Why would you choose plastic cards?

Printed plastic micron cards (often PVC loyalty cards with a specified thickness measured in microns, such as 760 microns) are a popular choice because they offer a balance of durability, appearance, and functionality.

Here are the main reasons businesses choose them:

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  Professional appearance: Plastic cards have a premium look and feel compared to paper or cardstock, helping reinforce a brand's image.
  
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  Durability: They resist bending, tearing, moisture, and everyday wear, so customers are more likely to keep them in their wallets for years.
  
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  Long-lasting print quality: High-quality printing on plastic resists fading and scratching better than many paper alternatives.
  
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  Custom branding: They can be printed in full colour with logos, brand colours, images, and contact details to create a memorable design.
  
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  Compatibility with technology: Plastic loyalty cards can include:
  Barcodes or QR codes
  Magnetic stripes
  Signature panels
  RFID or NFC chips
  Sequential numbering
  
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  Wallet-sized convenience: Standard CR80 cards (the size of a credit card) fit easily into wallets and purses, making customers more likely to carry and use them.
  
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  Cost-effective for regular use: While they cost more upfront than paper cards, their longer lifespan often makes them a better value over time because they don't need replacing as frequently.
  
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  Versatile applications: Besides loyalty schemes, they can also serve as membership cards, gift cards, discount cards, or VIP passes.
  

Are there any downsides?

The main considerations are:

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  Higher production cost than paper cards.
  
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  Traditional PVC cards are less environmentally friendly than paper, although recycled PVC (rPVC), biodegradable plastics, and other eco-friendly materials are increasingly available.
  

For businesses that want customers to keep and repeatedly use their loyalty card, printed plastic micron cards are often the preferred option because they combine a premium appearance, excellent durability, and support for modern loyalty technologies.