Professional planet-friendly business cards
Business cards are big business. Despite living in an e-enabled world, face-to-face meetings and the swapping of tangible contact details remain popular.
We produce an array of business cards for many of our customers on a regular basis. While colours, fonts and sizes vary, the preferred matt laminated finish has become the industry norm with many print companies referring to them as ‘classic’ or ‘standard’ cards.
Yes, they may look good, but they make the paper used much less recyclable: which isn’t good. And given they very clearly show a company’s name, logo, and information, along with details of the person working there, it’s not exactly sending out the right environmental message.
Here at Stag Print, we are on a mission to change the industry standard and encourage our business card customers to go green.
Eco-friendly finishes
Most business cards are printed on 450gsm card which is 100% recyclable. We only use paper that is FSC or PEFC certified, so we’re already halfway there before the process even begins.
There are many choices of board, but the most common are: uncoated board, which has a more matt finish and a natural feel to it. And silk board, for those looking for a slightly softer smoother finish. It’s when the board is coated with laminate that things go awry. Lamination entails applying a thin layer of plastic to the card, which is not as environmentally friendly.
This doesn’t mean quality needs to be compromised. It just means a different mindset is required. You will still have a high-quality business card and with all the same information presented on them. They just won’t be as matt.
For example, we recently worked with a longstanding customer proud of its green credentials. And then they asked for laminated business cards! We discussed the above with them and suggested they try the uncoated board as an alternative. They considered it, and agreed. Job done.
Little changes in the business world can lead to big changes in the natural world. So, let’s make the new industry standard business card professional looking and planet friendly.