PVC card basics
What are PVC cards?
A clear introduction to PVC cards, their composition, the ISO standards behind them and why they remain the reference material for professional card programmes.
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Guides, comparisons and practical insights
Articles and guides on custom PVC and paper card printing — materials, finishes, encoding, pricing, ordering and use cases. Written for professionals running loyalty programmes, gift card schemes, member supports, identification badges and event accreditations.
Section 1
PVC card basics
Start here: the fundamentals of custom PVC card production — materials, workflow and sustainability.
PVC card basics
PVC cards vs paper cards: which to choose?
How to decide between PVC and paper supports based on durability, perceived value, cost, encoding options and the lifespan of your card programme.
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Custom PVC card printing: the complete guide
A step-by-step guide to producing custom PVC cards — from brief to artwork, proof, production and quality control.
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Are PVC cards recyclable? Materials & alternatives
A clear-eyed look at the recyclability of PVC cards, the alternative materials available today and the trade-offs they involve.
Read articleSection 2
Card technology & encoding
Magnetic stripe, NFC, RFID, barcode, variable data — what each technology does best, and how to combine them.
Card technology & encoding
Magnetic stripe vs smart cards: differences that matter
Side-by-side comparison of magnetic stripe and chip cards: security, durability, compatibility and operational implications.
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What is a smart card? Chip cards explained
Contact chip cards, NFC and RFID — how they work, where they fit in modern access control and customer-facing applications.
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Barcode cards for business: a practical guide
How barcode and QR-code cards work, which standards to choose (EAN-13, Code 128, QR) and how to integrate them with your POS or CRM.
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Variable data card printing: from CSV to card
How to prepare a clean data file for variable data printing — unique numbering, names, photos, barcodes and per-card variations.
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Secure card printing: options to prevent counterfeiting
Anti-counterfeiting features available on custom cards — hot foil, holograms, micro-text, UV ink and serialised numbering.
Read articleSection 3
Use cases, guides & ordering
Real-world programmes by sector, plus practical articles on how to order, where production happens and what packaging works best.
Use cases, guides & ordering
How loyalty cards work: mechanics & best practices
The fundamentals of a loyalty card programme — earning logic, redemption, encoding choices and what makes a programme last over time.
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Loyalty cards for retail: programme design guide
How retail brands design effective loyalty cards — material choices, finishes, variable data and rollout strategy.
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Gift cards for stores: a revenue-driving programme
How retail stores launch profitable gift card programmes — activation, packaging, redemption and seasonal campaigns.
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Membership cards for gyms & clubs
How fitness chains, sports clubs and private associations design membership cards that last across renewals and access systems.
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Need a specific card programme, not just an article?
If your question is more specific than what an article can cover — quantities, encoding, multi-site rollouts, custom finishes — share your brief and get a clear, itemised quotation from our team.