Ricoh, Green Gift Cards deliver eco-friendly

Valued at $984.3 billion in 2023, the global gift card market is expected to reach a huge $3.09 trillion by 2030. But much of the production is plastic based and poses a significant environmental challenge. 

Nat West Bank research found that the lack of recycling options meant more than 76 million cards, or 380 tonnes of plastic waste went to landfill between 2017 and 2023 in Great Britain alone. Once in a landfill, plastic cards can take centuries to break down, all the while slowly releasing harmful chemicals that contaminate soil and groundwater. 

It is not only disposal that is an environmental challenge. Most cards are currently printed on non-recyclable PVC plastic that has an associated carbon emission impact of 46.97gCO2e per card when digitally printed. 

Ricoh’s Pro C9500 enables the production of high-quality, paper-based cards that are fully recyclable and emit just 4.28gCO2e per card compared to 46.97gCO2e for plastic, according to CarbonQuota’s Product Carbon Footprint. The Pro C9500’s ability to print on rigid, high-calibre paper stock up to 800 microns thick creates a durable, sustainable option that meets growing market demands for eco-friendly alternatives.

Ricoh’s FusionPro and RICOH ProcessDirector software integrates with Green Gift Cards’ web-to-print platform, JARVIS, to make the production process faster and more efficient. Businesses can create, personalise, and track orders in real time, saving time and reducing costs.

“This collaboration highlights how innovative technology can reduce environmental impact while opening up new opportunities for businesses,” says Erwin Busselot, Director of Business Innovation & Solutions at Ricoh Europe.”

A South African perspective

According to the 2023 Market Study of the Circular (& Waste) Economy of South Africa, South Africa generates about 107 million tonnes of general waste each year, with a staggering 90% – or 84 million tonnes – ending up in landfills or stockpiles. 

“South Africa is among the regions increasingly focused on sustainable solutions in the retail and financial sectors,” says Vaughan Patterson, Strategic Business Development Graphic Communications Group Ricoh South Africa. “The introduction of these paper-based cards offers a viable alternative for markets looking to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.”

In addition to gift and loyalty cards, the Pro C9500 can also be used to create items like bespoke packaging, compostable food cartons, and high-impact direct mail inserts.