industry are made from single-use PVC—a material that not only exacerbates the plastic waste crisis but also contributes heavily to carbon emissions.
Research by NatWest Bank highlights a critical issue: the lack of recyclable options for plastic cards. Between 2017 and 2023, over 76 million cards—equivalent to 380 tonnes of plastic waste—ended up in UK landfills, underscoring the urgent need for more sustainable alternatives.
Market opportunities
When it comes to sustainable options, it's often assumed that they come with a higher price tag for the privilege of being environmentally friendly. However, Green Gift Cards are breaking that stereotype by often outperforming PVC cards not only in cost but also in turnaround times. The days of waiting weeks for stock are a thing of the past.
To further enhance the customer experience, Green Gift Cards, in partnership with the digital agency Livewire, has developed a bespoke web-to-print platform, . This innovative tool reduces artwork and data proof times to near instant. Users can upload their artwork, generate proofs, and send them to customers in minutes, streamlining the entire process and saving valuable time.
Tag Systems UK’s investment in sustainable technologies and its partnership with Ricoh and Green Gift Cards mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of the gift card industry. By prioritising eco-friendly solutions, they are addressing critical environmental challenges while providing businesses with cost-effective and innovative options.
As the global gift card market continues to grow, the shift from single-use PVC to biodegradable, recyclable paperboard cards demonstrates that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. With advanced tools like the Ricoh Pro C9500 and cutting-edge web-to-print platforms, the future of gift cards is not only greener but also more efficient and tailored to the needs of businesses and consumers alike.
By taking this bold step, Tag Systems is not just setting a new industry standard—they along with Green Gift Cards are proving that responsible innovation is the key to long-term success.
Greener
Compostable and recyclable
Cheaper
Save up to 40% compared to plastic
Quicker
Turnaround average 20 working days
Introducing our range of plastic-free cards
Since 2006 we have been innovating and disrupting in the card market to develop what is a leading range of environmentally-friendly card solutions. So what sets us apart?
Well that’s the thing, there’s a number of reasons why Green Gift Cards are renowned in the world of card production. It is the material we use for our cards and the certification that the cards come with. It is also the compelling environmental story (we urge you to watch the video) that is behind all of our cards and the fact that, once finished with, our cards are compostable and can be recycled in normal household waste streams. Oh and we’ll say it again – being environmentally-friendly doesn’t mean they are more expensive. In fact they offer great value compared to plastic cards.
Request a callback
If you would like to talk to us about your next card order or would like to know more about what makes our products so unique, call us on 01794 725 454 or request a call back.
White paper
Read our latest white paper to find out one simple change organisations can implement today to help tackle the issue of single and limited use plastic.
Request a sample pack
If you would like to actually feel and see the quality of our Green Gift Card, we will happily send you some samples.
Partners
We work closely with some of the biggest and best in their field to bring you market leading environmental solutions for your cards. Learn more about our partners.
