Different token materials and their pros and cons

Material	Raw material	Color options	Water-resistant	Recycled material	Biodegradable
Plastic	Synthetic plastic	Many colors and shapes	Yes	No	No
Recycled plastic	Recycled plastic (e.g., fishing nets, chewing gum)	Limited, varies by batch	Yes	Yes	No
Potato starch (ECO tokens)	Potato peel starch	Various colors possible	Less effective	No	Yes
Wood fiber	Wood fibers and resin; PEFC certified	Wood color	Yes	No	Yes
Wood	Solid wood	Natural wood color	Less effective	No	Yes

---

Plastic tokens

Plastic tokens are commonly used at events, festivals, clubs, and in hospitality settings. They're a convenient and durable form of payment, and they’re also reusable. Thanks to the strong, water-resistant material, they work well both indoors and outdoors. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to handle. Plastic tokens come in various colors and shapes, offering extra branding and personalization options. They’re also easy to clean, making them perfect for repeated use.

More organizations are choosing recycled plastic as a sustainable option for event, festival, and hospitality tokens. It's an eco-friendly choice because plastic is being reused. These tokens are made from different recycled materials, such as:

• Fishing nets: Prevents old nets from ending up in the ocean and gives them a second life.

• Chewing gum: Reduces litter and puts an otherwise non-degradable product to use.

• Other plastics: Like old refrigerators, PET bottles, plastic bags, food packaging, and more.

These tokens are just as durable and water-resistant as new plastic, and they’re lightweight, sturdy, and easy to use. You can also personalize them with printing or embossing to match your event, club, or organization. Keep in mind that the texture and color may vary slightly from new plastic due to the recycled materials used.

Potato starch tokens are made from the starch of potato skins. They come from by-products of the potato industry, which means no extra waste is created. This makes potato starch tokens an environmentally friendly option, helping to reduce food waste and encourage the use of renewable resources. Plus, these tokens are fully biodegradable. They don’t dissolve instantly, but over time—when exposed to oxygen, moisture, sunlight, and bacteria—they break down naturally. However, they are less suitable for long-term use in wet environments or outdoors.

These tokens come in various colors and sizes, and they can be personalized with printing or embossing. They’re not only sustainable but versatile, perfect for events, festivals, or hospitality venues. Keep in mind that the color and texture might differ slightly from new plastic tokens due to the natural material used.

Wood fiber tokens are made from wood fibers and resin, and they’re fully biodegradable. They’re PEFC certified, which means they come from responsibly managed forests that meet the strict standards of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). This certification ensures that the products are made in an environmentally responsible way.

These tokens come in a natural color and various sizes. They’re sturdy, lightweight, and easy to use. An extra bonus is that they can be personalized with printing or embossing, giving your tokens a unique look that fits your event, festival, club, or venue.

Wood is one of the most sustainable materials around. Trees can be harvested as early as 20 years, and with proper forest management, they can keep growing again and again. Producing wood uses less energy than making other materials for tokens, which is better for the environment. Plus, wood is recyclable and biodegradable, meaning it doesn’t burden nature.

Wooden tokens are eco-friendly and look great and natural. They can be printed or engraved, allowing for full customization. They may cost a little more than tokens made from other materials, but the quality and sustainability are worth it. You’ll not only get a durable product, but something that truly adds to the character of your event.