The Answer to Your Problem: The Cards Plus Solution

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word solution as:

a: an action or process of solving a problem
b : an answer to a problem : explanation; specifically : a set of values of the variables that satisfies an equation.

This term is the newest buzzword in our industry - it is appearing more and more in advertising and marketing campaigns and popping up in websites and blogs. Its definition however it can mean different things to different people.

At CardsPlus, we have modeled ourselves from the beginning to be a solution-based company.

First, we believe that knowledge is power in the hands of our clients - therefore, we do our best to educate through our website, newsletters and consultation regarding the technology, terminology and products. Providing our clients with this makes them a more informed consumer and gives them the ability to choose what they need without having to blindly trust a salesperson who may have only one agenda.

Second, we have positioned ourselves with a full range of products offering many different ways to approach a project.

If you are budget conscious, we have a perfect option to print for you or provide you with your own card printer;

If you are time restrained, we have excellent service offerings including Quickcards and Just in Time service;

If you require high level technology, we have products specifically designed and uniquely positioned as well as trained and certified staff who can consult, train and install for you.

(click here for an overview of the services and products we offer)

Third, we can offer you educated advice if you require. We have years of experience in this industry including implementation of many different types of solutions into many different applications, including high end government solutions, retail environments and membership platforms.

We feel that our approach to the term "Solution" is a full rounded approach - offering not
just one angle, but many - giving you the result you require.

We would love the opportunity to discuss with you the project you are working on - be it a straightforward implementation, or a complex multifaceted project - to help you to determine what you require to complete your goals and get your project rolling.

Contact us at 011 894 3914 or 086 16 CARDS or email us at moreinfoplease@cardsplus.co.za to speak to one of our helpful team.

Let us serve you!

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The CardsPlus Approach to Environmental Concerns

A rising awareness is taking hold in South Africa regarding our responsibilities in relation to the beautiful land we have been blessed with. Terminology such as "carbon footprint", "eco-efficiency" and "biodiversity" is becoming more and more a part of our language.

At CardsPlus we believe that the correct approach to being environmentally conscientious involves taking into account the entire picture - and finding a solution that addresses the entire requirement. We believe this is the environmentally responsible way to loving our planet.

It is a general consensus that the methodology of "reduce, reuse and recycle" is the model to follow.

Consider these thoughts:

• Is the use of a "biodegradeable plastic" going to reduce the number of cards needed? Most biodegradable products do not last as long as alternatives such as PET plastic or even PVC.
• Is the plastic of choice going to accomplish the requirement we have for the use of the card - ie branding? strength? security? Different plastics offer different benefits
• Is the plastic of choice able to be reused in a different form? Or alternatively can it safely be disposed of? PLA or Biodegradeable plastic cannot be reused by design, but is meant to "compost", however there are no correct composting landfills in South Africa. PVC produces an emission which is not good for the environment in general, however it is the most easily recycled into other products. PET however, has a longer life and is a carbon based plastic - having less of an impact on the environment.

In light of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" methodology, CardsPlus has implemented the following in its offerings and practices:

• We recycle our plastic, and offer a recycling option to our local clients. For those outside of the Johannesburg area, we are in process of developing a network of recycling stations where our clients can organize for their used plastic cards to be recycled into new products such as field pipes.
• We offer a variety of plastics to our clients to enable them to address the best solution for their requirements
• We offer services, such as a Just In Time service, which enables our large volume clients to reap the benefits of ordering just as they need - reducing the number of out of date cards on the floor.

Feel free to contact any of our helpful team at CardsPlus to discuss which solution best fits your requirement. +27 (0)11 894 3914 or email moreinfoplease@cardsplus.co.za

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Earth Month: A Different Angle on Recycled Plastic PVC Cards

In honour of Earth Day on the 22nd of April, we are taking a special interest in the environmental impact that plastic cards make on our planet. This re-post of an article written in 2009 reveals our long standing angle on environmental responsibility in manufacturing plastic cards.

"In the ever growing environmentally conscious world we live in, awareness as to how we are impacting the world is taking a forefront in our consumerism. Because of this awareness, there is a very strong marketing strategy taking place which urges consumers to "think green" and make choices as to how their purchases impact the world.

Companies, on all fronts, are using this angle to market themselves anew - pushing products that are considered "environmentally friendly" and "green". This designation, however is ambiguous (see our recent post on the "corn card"). In addition, it can be narrow minded, not taking into consideration the overall impact.

A new article has been posted by CR80 News regarding one aspect of the "green movement" in plastic card printing - using recycled pvc plastic-gives a balanced glance at many of the issues involved. Using recycled materials is of course, a responsible approach to good consumerism - "reduce, reuse, recycle", however to make a truly educated decision as to whether to chose recycled plastic over "virgin pvc", one must take into full consideration all angles and implications, then base a decision on these facts. Being bullied and guilted into spending more money for the sake of one companies new marketing angle, is not a responsible way to move the world into thoughtful consumerism.

At CardsPlus, it is our desire to be responsible citizens. We offer a range of plastics to choose from - some more environmentally friendly than others. We also recycle our waste material whenever possible. However, it is not our desire to jump on the newest environmental bandwagon, for the sake of seeming to be "green" when in fact, it is not. Yes, we must be responsible. Yes, we must take care of the world we have been blessed with - but our clients will never be guilted or bullied into putting their hard earned money into a product that does not fit their needs and requirements. This is our committment to them, and to you."

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Earth Month: Environmentally Friendly Plastic??

In honour of Earth Day on the 22nd of April, we are taking a special interest in the environmental impact that plastic cards make on our planet. This re-post of an article written in 2009 discusses the affects of PLA (corn) plastic cards on our environment.

A growing concern in the world today is our impact on the environment, and a new consciousness has arisen. A desire to be environmentally consciencious is filtering into many consumer based decisions - including our use of plastic cards.

At first glance, the newest kid on the block - PLA - otherwise known as "corn plastic" seems like the best alternative. In fact, a large retail chain in South Africa has adopted this as their plastic of choice, marking themselves as environmentally friendly. However, a few very important details have been overlooked, and this warrants a closer look.

First, the claim that the card is "biodegradable" needs to be called into question. Polyactic Resin - PLA is a byproduct of industrial lactic acid, which is derived from corn. Advocates of PLA claim that it is compostable into a fertilizer, which is true. What isn't widely known is that it requires very special treatment - not the type that comes from your garden's compost pile, or your local landfill. The Smithsonian magazine recently reported

" PLA is said to decompose into carbon dioxide and water in a “controlled composting environment” in fewer than 90 days. What’s a controlled composting environment? Not your backyard bin, pit or tumbling barrel. It’s a large facility where compost—essentially, plant scraps being digested by microbes into fertilizer—reaches 140 degrees for ten consecutive days. So, yes, as PLA advocates say, corn plastic is “biodegradable.” But in reality very few consumers have access to the sort of composting facilities that can make that happen. NatureWorks has identified 113 such facilities nationwide—some handle industrial food-processing waste or yard trimmings, others are college or prison operations—but only about a quarter of them accept residential foodscraps collected by municipalities.

Moreover, PLA by the truckload may potentially pose a problem for some large-scale composters. Chris Choate, a composting expert at Norcal Waste Systems, headquartered in San Francisco, says large amounts of PLA can interfere with conventional composting because the polymer reverts into lactic acid, making the compost wetter and more acidic. “Microbes will consume the lactic acid, but they demand a lot of oxygen, and we’re having trouble providing enough,” he says. “Right now, PLA isn’t a problem,” because there’s so little of it, Choate says. (NatureWorks disputes that idea, saying that PLA has no such effect on composting processes.) In any event, Norcal says a future PLA boom won’t be a problem because the company hopes to convert its composters to so-called anaerobic digesters, which break down organic material in the absence of oxygen and capture the resulting methane for fuel.'" An additional article on PLA's recycle-ability can be found at Oregon Live

Second, one must take into consideration the use of a food source to supply a consumer product. An excellent article at Guardian UK states "Bioplastics compete for land with biofuels and food crops. About 200,000 tonnes of bioplastics were produced last year, requiring 250,000-350,000 tonnes of crops. The industry is forecast to need several million acres of farmland within four years." With growing movements toward biofuels, and now food based plastics, what will come of our food crops?

Third, concern has been raised about the liklihood of emissions of greenhouse gas, methane. Again the Guardian reports:

"Concern is mounting because the new generation of biodegradable plastics ends up on landfill sites, where they degrade without oxygen, releasing methane, a greenhouse gas 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. This week the US national oceanic and atmospheric administration reported a sharp increase in global methane emissions last year.

"It is just not possible to capture all the methane from landfill sites," said Michael Warhurt, resources campaigner at Friends of the Earth. "A significant percentage leaks to the atmosphere."

"Just because it's biodegradable does not mean it's good. If it goes to landfill it breaks down to methane. Only a percentage is captured," said Peter Skelton of Wrap, the UK government-funded Waste and Resources Action Programme. "In theory bioplastics are good. But in practice there are lots of barriers."

In theory, PLA is a biodegradeable plastic, made from a renewable resource, however, it is clear, that at this time, this is not the most environmentally friendly plastic available.

While no perfectly "Green" plastic seems to exist at this stage, PET is a plastic worth considering. An acronym for poly (ethylene terephthalate), PET is a thermalplastic polymer of the polyester family containing the chemical elements of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. It's carbon foot print is quite comparable to the carbon foot print of all other cards whether considered green or not. (see article at Creditcard.com) In addition it is a enviromentally friendly plastic, is recyclable and does not create harmful gases or pollute the environment.

As technology, and consumer cries for greener products continue to grow, more products producing less of a demand on our environment will become more commonly available. Until then, be sure to take in the entire picture, and make an informed decision. Be wise, not just smart!

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Earth Day Special

Celebrate Earth Day this April and seize the only desktop solution for earth-friendly plastic card printing for well under R15 000.00.

The Datacard SD260 is the environmentally responsible option for printing plastic cards. It consumes so much less energy than typical desktop printing, it is ENERGY STAR® qualified! Couple the SD260's earth friendly construction using biodegradable supply cores and recyclable materials with recycled PVC cards using 35% or more recycled PVC and dongle free, installation based card printing software, you can print more responsibly and reduce your company's carbon footprint.

Love your planet with the Earth Day environmentally responsible bundle exclusively offered by CardsPlus.

Request an official quotation here.

Read more about the technical features of the SD260 here.

Valid only as stocks last.

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