10/19/2026
Why has PVC been the go-to material for plastic cards for decades?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is lightweight, durable, easy to print on and flexible enough to handle years of use in a wallet.
Recycled PVC, often called rPVC, keeps many of those practical qualities while reducing the need for newly produced plastic. It is a practical option since it can work with existing printing and lamination processes while still meeting card performance standards.
Other materials, including recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and bio-based plastics, are also being explored. Whatever the material, the goal remains the same: produce a card that looks right, works reliably and lasts as long as it is needed.