How Lanyard Cards Are Made for Corporate Use

Last Updated: 18 July 2025

Ensure your brand remains visible when standing out at crowded corporate events like trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions. One simple yet highly effective solution is the use of custom-branded lanyards. A well-designed ID lanyard can make all the difference, whether in a bustling office or a large-scale event. But have you ever wondered how these lanyard cards are made? This post takes you behind the scenes to reveal the creation process and why they work so well as promotional items.

The Process of Making Them

The materials you choose for your printed lanyards and attached cards can make a big difference—not just in how they look but also in how well they hold up and feel when worn. Here’s a closer look at the materials used and how the designs come together.

Common Materials for Lanyards and Cards

Cork lanyard with a matching rectangular badge holder attached.

Polyester: A solid all-rounder. Polyester is tough, handles daily wear well, and doesn’t lose shape easily. It also takes much printing time, so your logos and colours stay sharp.
Nylon: If comfort is a priority, nylon is a great pick. It’s smooth and resists moisture and mildew, making it ideal for outdoor use or long events.
PVC (for the card): Most lanyard cards are made from PVC. It’s waterproof, sturdy, and holds high-quality prints—great for keeping your branding or ID info looking crisp.

How the Lanyard Design Is Printed

Once you’ve picked your material, it’s time to print your design. Different branding methods suit different looks and budgets:

Silk-Screen Printing: A classic option that works well for bold, simple designs. Ink is pressed through a stencil onto the fabric—great for bright colours and clean lines.
Dye-Sublimation: Best for full-colour, detailed graphics. The design is heat-pressed into the material, becoming part of the fabric itself—so it won’t peel or fade.
Heat Transfer: Similar to dye-sub but better suited to more intricate colour blends and gradients. It offers a high-quality finish that pops.

Finishing with the Customised Badge Holders

With the lanyard sorted, attention turns to the custom card holders. Whether it’s for ID, access, or event info, the card is designed to match your purpose. Once printed—usually on durable PVC—it’s attached securely to the lanyard using a clip, snap hook, or retractable reel.

Designing the Card
Start by determining the layout and content—name, job title, and company logo are essential. Graphic design software is typically used to create the design, ensuring it’s optimised for printing on PVC.
Printing the Card
Once the design is finalised, the cards are printed using digital or offset printing methods on PVC. The printed sheets are then cut into individual cards with precision using a die cutter.
Adding the Badge Holder
After printing, each card is placed into a clear plastic badge holder to protect it from damage. The holder is then attached to the lanyard using a metal hook or clip, ensuring the card stays secure.

Fun Facts About Lanyard Cards

Yellow lanyard with touch screen text and hand icon in red—perfect as a promotional item.

Origin of the Word “Lanyard”: The term comes from the French word “lanière,” which means “strap” or “thong.”
First Use: The military first used lanyards to hold whistles and other small items.
Promotional Milestone: The first promotional lanyards were distributed at the 1952 Olympics!

Why Card Holders Are Essential for Corporate Events

Custom-branded lanyards and accompanying cards have become a staple at conferences, trade shows, and corporate events. Here’s why:

Boost Brand Visibility: Custom lanyard cards keep your brand in view. Whether it’s a corporate ID at a networking event or a name tag at a conference, your logo is always present, increasing brand recognition.
Effective Networking Tool: Lanyards are a great conversation starter. When participants wear your branded lanyard, it creates an opportunity for easy introductions, allowing you to network more effectively.
Durable and Practical: Lanyards aren’t just for show—they’re built to last. They serve as a handy accessory and a subtle branding tool, helping attendees keep things like ID cards, passes, or tickets within easy reach all day.
Perfect for Any Event: Whether it’s a corporate conference, a school open day, or a busy trade show, lanyard cards fit right in. Their flexibility means your branding gets seen by a wide range of people in various settings.

Custom Lanyard Cards: A Sustainable Option

In today’s eco-conscious world, sustainability is a priority. Many businesses choose eco-friendly lanyards and cards made from biodegradable materials, like recycled PVC or cork. By opting for sustainable options, companies promote their brand and contribute to environmentally responsible practices.

Cubic Promote: Your Partner for Custom Lanyards

At Cubic Promote, we specialise in creating custom lanyard cards that enhance brand visibility and engagement at corporate events. Whether you need lanyards for a trade show, conference, or corporate event, we can help you design the perfect promotional items.

With our eco-friendly options and advanced customisation, your event materials will leave a lasting impression. Contact us today for a quote on custom-branded lanyard cards!

About the Author

Meet the Team: A person with long hair smiles beside a bookshelf indoors.

Estrelle Mendoza

Senior Product Expert

Estrelle Mendoza is a Senior Product Expert at Cubic Promote, with over three years of experience managing orders for Australian businesses. Specialising in tradeshow and conference orders, Estrelle ensures products meet both quality and branding standards. Estrella is also an expert at ensuring the orders arrive on time. She plays a key role in helping businesses optimise their promotional campaigns for events, with a particular focus on timely delivery and brand consistency. Estrelle is a regular contributor to industry articles, sharing her expertise on selecting the right giveaways for events and conferences. Her comprehensive knowledge and reliable execution have made her a trusted expert in the promotional products industry.