Every year, over 6 billion plastic gift cards are produced worldwide. Used in companies to reward employees, build customer loyalty or as a CSE benefit, they are ubiquitous. Yet their environmental impact remains poorly understood. Plastic production, CO₂ emissions, limited recycling... it's time to rethink our habits.
The environmental impact of plastic gift cards
PVC gift cards are practical, but their manufacture generates a significant carbon footprint.
🔍 A heavy ecological burden
According to Ricoh, each PVC card produces an average of 46.97 g of CO₂ during its manufacture(source). Multiply this figure by the millions of cards distributed every year, and the impact becomes colossal.
🔍 Virtually no recycling
Contrary to popular belief, plastic cards are rarely recycled. In fact, their PVC composition and the addition of electronic chips make them difficult to reprocess. Most gift cards therefore end up incinerated or in landfill, contributing to plastic pollution.
Why switch to digital gift cards?
Given these facts, the digital gift card appears to be a greener, more modern solution. It offers numerous advantages, both for the environment and for companies and recipients.
🌱 Reduction of CO₂ emissions
By eliminating plastic and the associated logistics (manufacturing, transport, storage), the digital gift card totally eliminates the environmental impact associated with the production of physical cards.
⚡ S implified management
No more inventory to manage, and no more risk of loss! Digital gift cards are sent instantly by e-mail or SMS, offering a seamless, stress-free experience.
🔄 Total flexibility
Beneficiaries can use their card whenever and wherever they like, with no physical constraints. With thousands of partner stores, they have access to a wide choice of purchases and experiences.
Companies have a key role to play
Companies and works councils can act now to rethink their practices. By opting for paperless solutions, they can :
✔️ Reduce their carbon footprint and commit to a concrete CSR approach.
✔️ Facilitate the distribution and management of employee benefits.
✔️ Offer a modern solution tailored to the needs of beneficiaries.
Concrete alternatives with uggy
At uggy, we support companies and CSEs in the digital transition of employee benefits. Our Gift.cool, Ma Carte Cadeau and Ifeelgoods solutions make it possible to offer flexible, dematerialized gift cards to suit all expectations, with no negative impact on the environment.
💡 How about choosing a more responsible gift card? Go digital today!
