Paper and Cardboard Membership Cards
Yes, a membership card can be paper or cardboard. Our Plastic-Free Board cards are 620 micron board with no plastic, printed in full colour on both sides, and they take pen and ink stamps anywhere. Home-printed paper suits a few short-lived cards. If the card will get wet, choose EcoTough or PVC.
This guide compares four routes, and says when plastic is still the better choice. For chips, strips and shapes too, see types of membership card.
The short versionFor no plastic at all, choose Plastic-Free Board, from £89.00 +vat for 25. If you only want to avoid PVC and need a card that’s waterproof, choose EcoTough. Print paper at home only for a handful of cards you’ll replace soon. For a magnetic strip, neither board nor EcoTough will do, and board can’t take a chip. For door entry, our RFID cards are PVC.
How do paper, board, EcoTough and PVC compare?
Board beats paper on thickness and matches it on having no plastic. EcoTough and PVC beat board on water and long-term wear, and PVC is the only one of the four that can take a magnetic strip.
| Home-printed paper | Plastic-Free Board | EcoTough | Standard PVC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic in the card? | None, unless you laminate it | None | Yes: a PVC-free synthetic | Yes: PVC |
| Thickness | Typically 100 to 200 microns for copier paper and thin card, before laminating | 620 microns | 360 microns | 760 microns |
| Pen | On bare paper | Anywhere | Anywhere, or pencil | On a write-on panel |
| Ink stamps | On bare paper | Anywhere | Not confirmed | Quick-drying ink only |
| Water | Keep it dry | Not sold as waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof |
| How it holds up | Creases and wears quickly | Everyday wallet use; shows handling over time | Years of daily use | Years of everyday use |
| Minimum order | None | 25 cards | 25 cards | 25 cards |
The paper and thin card figures are typical values from WJEC’s guide to papers and boards, and real stock varies. Our guide to eco card materials adds recycled PVC and biodegradable cards.
What is Plastic-Free Board?
It’s a heavy paper-based board with no plastic in it, 620 microns (0.62mm) thick and 86 x 54mm, printed in full colour on both sides at no extra cost. It’s almost as thick as a standard plastic card, so it feels like a card rather than a piece of thick paper.
It can go in household or commercial recycling that accepts card. If you’re not sure what your collection takes, check with your local council. Our board card examples show what the designs can look like.
What are the benefits of paperboard over plastic?
- No plastic at all, if your position is no plastic rather than less plastic.
- Write and stamp anywhere, with no panel to plan around.
- A matt, tactile surface that throws no glare back at a barcode reader.
What do you give up?
Sealed print, a chip or magnetic strip, and outdoor use. The print is on the surface, and we don’t sell the card as waterproof.
Is EcoTough plastic-free?
No. EcoTough is a PVC-free, laminate-free synthetic made with 20% recycled content, and it can be recycled where facilities accept that type of plastic. Choose it when PVC is the objection rather than plastic itself.
At 360 microns it’s less than half the thickness of a standard card. Our EcoTough page describes it as “durable, tear resistant & waterproof”, and it’s a common choice for gym entry passes expected to last several years. Its print isn’t sealed the way a full colour PVC card’s is.
Can you write or stamp on a paper or board membership card?
Yes. Plastic-Free Board takes pen and ink stamps anywhere on the card, so there’s no need for a write-on panel. EcoTough takes a pen or pencil anywhere, but we can’t confirm stamp inks on it, so test yours first. Ask us whether our sample pack can include an EcoTough card; its cost comes off your order if you order within 30 days.
- The printed design, in full colour on both sides.
- A name in pen, straight onto the printed surface. Keep this area pale, so the ink shows up.
- Renewal stamps. Stamp circles are typically 10 to 12mm across.
- A barcode and number, printed with the card.
Board loyalty cards work the same way: print your stamp circles, and each stamp goes straight on the card. See loyalty stamp cards for which ink to use and how to lay out the boxes. Looking for plastic-free blank cards to fill in by hand? We supply cards printed from your artwork, and a simple design with lines to write on does that job. Our guide to writing on cards covers pens, inks and punches.
How long does a paper or board membership card last?
A Plastic-Free Board card is durable for everyday wallet use, though we don’t quote a number of years. Paper wears quickly, while EcoTough and PVC last for years of daily use.
- Paper or card stock. Our plastic v paper guide puts it at looking worn after around two weeks in a wallet.
- Plastic-Free Board. It softens at the corners and shows handling, as a good business card does. That’s no problem for an annual membership, an event or a seasonal scheme, but it’s worth knowing if a card has to look new after three years.
Are plastic-free cards weather resistant?
No card we supply is both plastic-free and sold as weather resistant. Our guidance on Plastic-Free Board is that for “outdoor use, PVC or EcoTough suits better”. The closest match is EcoTough, which is PVC-free and waterproof, but it’s still a synthetic.
Should I print paper membership cards at home?
Only for a small number of cards that you’ll replace soon. It costs little per card, but printing, laminating and cutting take time, and the result is less durable.
You set the cards up ten to a sheet of A4, laminate with the thickest pouches you can get (typically 500 microns in total), then cut each one out. Laminating adds that thickness, but the pouch is plastic. Keep the cards dry, because the paper core soaks up water. Barcodes are a weak spot too, as paper cards are more prone to scanning failures from warping and damage. Our guide to making your own membership cards goes through every step.
To stay plastic-free, skip the pouch and use heavy card stock. Business card weight goes up to around 400gsm, so check what your printer can take. Bare card still creases, and it can’t get wet.
Which extras can board and EcoTough cards take?
Both take barcodes, QR codes, sequential numbering and personalised details. Neither can have a magnetic strip, metallic foiling, a metallic base, a scratch-off panel, or a High Gloss or Premium Matt finish.
| Plastic-Free Board | EcoTough | Standard PVC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcodes and QR codes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Numbering and personalised details | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Holes and slots | Ask us | Yes | Yes |
| Embossing | Ask us | No | Yes |
| RFID chip | No | Ask us | Yes |
| Magnetic strip | No | No | Yes |
| Scratch-off panel | No | No | Yes |
| Metallic foiling or metallic base | No | No | Yes |
| High Gloss or Premium Matt | No | No | Yes |
Sizes and positions for each one are on our optional extras page.
When is plastic still the better choice?
When the card has to do something board can’t, or has to stay looking good for years. A useful rule of thumb: if the card is read by a camera or a laser, board is fine, and if it’s read by a magnetic head or an antenna, it isn’t.
- Door entry. That means our RFID cards, which we supply unencoded. Our RFID membership card guide covers matching them to your readers.
- A swipe system. A magnetic strip needs PVC or biodegradable plastic.
- Outdoor use, or anywhere it gets wet. PVC is waterproof.
- A card kept for years. On a full colour PVC card the print is sealed between clear PVC sheets that are bonded, so it can’t scratch or wear off.
If your concern is new plastic rather than all plastic, recycled PVC is made from 98% recycled PVC and is 760 microns thick. If your concern is cards thrown away each year, biodegradable cards are 800 microns, with an additive designed to speed up breakdown in the right conditions.
Which membership card should I choose?
Four questions settle it for most clubs and organisations. Start at the top.
- Choosing a membership card
- Only a handful of cards, replaced soon?If yes: Print paper at homeNeed fewer than 25? You can still order our minimum of 25
- If not: Must it open a door, or swipe?If yes: PVCRFID for doors, a magnetic strip to swipe
- If not: Will it be used outdoors, or get wet?If yes: EcoTough or PVCBoth are waterproof
- If not: Must it have no plastic at all, or take ink stamps?If yes: Plastic-Free Board620 microns, stamp or write anywhere
- If not: EcoTough or recycled PVCEcoTough to write on it, recycled PVC to match a standard card
How much do board and EcoTough membership cards cost?
Plastic-Free Board starts at £89.00 +vat for 25, and EcoTough at £75.00 +vat for 25. The price per card falls as the quantity goes up, because much of the work in an order is the same whatever the quantity.
| Quantity | Plastic-Free Board | EcoTough | Standard PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | £89.00 +vat £3.56 each | £75.00 +vat £3.00 each | £75.00 +vat £3.00 each |
| 50 | £95.00 +vat £1.90 each | £79.00 +vat £1.58 each | £79.00 +vat £1.58 each |
| 100 | £103.00 +vat £1.03 each | £85.00 +vat 85p each | £85.00 +vat 85p each |
| 200 | £125.00 +vat 62.5p each | £99.00 +vat 49.5p each | £99.00 +vat 49.5p each |
| 250 | £139.00 +vat 55.6p each | £109.00 +vat 43.6p each | £109.00 +vat 43.6p each |
| 500 | £217.00 +vat 43.4p each | £150.00 +vat 30p each | £175.00 +vat 35p each |
| 1,000 | £318.00 +vat 31.8p each | £206.00 +vat 20.6p each | £245.00 +vat 24.5p each |
Full colour on both sides, one design from your print-ready artwork. Delivery is free within Great Britain, and our delivery prices list the charges for Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the Channel Islands. Prices exclude VAT and optional extras. Need a different quantity? Ask us for a quote.
How do I order board or EcoTough membership cards?
Email sales@cpcards.co.uk or use our board or EcoTough quote form, with the quantity, whether cards are numbered or named, and what you have for artwork.
- Artwork. We check your file for technical issues only, such as bleed, resolution and colour mode. A technical fix is £10 +vat, or our Design Service can create it for £29 +vat.
- Names and numbers. Check your spreadsheet before you send it, because our artwork check is technical and doesn’t cover names or spelling. The proof shows where the names and numbers sit.
- Proof. We email you a free proof so you can check the layout and wording. The colours on the proof are a guide only, because every screen shows colour differently. If a colour has to be right, add a postal proof: it’s optional, £65 +vat and takes around 5 working days.
- Production. 7 working days for board and 5 for EcoTough, from proof approval and payment. Express takes 3 to 4 working days: ask us for cost and availability.
Questions & Answers
-
Can I have a membership card that isn’t plastic?
Yes. Our Plastic-Free Board cards are heavy paper-based board with no plastic in them, 620 microns thick and printed in full colour on both sides. You can also print paper or thin card at home for small numbers. EcoTough is PVC-free, but it’s a synthetic, so it isn’t plastic-free.
-
Is a paper membership card good enough?
For something short-lived, yes, because paper costs less per card. For a card members carry every day, usually not: paper creases and tears, and PVC is waterproof and doesn’t crease. Board sits between them, for a proper card with no plastic.
-
How long does a Plastic-Free Board card last?
It’s durable for everyday wallet use, but we don’t quote a number of years. The print is on the surface, so the card softens at the corners and shows handling over time. That’s fine for an annual membership, an event or a seasonal scheme.
-
Which is the toughest, most durable non-plastic card?
Plastic-Free Board is the only card we supply with no plastic in it, and it’s much thicker than paper or thin card. If you only want to avoid PVC, EcoTough is tougher: it’s tear resistant and waterproof, but it’s a synthetic.
-
Can you write or stamp on a board membership card?
Yes. Plastic-Free Board takes pen and ink stamps anywhere on the card, so it doesn’t need a write-on panel. EcoTough takes a pen or pencil anywhere, but we can’t confirm stamp inks on it, so test yours first.
-
Are Plastic-Free Board cards waterproof?
We don’t describe them as waterproof or weather resistant. For outdoor use, our guidance is that PVC or EcoTough suits better. Both of those are waterproof, but neither is plastic-free.
-
Where can I get paper or board membership cards in the UK?
CP Cards supplies Plastic-Free Board membership cards, printed in England, from a minimum order of 25, with prices from £89.00 +vat for 25. Delivery is free within Great Britain, and our delivery prices list the charges for Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the Channel Islands. Every order gets a free email proof. For a quote, email sales@cpcards.co.uk or use our quote form, and we’ll reply, often within minutes, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Want a membership card with no plastic?
Tell us how many cards you need, whether they’re numbered or named, and how they’ll be used, and we’ll say which card suits. We’ll quote by email, often within minutes, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Your free email proof lets you check the layout and wording. The colours on the proof are a guide only, because every screen shows colour differently.