Sustainability is becoming an important factor when choosing branded products. Across organisations in the UK, from schools and events to businesses and community groups, there is growing awareness of how everyday purchases contribute to environmental impact.

Lanyards and ID cards are often ordered in volume and used regularly, making them a more considered purchase than they might first appear.

For buyers, the key questions are simple: what sustainable options are available, what difference do they make, and how can you be confident in what you’re ordering?

This guide outlines what to consider when choosing sustainable lanyards, and how We Print Lanyards supports organisations looking for a more practical approach.

Why Lanyards Are Part of the Sustainability Conversation

Lanyards are a small but widely used product. When ordered in larger quantities or replaced regularly, their overall impact becomes more noticeable.

That impact is influenced by:

• The material used
• Where and how the lanyards are manufactured
• How long they remain in use

For many organisations, making more considered choices in these areas is part of a broader shift towards more responsible purchasing.

Sustainable Material Options for Lanyards

Material choice is one of the most important factors when it comes to sustainability.

Recycled polyester (rPET) has become the standard for many organisations. Made from post-consumer plastic waste such as bottles, it offers a lower environmental impact while maintaining the same strength, comfort and print quality as traditional polyester.

At We Print Lanyards, rPET is used as standard across all 15mm and 20mm custom printed lanyards. This means buyers do not need to request a more sustainable option or compromise on performance, as it is already built into the product.

Other materials are also available for organisations with specific requirements. Organic cotton provides a natural alternative that is softer to the touch and biodegradable, while bamboo fibre offers a durable option with a lower reliance on chemicals during production.

Where sustainability is a priority, it is important to ensure that materials are supported by recognised certifications such as the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Why UK Manufacturing Makes a Difference

Material is only part of the picture. Where a product is manufactured also has a direct impact.

Lanyards produced overseas often involve longer supply chains and international freight, which increases emissions and reduces visibility over production standards.

Manufacturing in the UK offers a more controlled and transparent approach. Shorter supply chains reduce transport impact and allow for greater consistency in quality and delivery.

We Print Lanyards manufactures in its East Midlands facility. Producing in the UK rather than overseas results in approximately 70% less CO2 in the manufacturing process. This provides a clear, measurable difference for organisations looking to make more responsible purchasing decisions.

It also means buyers can be confident in where their products come from, without the uncertainty that can come with overseas sourcing.

Balancing Sustainability with Practical Use

Sustainability is only one part of the decision when choosing lanyards. They still need to perform well in everyday use, whether that is in a workplace, at events, or across schools and organisations.

Durability plays an important role. A lanyard that lasts longer reduces the need for frequent replacement, helping to minimise overall waste. Comfort is also important, particularly for items worn throughout the day.

Recycled materials such as rPET offer a practical balance. They deliver the same reliability and print quality as standard polyester while reducing environmental impact at the production stage.

At We Print Lanyards, this balance is built into the product offering, ensuring that sustainability does not come at the expense of quality or usability.

Sustainable Lanyards from We Print Lanyards

We Print Lanyards takes a straightforward approach to sustainability by making lower-impact materials and UK manufacturing part of the standard offering.

Recycled rPET fabric is used across core lanyard ranges, providing a consistent and reliable solution for organisations ordering in volume. Combined with UK-based production, this results in a shorter, more transparent supply chain and reduced emissions compared to overseas alternatives.

We Print Lanyards also holds Made in Britain accreditation and can provide supporting information where required, giving organisations confidence in their supplier choice.

This approach allows buyers to make more responsible decisions without adding complexity to the ordering process.

What to Consider When Choosing Sustainable Lanyards

When selecting lanyards, a few practical considerations can help guide your decision.

• What material is being used, and does it offer a lower environmental impact?
• Where are the lanyards manufactured, and how far do they need to travel?
• Will the lanyards be used regularly, and are they built to last?
• Are there options that balance sustainability with durability and everyday use?
• Can the supplier provide clear and consistent information about their products?

Taking these factors into account helps ensure that your choice is both practical and aligned with wider environmental goals.

Choosing a More Sustainable Option

Sustainable sourcing does not need to be complicated. In most cases, it comes down to choosing better materials, shorter supply chains and products that are designed to last.

With the right supplier, this becomes a straightforward part of the ordering process rather than an additional challenge.

We Print Lanyards supports organisations across the UK with sustainable lanyard options that are practical, reliable and easy to implement.

So if you’re looking to order lanyards with sustainability in mind, explore the range of custom printed lanyards and material options available from We Print Lanyards.