Gift cards have grown in popularity, offering convenience and flexibility. However, their environmental impact varies depending on the material—whether digital, paper, or plastic. Each comes with trade-offs in sustainability, durability, and usability.
The Rise of E-Gifting
E-gift cards are the fastest-growing category due to digital convenience. They reduce material waste but come with drawbacks, including cybersecurity risks, lack of personal touch, and expiration dates that contribute to unspent funds. Many digital cards are also forgotten in email inboxes or digital wallets, leading to billions in unused value.
Paper Gift Cards: A Sustainable Choice?
Paper gift cards have gained traction as an alternative to plastic, boasting a lower CO₂ footprint than virgin plastic. They are biodegradable and align with consumer preferences—90% of gift givers still prefer physical cards. However, paper cards are prone to damage, easily bent or destroyed if washed, limiting their usability. Additionally, paper production consumes vast amounts of water and natural resources, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
Despite the belief that paper is more eco-friendly, research from Responsible Water Scientists found that producing 1 kg of paper requires 324 liters of water, nearly double that of plastic. True sustainability must balance environmental impact with durability and performance.
The Problem of Lost Gift Cards
Lost, damaged, or expired gift cards result in significant financial waste. In the U.S. alone, over $21 billion in gift card value remains unspent annually. The fragility of certain materials contributes to this issue, highlighting the need for a durable yet sustainable solution. Alarmingly, the increase in unspent and lost funds has increased dramatically with the increase in paper and e-gifting.
Introducing SecondLife® Card Films
Klockner Pentaplast (kp), a leader in sustainable plastics, has pioneered a game-changing solution: SecondLife® card films. Made from 100% certified recycled plastic, and boasting a 65% reduction in CO2 emissions versus virgin card material, SecondLife® provides the durability of plastic without the environmental burden of virgin materials. Unlike paper, these cards resist bending, tearing, or water damage, ensuring longer usability and reduced waste.
SecondLife® films are available in PVC or PET and support standard features like magnetic stripes, barcodes, and signature panels while allowing for customization with embossing, foil stamping, and laminates. kp’s buy-back program and partnerships with recyclers ensure that SecondLife® cards are both recycled and recyclable.
Sustainability and Market Impact
Sustainability is now a business priority—over 70% of consumers say they will abandon brands that do not embrace eco-friendly practices. By adopting SecondLife® card films, retailers can reduce their environmental footprint while strengthening consumer loyalty.
With SecondLife®, kp proves that durability, performance, and sustainability can coexist. Forward-thinking retailers embracing this innovation will not only meet market demands but also contribute to a circular economy—reshaping the future of sustainable commerce.
Sources:
Gift Cards: How They Work, Pros, and Cons
Americans have a collective $21 billion in unspent gift cards | CNN Business
Gift Card Statistics (2024): Market Size & Consumer Trends