30-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) In a move to save costs and reduce their environmental impact, more companies in Singapore are offering their employees the option of using digital name cards instead of traditional printed ones.
Some businesses have even completely phased out printed business cards, opting for a fully digital approach. PropNex, Singapore’s largest real estate firm, announced at its annual convention in March that it would no longer print over 5 million name cards each year. Instead, the company will provide its 11,000 property agents with a unique QR code printed on their Council of Estate Agencies ID tag. Clients can simply scan the QR code to access the agent’s digital name card, complete with their photo, mobile number, and email address.
PropNex CEO Ismail Gafoor stated that reducing the printing of name cards is part of their efforts to build a more sustainable future and care for the environment. Additionally, PropNex will provide employees with near-field communication (NFC) cards. By tapping the NFC card on a client’s mobile phone, agents can instantly share their profile and contact details using short-range wireless technology.
In the public sector, over 90 government agencies, including the Ministry of Education, Housing Board, and National Environment Agency, have adopted digital business cards through the Workpal Mobile app. These digital cards have been well-received by public officers due to their convenience and cost-saving benefits. The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) developed the digital business card in-house, offering it to public officers at no additional cost. This digital solution eliminates paper waste, ensures longevity and scalability, and allows for easy updates and sharing without printing or distribution costs.
While some companies, like geo-data services firm Fugro, have adopted a hybrid approach with both printed and digital business cards, many believe that digital name cards are here to stay. Employees appreciate the ease of updating digital cards when changing positions within a company, while operations benefit from cost-efficiency and the reduced need for printing minimum volumes.
By eliminating physical name cards, companies can significantly reduce their paper consumption, energy usage, and waste generation. However, this shift towards digital name cards is just one step in a broader sustainability journey. To further reduce their carbon footprint, companies can adopt energy-efficient technology, implement effective waste management systems, and promote the use of reusable products among employees.
While demand for physical business cards declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, some printing companies have experienced a recent increase in orders. Gogoprint, for example, has seen a 30% rise in orders compared to pre-pandemic levels. The company has also introduced NFC cards, which are eco-friendly and offer a contactless solution for exchanging contact information.
