HOLIDAY ALERT: PVC Gift Cards Are On The Naughty List

Beyond Plastics has released a new fact sheet detailing the many reasons why brands and retailers should stop producing and selling gift cards made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, including that:

  • PVC is hazardous to produce.

  • PVC waste is hazardous to dispose of.

  • PVC gift cards are not accepted by curbside and household recycling programs.

  • Significant amounts of PVC waste are created from manufacturing gift cards.

  • U.S. PVC waste exports are violating the laws of countries that ban PVC imports.

  • PVC waste exports are threatening the health of communities in the receiving countries.

The good news is that safe, non-toxic, more sustainable alternatives to PVC gift cards are readily available now. Brands can choose to create and sell either:

1.     Electronic Gift Cards. These digital gift cards are purchased and used online and through mobile apps, offering the same convenience as plastic or paper with none of the waste.

2.     Paper Gift Cards. Paper gift cards are non-toxic and can be made from renewable resources.

There is no excuse for corporations to continue selling PVC gift cards when safer, more sustainable alternatives are readily available.

We call on all companies to commit to stop selling all PVC gift cards and switch to paper or electronic gift cards immediately.

TAKE ACTION

Please join us in urging the senior leadership of Albertson’s, Kroger, Target, and Walmart - the country’s four largest gift card sellers - to make this switch immediately. Fill out the form below to send your email now.