Cards designed
to give meaning
At Relevant Cards,
eco-responsibility is a core principle. It guides every stage of design: material selection, manufacturing, embedded technology, and logistics.
70 years of plastic
What now?
For decades, plastic cards have been ubiquitous in our daily lives: payment, transportation, hospitality, loyalty...
Results:
- Tons of plastic waste: 6 billion cards produced per year generate approximately 30,000 tons of plastic, mostly unrecycled after 3 to 5 years of use.
- The majority of these cards are neither recycled nor recyclable as is (Source: Mastercard).
- Some alternatives like cardboard, paper, or bioplastic may seem sustainable. In reality, their long-term impact remains unclear and debatable.
In light of this, Relevant Cards offers a true alternative: the sustainable and eco-responsible wooden card.
An inspired approach
By The Natural Step
Developed in the 1990s by Dr. Karl-Henrik Robert, The Natural Step helps organizations integrate sustainable development into their decisions. This method is based on the principle of backcasting: envisioning a desirable future, then choosing the right actions to move towards it.
Our approach is inspired by these foundations:
- Zero harmful substances: no toxic or persistent polluting materials.
- Respect for natural resources: wood from sustainably managed forests.
- Efficiency and circularity: optimized production to limit waste and energy.
- Positive impact: every decision is designed to have a positive effect on society, the environment, and future generations.
A strategic, simple, and engaging method, like our cards.
Why
Wood?
Our cards are made from birch wood sourced from sustainably managed European forests, via FSC-certified partners.
A responsible choice, for several reasons:
- Natural, local, and renewable.
- Sourced in Europe, with a responsible approach.
- Unique by nature: each card has its own grain.
- A true alternative to plastic, without compromising on quality.
Relevant Cards
Its manufacturing process
Responsible selection
We choose committed local partners and FSC-certified wood from sustainably managed European forests.
Made in France.
Our wooden cards are printed, shaped and equipped with connected technologies in France.
Personalization and packaging
You select your options: wooden card packaging, eco-friendly packaging… every detail counts. Our team will advise you to make the best choices.
Quality control
Every order is meticulously checked to guarantee optimum delivery, in line with your expectations.
Controlled logistics
We’ll arrange transport to suit your needs. Your wooden cards can also be stored at Relevant Cards and sent on request.
Customer delivery and follow-up
Your cards arrive ready to use. Your sales contact will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Our certifications
environmental
Relevant Cards benefits from the expertise and quality standards of 3ma group, certified and accredited by several recognized organizations.
These certifications guarantee that our FSC wood cards are designed and manufactured in an environment that complies with best practices in terms of quality, safety and sustainability.
Let’s create a wooden card that reflects your brand.
ISO 9001
Quality Management.
Environmental Management.
NFK11-112
French standard for standardized check production.
Imprim’Vert
Commitment to the environment.
Silver Medal 2025
for the quality of our CSR approach.
FAQ
1. Are wooden cards really more eco-friendly than plastic ones?
Plastic cards are derived from petrochemicals, difficult to recycle, and generate massive waste—about 30,000 tons per year for 6 billion cards produced. In contrast, our wooden cards are made from European birch wood sourced from FSC-certified partners and sustainably managed forests.
At Relevant Cards, we prioritize local sourcing, minimize transportation, select durable materials, and use eco-designed packaging—offering a stylish, responsible alternative to plastic with a controlled environmental impact.
2. Why choose wood for your cards?
Wood is natural, renewable, and local. Each card features a unique grain pattern, making it an authentic and distinctive medium. The European wood we use is responsibly sourced, making it a sustainable alternative to plastic and even to paper or cardboard, which often have questionable long-term ecological impacts.
Wooden card materials are 95% renewable. Only the electronic components, such as the NFC, RFID, EMV and magnetic stripe chips, are not.
3. Are wooden cards biodegradable or compostable?
Wooden cards are made from 95% renewable materials, with wood making up the majority of the card. Only the electronic components (NFC chip, RFID, EMV, magnetic stripe, etc.) are non-renewable. For this reason, the cards are not fully biodegradable or compostable.
At Relevant Cards, we prioritize sustainability, reuse and collection through appropriate channels, to minimize environmental impact and extend the life of the media.