Yes, you can print paperboard cards in many plastic ID card printers, provided you use a compatible direct-to-card printer and the right card stock.
Paperboard cards have become a practical alternative to PVC for organisations that want to print temporary ID cards, visitor badges, event passes or membership cards without using a traditional plastic card.
One option is Enviricard® Paperboard Cards , which are designed specifically for use with many of the same direct-to-card ID card printers normally used to print PVC cards.
Can you print paperboard cards in an ID card printer?
Yes. Enviricard® cards are designed for use with direct-to-card (DTC) dye-sublimation printers. Depending on the printer and ribbon, they can be printed in full colour or monochrome.
They are not intended for retransfer printing. If you're unsure what type of printer you have, our ID Card Printer Features Explained guide explains the difference between direct-to-card and retransfer printing.
Which ID card printers work with Enviricard?
Enviricard® states that its paperboard cards are compatible with a wide range of direct-to-card printers, including models from Magicard, Matica, Evolis and Zebra.
Here at The Card Network, we have tested Enviricard® cards with the following printers:
- Magicard Pronto100
- Magicard 300
- Magicard 600
- Matica MC110
- Matica MC210
- Matica MC310
Enviricard® also lists Evolis and Zebra among the major DTC printer brands compatible with its cards. Because printer settings and ribbon combinations can vary, we recommend testing a small number of cards before committing to a large print run.
Can you print Enviricard paperboard cards in colour?
Yes. Unlike some specialist paper cards that are designed only for monochrome printing, Enviricard® can be printed using both full-colour YMCKO ribbons and monochrome resin ribbons in compatible direct-to-card printers.
However, paperboard behaves differently from PVC. Designs containing large blocks of solid colour or completely flood-filled backgrounds can give less consistent results, so designs with more white space, logos, text and smaller areas of colour generally work better.
What are Enviricard paperboard cards made from?
Enviricard® cards are made using FSC-certified paperboard and plant-based materials rather than PVC. They are 100% plastic free and designed to provide a lower-plastic alternative for applications where a traditional PVC card isn't necessary.
The cards are recyclable, biodegradable and suitable for industrial composting. Their bio-based coating also makes them water resistant, helping them cope with normal handling during short-term use.
If you're considering paperboard primarily as a way of reducing plastic use, you may also find our guide to switching from plastic to paper cards useful.
What are paperboard cards best suited to?
Paperboard isn't intended to replace PVC in every situation. A plastic card will generally remain the better choice where a card needs to withstand heavy daily use or remain in circulation for several years.
Enviricard® is particularly well suited to limited-use and temporary applications such as:
- Visitor badges
- Event and conference passes
- Delegate name badges
- Temporary membership cards
- Gift cards
- VIP passes
- Short-term identification cards
Can you print QR codes and barcodes on paperboard cards?
Yes. In our testing, QR codes, barcodes and text can all be printed successfully on Enviricard® cards.
As with any printed barcode or QR code, we recommend testing that it scans reliably before producing a large batch. Keeping good contrast between the code and its background will usually give the best result.
Are paperboard cards as durable as PVC cards?
No, and that's important when deciding which material to use.
Enviricard® is surprisingly rigid for a paper-based card, but it won't have the same lifespan as a conventional PVC card. For temporary passes and limited-use applications, that may not matter at all. For permanent staff IDs or cards carried every day, PVC or another durable material will usually be more appropriate.
Are Enviricard paperboard cards worth trying?
If you're already using a compatible direct-to-card printer and want to reduce the amount of plastic used for temporary cards, they can be a very straightforward option to test.
Shop Enviricard® Paperboard Cards in packs of 100 , or contact The Card Network if you'd like help checking whether they're suitable for your printer and card design.
