An ID card printing specialist has warned that companies are creating a surge of avoidable plastic waste each January by unnecessarily reprinting thousands of staff ID cards reported lost over the Christmas period.
Adam Bennett, workplace security expert from Digital ID, revealed that most organisations automatically reissue new plastic ID cards without waiting to see if the originals turn up, which they frequently do within days or weeks.
The automatic reissuing of cards creates a significant environmental burden through the manufacturing of PVC cards, the energy used in printing and laminating, and the carbon footprint of shipping replacements to staff.
Bennett explained that this wasteful practice stems from outdated security protocols that don’t account for the temporary nature of many card losses.
“January is one of the worst months of the year for waste plastic production, and for businesses, most of it is completely avoidable.
“Government data estimates that nearly 200,000 tonnes of plastic waste are produced every January. And when it comes to ID cards, companies often reprint lost ones from the Christmas shutdown that didn’t need to be printed at all.
“Most of the lost cards in January were simply misplaced while the office was closed and turned up later down the line. But it results in a lot of unnecessary plastic, cost, and waste that modern workplaces can avoid.
“Staff who can’t find their card when returning to work naturally request a replacement. Their old card is deactivated, and a new one is printed. Then by February, they’ve found the original card after checking the pockets of clothes worn the year before.
“By this point, perfectly usable plastic cards have already been rendered obsolete. The waste created is particularly concerning, given the growing focus on environmental responsibility in business operations.
For companies looking to reduce their environmental impact, Bennett recommends implementing eco-friendly products such as biodegradable cards and lanyards to make ID harder to lose.
“Investing in biodegradable plastic cards helps to reduce the footprint of temporarily lost cards, as these materials are designed to break down more naturally over time than traditional plastics. This ultimately means that if a card is misplaced or discarded, it is less likely to remain in the environment for years, helping to lower its overall impact.
“Companies can also choose to invest in lanyards to make their ID cards much harder to lose. Having a colourful lanyard attached to the ID badge helps it stand out in a bag or on a desk, making it easier to spot and less likely to be misplaced.”
To shop a range of eco-friendly products for your business, visit the Digital ID website.
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