MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS
In Italy in the future, the electronic identity card will be made of PLA( a bio-based polymer) and will have a lower environmental impact than the current polycarbonate model. An LCA study sponsored by IPZS showed a 28.4 % reduction in CO2 emissions and benefits across all key indicators, validating the transition to bio-based and compostable materials.
PC OR PLA? LCA ASSESSMENT OF THE NEW IDENTITY CARD
Italian technology plast / October 2026
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In recent years, the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato( IPZS- the Italian state printing institute and mint) has shown increasing attention to environmental sustainability issues, promoting the introduction of products and services that contribute to the decarbonisation and circular economy. These include Electronic Identity Cards( EIC), a product used daily by millions of Italian citizens. Although a single card is small in size, its widespread use makes a significant overall contribution to material consumption and waste generation. Considering a population of approximately 59 million inhabitants and assuming, for simplicity, one card per citizen with an average renewal period of ten years, approximately 6-8 million identity cards are replaced in Italy every year. EIC cards are made using a fossil-based polymer, polycarbonate( PC), prized for its high mechanical and thermal performance, durability and resistance to wear.
In recent years, however, IPZS has begun introducing alternative solutions based on recycled or bio-based materials, including polylactic acid( PLA), a polymer obtained from renewable plant-based resources. These solutions are often presented as options with a lower environmental impact than conventional materials, helping to strengthen the environment friendly image of industry players. However, a product’ s sustainability cannot be assessed solely based on the origin of the material. A material derived from renewable resources is not necessarily associated with a lower environmental impact than a traditional solution, just as a product’ s recyclability or compostability does not automatically guarantee better environmental performance. To understand whether a solution is truly more sustainable, it is necessary to adopt assessment tools that consider the product’ s entire life cycle, from raw material production to end-of-life management. www. plastmagazine. it