Technology

Metal business card: Why is that not a good idea?

Metal business cards impress with their high-end appearance and robustness, but are they really suitable for modern use, especially for NFC cards? The answer is no. Here's why metal business cards aren't a good idea, both technologically and environmentally.

The disadvantages of metal business cards

1. Metal business cards are not compatible with NFC

One of the main advantages of business cards connected in NFC is their ability to transmit information instantly via NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. However, metal blocks NFC waves, making these cards incompatible with this technology.

Inefficient bypass

To overcome this incompatibility, some companies add a second layer of PVC or plastic on one side of the card. This allows NFC to work, but it removes the interest of the metal and creates a hybrid card that loses its original appeal.

The contactless function is only active on the PVC side

2. A high environmental impact

While many businesses are looking to adopt more sustainable practices, metal is not an environmentally friendly choice for a business card. Here's why:

  • Polluting extraction: The production of metal requires the extraction of minerals, an activity that is extremely energy-intensive and destructive for the environment.
  • Difficulty of recycling: Unlike wooden cards or made of recycled plastic, a metal business card mixed with PVC or other materials is difficult to recycle.
  • Energy-intensive manufacturing: The process of manufacturing these cards consumes a lot of energy compared to more ecological alternatives such as bamboo or recycled paper cards.

3. High cost for limited benefit

Metal cards are often much more expensive than their alternatives made of wood or recycled plastic. However, they do not provide any additional features that would justify this investment.

  • Higher price: The cost of manufacturing and customizing a metal card is more important.
  • Questionable durability: Contrary to what one might think, metal cards can be easily scratched and lose their aesthetic appearance.
  • Lack of added value: A connected card made of recycled PVC or wood offers exactly the same functionalities while being more environmentally friendly.

4. A problem of ergonomics and use

Metal cards may seem luxurious, but they have several practical problems:

  • Weight and Thickness: A metal business card is heavier and thicker, making it less convenient to carry and store in a wallet.
  • Reflections and legibility: Depending on the finish of the metal (brushed, shiny, etc.), printed information can be difficult to read, especially in certain lights.
  • Fingerprint sensitivity: Metal can easily keep fingerprints and requires regular cleaning to maintain its high-end appearance.

Alternatives to metal business cards

If you are looking for a premium and sustainable card, here are some options that are much more suitable:

  • Wooden cards: Aesthetic, eco-responsible and perfectly compatible with NFC.
  • Recycled PVC cards: Offer a lighter and environmentally friendly alternative
Rang Alternative Avantages Inconvénients Tarif
1 Carte NFC en PVC recyclé Écologique, connectée, personnalisable Moins premium qu’une carte métal 50 € par carte (tarifs degressifs disponible)
2 Carte en bois NFC Naturelle, durable, compatible NFC Moins résistante à l'eau 60 € par carte (tarifs degressifs disponible)
3 Carte avec effet métal Aspect métallique, légère, NFC fonctionnel Moins rigide qu'une vraie carte métal 50 € par carte (tarifs degressifs disponible)
4 Carte en papier premium abordable Non connectée, moins résistante, pas moderne À partir de 30 € pour 50 cartes

The metal business card, an unsuitable choice

Although attractive on paper, the metal business card has many limitations: incompatibility with NFC, negative environmental impact, high cost and lack of practicality. If you want a modern and connected card, it is better to opt for more suitable materials, such as wood or recycled PVC.

Are you looking for a connected and ecological business card? Discover the alternatives on WEMET and adopt an effective and responsible solution.

À propos de WEMET

Une worktech qui évolue avec vous

WEMET est une worktech toulousaine qui vise à révolutionner les échanges professionnels. En 2020, son cofondateur Samuel Dassa part d’un constat :

les cartes de visite papiers ne sont pas pratiques et plus adaptées au monde du travail actuel.

Ainsi, est née la carte de visite connectée : la WeCard. Grâce à la technologie NFC, que l’on retrouve dans le paiement sans contact par exemple, elle vous permet d’échanger un large panel d’informations. La valeur clé chez WEMET c’est l’expérience utilisateur. Il était donc important pour nous de faire évoluer notre produit en innovant au quotidien mais également de vous garantir un produit qui évolue avec et tout au long de vos projets professionnels.

Image illustrative

Nous créons des liens, pas que des cartes

Première société à proposer la carte de visite connectée sur le marché français, WEMET compte aujourd’hui plus de 20 000 entreprises équipées, 200 000 utilisateurs de WeCards et plus de 10 collaborateurs.