In the corporate sector, classic paper business cards continue to play an essential function as a sign of professionalism and a tool for networking. Companies, however, are looking for methods to lessen their environmental impact as global awareness of the need to do so grows. Minimizing the use of paper is one approach. So, in this piece, we’ll investigate the paper industry’s impact on the environment, focusing on paper business cards, and looking at some greener options.

These days, it’s crucial to have a brand that cares about the environment. An extensive selection of eco-friendly business cards, ranging from 90% to 100% recycled content, is designed to provide the image of sustainability and natural appeal. 

Besides, a wide range of recycled options are available, each with its unique color, thickness, and texture. Don’t worry—this handy guide will help you narrow your search to the ideal recycled alternative to complement your brand’s aesthetic.

What are the Environmental Benefits of Recycled Paper?

Since recycled paper requires less energy and natural resources to produce than new paper, it is the more environmentally friendly choice. 

Using recycled paper for company stationery may help you conserve many resources, including water, wood, energy, oil, and space.

1. Using Recycled Paper Reduces Water Use

Recycled paper requires significantly less water during manufacture compared to virgin paper. This is because producing fresh paper necessitates massive quantities of water, as well as the usage of tons of bleach.

The production of one metric ton of recycled paper requires approximately 35,000 fewer liters (or about 7,700 gallons) of water than the production of virgin paper would.

2. Energy Efficiency using Recycled Paper

The fact that recycled paper requires significantly less energy to produce is one of its most noticeable advantages. 

Making recycled paper uses around 31% less energy than making paper from raw fiber. Plus, making recycled paper results in around 44% fewer emissions of greenhouse gasses.

3. Recycled Paper Reduces Wood Use

Cutting down trees is an obvious requirement for making fresh paper. Recycled paper, however, does not exhibit this property. 

The recycled paper prevents the feeling of about 17 trees for every metric ton of virgin paper that would have been produced otherwise. As a result, fewer woods are being cut down. One of Earth’s most precious resources is its forest cover, thus we mustn’t cut them down too short.

How can you make your business card stand out from the crowd? 

Here are some trends we’re like this year.

Just as mentioned before, a well-designed and an eco business card enhances the likelihood that people will discuss your company.

However, which of these business card trends are they? This is the spot for you if you’re looking for something unique. Presented below are a few possibilities for your consideration.

1. Digital Playing Cards

Printed on sturdy, immobile paper, traditional business cards serve as a kind of advertising. However, what if you could make them work? Interactive cards offer a fresh take on the traditional card by providing the receiver with additional activities to enjoy.

Some may be used as bottle openers or folded into different shapes (fidget toys).

Consider designing edible business cards for your baking or cooking-related company. They may be pricey, but they will offer your customers a taste of your offerings right then and there.

These edible business cards will vanish when you eat them, so be careful. You should probably have a standard card to distribute following the edible one.

Choose an interactive card type that fits your advertising needs; there are several to choose from. If you own a fitness center, for instance, you might design an elastic card that shows the contacts extended. Create light-up business cards to showcase your information if you own an online store.

2. Unconventional Look

Everywhere you look—in mountains, waterfalls, plants, etc.—you’ll see breathtaking beauty and the most exquisite designs found in nature. What if your business cards incorporated all this beauty? 

How effective will it be?

Those who work in sectors connected to nature will find the natural style card to be an invaluable tool. A florist’s business card, for example, should have a flower design that highlights the natural color palette of various flowers, such as carnations, tulips, and roses.

You may include designs from nature in your business cards; they are popular since they provide harmony and balance to people’s lives.

• Carpenters consider wood grain designs.
• Massage therapists use leaf veins.
• Feather designs (for creatives)

Choose something that fits in with your line of work, and then let Mother Nature do the advertising.

3. Cards with a Light Trace

Translucent business cards are an extremely cutting-edge design trend that gives the impression of being from the far future. They resemble those on spacecraft control panels, which one may use to unlock doors or activate modules.

Some versions of this card aren’t completely see-through. To draw attention to the text or brand, they contain opaque parts of varying hues and translucency levels.

Some of them have a somewhat rough surface and look hazy or frosted. Whatever you choose as the design, these cards are sure to catch the eye and keep you—and everyone else—glancing at them.

The cards’ plastic construction makes them very long-lasting, as the material is resistant to water and tears. Translucent cards stand out among the more conventional paper business cards, and the lucky receivers are sure to be overjoyed to get their hands on them.

4. Maximalist

A bold style, maximalism combines the idea that more is more with the aesthetic of excess. Here, more is more, in contrast to simplicity.

Using vivid, eye-catching designs, a plethora of patterns, and intense colors is the hallmark of maximalist business card design. Being outspoken and making a strong impression is the goal. People in the creative and fashion industries often exhibit these traits, making these cards ideal for those who:

• Decoration of the inside
• Visual arts
• Craftwork
• Video games played on a computer
• Clothing and accessory design

Still, you can’t scrimp on legibility in the name of maximalism. To avoid making the card seem cluttered, find a happy medium between a striking, attention-grabbing design and eligible content.

In the end!

The moment has come to put your fashionable ideas into action. Hiring professional business card designers is the simplest (though more costly) option. The less expensive option is to do it yourself, although this may need some training and time.