近日因為嘉義智選假日酒店的木質房卡貼文而注意到房卡材質的改變，至於12月9日社團聚餐的與會者談話中，則是提及洲際酒店集團與萬豪酒店集團因簽署了國際性的環境永續公約，將在旗下全球酒店據點推動環保永續的木質房卡，以達成「環境保護、社會責任、公司治理」 ( Environmental、 Social、Governance，即ESG) 眾多行動要點之一。同時，聚餐與會者也提到台灣的智選假日酒店即將逐步上架該產品服務，即業者要採購進貨並在未來提供給住客使用。至於萬豪集團在台據點的部份，除了手機房卡服務(Mobile Key，見下方筆者的範例圖片)以外，也將逐步採用木質等環保材質的房卡。

隨著全球的環保意識抬頭、環保相關的法律規定上路、公司客戶的商業合作門檻與施壓、經營者的成本管控等面向，不光是筆者個人的經驗，相信不少網友會發現旅館酒店的房間備品(用品)乃至於清潔服務已有所調整改變，除了早先已有的「減少或不更換床組(枕頭套、被套、床單)及毛巾」的服務選項外，小瓶裝水則有「提供裝水容器+公共飲水機」或是「大瓶裝」的改變，但不至於用桶裝水，因為那顯得笨重、麻煩而且出外旅行未必想做壼鈴的重量訓練？沐浴組(洗髮精、潤髮乳、沐浴精)已由小瓶裝調整為大瓶裝，洗手用的肥皂也改以大瓶裝的洗手乳，有的業者會加裝固定支架以利於管控，沐浴用品的調整除了減少塑膠瓶(條)的使用量、肥皂的廢棄量之外，也暗示著「不可以整瓶帶走，但可以另外買新的、未拆封的」，若業者以標語明示「想帶走就買一瓶新的」的語意，除了是預防作用或有覺查到消耗數量「異常」外，「尊貴的客人當然是享有全新未拆封的備品，而不是帶走二手的」，因為旅客對於客房內的非消耗性用品(如: 床組、毛巾、浴袍、吹風機、枱燈、電茶壼等)只有使用權，而不是擁有權。

因著近日筆者注意到的木質房卡議題，下方的譯文可以呈現旅館產業鏈錯綜複雜的一小部份，除了旅館業者本身外，也與供應商(suppliers)有著密不可分的關係。看看小小一張房卡能否開啟永續大未來。

What is the Best Material for Hotel Key Cards? (旅館房卡有最佳材質嗎？)

Last updated June 09, 2023 HotelTechReport by Jordan Hollander 6 min read

Searching for a creative way to build your brand, increase guest satisfaction, and even cut costs? “Unlocking” these benefits isn’t impossible: the simple hotel key card is an underrated brand touchpoint that can enhance your experience on property. Whether you’re launching a new hotel or looking to upgrade your existing key cards, you might be wondering where to start. Since nearly every one of your guests uses it, and maybe even brings it home as a souvenir, the key card is small in size but offers a massive opportunity for marketing and creativity. In this article, we’ll review the top materials for key cards based on durability, sustainability, and branding potential – plus offer one unconventional solution that would do away with key cards entirely. Gaining an understanding of the options available on the market will help you make a more informed decision about key cards at your hotel so you can begin working toward more brand awareness and higher guest review scores.

您正在尋找一種創意的方式來打造自身品牌、提高客人滿意度，甚至削減成本？ 「開啟」這些好處並非不可能：簡單的旅館房卡是一個被低估的品牌接觸點，它可以提升自家旅館給予旅客的住宿體驗。 無論您是要開一家新酒店或是想升級既有的房卡，您可能想知道要從哪裡開始做。 由於幾乎每位住宿旅客都使用房卡，甚至還可能將它帶回家當作紀念品，因此房卡尺寸雖然小，但卻能為旅館行銷和創意提供了大量的機會。 在本文中，我們將根據耐用性、永續性和品牌潛力來檢視製造房卡最常用的幾種材質，並提供完全不需房卡的非常規解決方案。 了解市面上可採用的材質選項將有助於您在旅館房卡方面做出更明智的決定，如此您就可以開始努力提高品牌知名度和更高的顧客評價分數。

PVC Key Cards (聚氯乙烯房卡)

The most common key card material is PVC, a common polymer used for all kinds of products from packaging to construction. PVC is cheap and durable, making it a logical choice for an object like a key card, which needs to withstand frequent use without breaking. This material is flexible enough that it can bend without breaking, like in a pocket or a bag, and a PVC key card will still work if it gets dropped in the pool or left outside in the cold. PVC key cards are easily customizable. Any type of design, logo, text, or image can be printed on a PVC key card, although the material itself doesn’t stand out as being especially unique. While PVC is one of the least expensive materials for hotel key cards, it also has one of the largest environmental footprints. PVC production emits high levels of greenhouse gases, and “PVC is the single most environmentally damaging of all plastics” according to GreenPeace.org, so it might not be the best key card material for a hotel that leads with an eco-friendly stance. According to the World Health Organization “PVC is responsible for a greater share of the nation’s annual dioxin burden than any other industrial product. Dioxin is known as one of the most toxic chemicals ever produced.” If your hotel does go with PVC and wants to promote sustainability, you may want to explore using recycled PVC cards.

最常見的房卡材質是聚氯乙烯(PVC)，這是一種用於從包裝到建築裝潢的各種產品所常見聚合物。 PVC 便宜且耐用，使它成為房卡等物品的合理選擇，就算頻繁使用也不會破(斷)裂。這種材質可以承受彎曲而不會折斷，比方放在口袋或包包裡，如果 PVC 房卡掉進泳池或被留在寒冷的室外，它仍然可以使用。 PVC 房卡可輕鬆客製化。 任何類型的設計、標誌、文字或圖像都可以印在 PVC 房卡上，儘管材質本身並不獨特。 雖然 PVC 是製作飯店房卡其中一種最便宜的材質，但它也是環境足跡最大的材料之一。 PVC 生產會排放大量溫室氣體，而根據綠色和平組織的看法，PVC是所有塑膠製成品中對環境傷害最大的物質，因此對於以環保友善立場引領業界的旅館集團與企業來說，它可能不是最好的鑰匙卡材料。另外，根據世界衛生組織指稱，「 PVC 在一國年度戴奧辛負擔量中的佔比任何其他工業製成品都來得大。 戴奧辛被認為是人類迄今所產生的化學物質中毒性最強之一」。 如果您的旅館確實使用 PVC房卡但又希望促進環保永續發展，您可能需要了解如何取得與使用再生 PVC 房卡。

Wooden Key Cards (木質房卡)

If plastic doesn’t sound like the right material for your hotel’s key cards, then perhaps wood is the right choice. Wooden key cards, often made of birch, can be just as durable and long-lasting as plastic key cards. They can also deliver value on the branding side. A wooden key card is unexpected, as many guests are accustomed to plastic key cards, so the otherwise boring act of unlocking a guestroom door can become memorable with a more unique key card. In addition, wood is a more environmentally friendly material, and it can be more aesthetically pleasing, so wood can be a great fit for hotels that emphasize sustainable and design. These branding benefits come at a cost, though; wooden key cards are more expensive than plastic ones, and the customization options are more limited than what you’d find on PVC key cards. For example, wooden key cards can be engraved, but it’s difficult to print any type of colored graphics on a wooden key card. But for the right hotel, a wooden key card can deliver a wonderful brand experience.

如果塑膠聽起來不像是旅館房卡的合適材料，那麼木材也許是正確的選擇。 木質房卡通常由樺木製成，而且與塑膠房卡一樣耐用、持久。 他們還可以在品牌方面傳遞價值。 木質房卡的出現是出乎意料的產品，因為許多客人已經習慣使用塑膠房卡，因此像打開房門這種原本單調乏味的動作可以透過較獨特的房卡而變得令人難忘。 此外，木材是一種更環保的材料，可以更具有因美感所帶來的愉悅，因此木材非常適合強調環保永續與設計質感的旅館酒店。 不過，這些品牌優勢是有代價的─ 木質房卡比塑膠房卡來得貴，且客製化選項比 PVC 房卡更有限。 例如，木質房卡可以有雕刻的呈現，但很難在木質房卡上印刷出任何類型的彩色圖案。 但對於合適使用這類房卡的旅館酒店來說，一張木質房卡可以帶來美妙的品牌體驗。

Bamboo Key Cards (竹質房卡)

Another eye-catching and sustainable key card material is bamboo. This light, flexible material actually feels quite similar to PVC in your hand, but it has a much more positive environmental impact. Bamboo key cards are available in a few different finishes, ranging from light to dark, and can be imprinted with your logo or branding. Bamboo key cards are durable and resistant to regular wear and tear, making them a sustainable choice in many ways. Despite all these benefits, bamboo key cards aren’t necessarily the right choice for every hotel due to their high cost and limited availability. Only a few manufacturers make bamboo key cards, and their price tag is higher than PVC. But for hotels that emphasize sustainability and can afford a premium key card material, bamboo can be a great option.

另一種引人注目且具有環保永續性的房卡材料是竹子。 這種質輕、柔韌的材質拿在手中實際上感覺與 PVC 非常相似，但它對於環境的影響要正向得多。 竹質房卡有幾種不同的飾面，從淺色到深色不等，並且可以印上您的旅館標誌或品牌。竹質房卡經久耐用，對於日常磨損可承受得住，在許多方面都成為環保永續的房卡選擇。 儘管有所有這些好處，但由於竹質房卡成本高且可得性有限，因此不見得是每家旅館業者的合適選擇。 只有少數製造商生產竹質房卡，且價格高於PVC。 不過，對於強調環保永續性並能負擔得起優質房卡材料的旅館業者而言，竹子可能是個不錯的選擇。

PETG Key Cards (PETG房卡)

Looking to move away from PVC key cards but like the look and feel of PVC? PETG key cards are made from PET-G resin, a high percentage of which comes from recycled material, giving them the same durability as PVC with less environmental impact. Like PVC, PETG key cards last a long time, and they’re resistant to bending and breaking. PETG key cards are also infinitely customizable, since you can print any colors, logos, and text on them. Although PETG key cards can last through many guest stays, when it’s time to dispose of them, they are recyclable, which is an upgrade over non-recyclable PVC. PETG cards are relatively new to the market, so they come with a higher price tag than PVC, and they can be harder to find, but as more hotels switch to eco-friendly options PETG should become more commonplace.

想要擺脫 PVC 房卡但又喜歡 PVC材質的外觀和觸感？ PETG材質的房卡由 PET-G 樹脂製成，其中很大一部分來自回收材料，使其具有與 PVC 相同的耐用性，同時對環境的影響較小。 與 PVC 一樣，PETG房卡經久耐用，而且不易彎曲且斷裂。 PETG房卡還可以無限制地客製化，因為您可以在卡面上列印任何顏色、商標和文字。 儘管 PETG房卡可以長期重覆使用，但當需要丟棄房卡時，它們是可回收的，而這是對不可回收 PVC材質的升級。 PETG 房卡在市場上相對較新，因此它們的價格比 PVC高，而且更難找到製造商，但隨著越來越多的旅館酒店轉向採購環保材質選項的房卡，PETG房卡應該會變得更加普及。

Paper-Based Key Cards (紙質房卡)

Like the idea of a recyclable key card? Paper-based key cards can be a unique solution for an eco-minded hotel. A paper-based key card is recyclable, cost-effective, and customizable, but it lacks the durability of a plastic- or wood-based card. Made from material that’s a little thicker than cardboard, paper-based key cards raise potential wear and tear issues, since they’re not waterproof and wear out more quickly than a stronger material. But some hotels love paper-based keycards for their ease of customization and sustainable aspects.

喜歡可回收房卡的點子嗎？ 紙質房卡可以成為具備生態環保意識的旅館酒店之獨特解決方案。 紙質房卡可回收、成本效益高且可以客製化，但它缺乏塑膠材質或木質卡片的耐用性。 紙質房卡是由比硬紙板稍厚的材料所製成，但這樣的材質會有潛在的磨損毀壞問題，因為它們不防水，而且比堅固的材料磨損得更快。 然而，有些旅館酒店喜歡紙質房卡，因為它們易於定制且具有環保永續性。

Digital Keys (數位房卡)

How about doing away with physical key cards altogether? Many tech-savvy hotels are making the jump from physical key cards to digital key cards to enhance the guest experience and reduce friction during check-in. Digital keys for hotels, or mobile keys, allow guests to open guestroom doors using their smartphones, often with Bluetooth. Digital keys are convenient, since guests are carrying their smartphones anyway, and offer increased security over physical key cards since they are less likely to get lost or end up in the wrong hands. Hotels can also reduce costs by using digital keys, since you don’t need to order inventory of physical key cards. And guests can enjoy a smoother experience at check-in – throughout their stay because digital keys can’t get deactivated or demagnetized the way physical cards can. Digital keys can deliver plenty of benefits to your hotel and guest experience, but it’s worth noting that digital keys can be troublesome for guests who are less tech-savvy, and hotels may need to invest in more digital infrastructure, such as locks that are compatible with digital keys. But as the world embraces technology more, it seems digital keys will become the norm over time.

完全取消實體房卡如何？ 許多精通科技的旅館酒店業者正在從實體房卡過渡到數位房卡，以強化提升住客體驗並減少入住期間因實體卡異常所造成的人際互動摩擦。 旅館的數位房卡或行動房卡允許客人使用自己通常具有藍牙功能的智慧型手機打開客房房門。 數位房卡很方便，因為客人無論如何都會帶著他們的智慧型手機，並且比實體房卡提供更高的安全性，因為它們不太可能丟失或落入有心人士之手中。 旅館業者還可以透過使用數位房卡來降低房卡耗損成本，因為業者無需訂購補充實體房卡的庫存。 客人可以感受更順暢的入住體驗─ 直至整個住宿期間，因為數位房卡不會像實體房卡那樣遭到停用或消磁。 數位房卡可以為您的旅館酒店和住客體驗帶來很多好處，但值得注意的是，數位房卡對於不太懂得科技操作的客人來說可能會感到麻煩，同時旅館業者可能需要投資更多在數位基礎設施上，例如能與數位房卡相容、感應的門鎖。 不過，隨著世界越來越能接受科技發展，數位房卡似乎會隨著時間的推移而成為常態。

Which Key Card Material is Right for Your Hotel?

(哪種房卡材質適合您的旅館？)

Key cards can pack a lot of benefits – or conversely contribute to a subpar guest experience. Choosing a key card material is an important decision, one that asks you to weigh cost and convenience over sustainability, durability, and customization options. The cheapest and most durable option is PVC, which is already in use at many hotels. But alternative options like wood, bamboo, and PETG can offer similar durability but more opportunity for branding and reducing environmental impact. Or, hotels can opt to leave physical key cards in the past and make the jump to digital keys, which can elevate the guest experience and eliminate friction during the check-in process. Based on your budget, brand values, and guest preferences, you can choose a key card material that aligns with the type of experience you aim to provide and increase guest review scores and brand awareness.

房卡可以帶來很多好處—或者相反導致客人體驗不佳。 選擇房卡材質是一項重要決定，需要做為旅館管理者的您在可持續性、耐用性和客製化選項下權衡成本和便利性。 最便宜和最耐用的選擇是 PVC，這材質已經在許多旅館酒店使用。 不過，木材、竹子和 PETG 等替代方案可以提供類似的耐用性，但有更多機會打造品牌並減少對環境的影響。 或者，旅館業者可以選擇將實體房卡留在過去而不用，轉而使用數位房卡，這可以提升住客體驗並消除住宿過程中因實體房卡異常所造成的人際互動摩擦。 根據您的預算、品牌價值和客人偏好，您可以選擇與您旨在提供的住宿體驗類型相符的房卡材料，並提高客人評價分數和品牌知名度。

When considering the materials for hotel key cards, various factors should be weighed because there honestly is no “best key card material" since a lot is based on preference and different property types will have different requirements. For instance, bamboo, petg, pvc, plastic, and paper each have their pros and cons. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

在考量旅館房卡的材料時，應權衡各種因素，因為坦白說沒有「最好的房卡材料」，因為大部份旅館業者都是基於偏好，而不同的旅館類型會有不同的要求。 例如，竹子、PETG、PVC，塑膠材質和紙質各有優缺點。 以下是一個詳細的區別：

Bamboo: Bamboo is an eco-friendly option favored by many hotel chains, including Marriott and Hilton, for its sustainable characteristics. Bamboo hotel key cards can be embedded with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. They are ideal for ASSA ABLOY, Saflok or Onity lock systems. However, bamboo might not provide the durability of other materials and may not be suitable for magnetic stripe or mag stripe technologies due to the possibility of degradation over time.

竹子：竹子是一種環保選擇，因其環保永續的特性而受到包括萬豪和希爾頓在內的許多連鎖酒店集團的青睞。 竹質的旅館房卡可以嵌入RFID (無線射頻辨識)或 NFC (近場通訊)技術。 它們是 ASSA ABLOY、Saflok 或 Onity 門禁管制系統的理想選擇。 然而，竹子可能無法提供其他材料所具備的耐用性，並且可能會因時間的推移而退化，所以可能不適合磁條或磁條技術的房卡設定。

PETG: PETG is a type of plastic card that is recyclable and resistant to impact, making it a durable choice for RFID hotel key cards. However, it might be more costly than PVC or other plastic options. As PETG is durable, it is suitable for both magnetic stripe and smart card technologies.

PETG：PETG 是一種可回收且耐衝擊的塑膠卡，這讓它成為 RFID旅館房卡的耐用選擇。 但是，它可能比 PVC或其他塑膠材質選項更昂貴。 由於 PETG 經久耐用，因此適用於磁條和智慧卡的製卡技術。

PVC: PVC is the standard for credit card and access card material, which also applies to hotel room key cards. It’s durable and affordable, making it a popular choice in the hospitality industry. PVC cards are compatible with a range of technologies like mag stripe, barcode, RFID, and NFC. These cards can also be easily customized, offering a wide range of templates for custom hotel key cards, which is an added amenity for the guests. They can be used with most door lock systems.

PVC： PVC 是信用卡和門禁卡的標準用材，也適用於旅館房卡。 它經久耐用且絕大多數旅館業者都負擔得起，是受到旅館業歡迎的選項。 PVC 卡相容於多種科技，如磁條、條碼、RFID 和 NFC。 同時這種PVC卡還可以輕鬆定製，提供廣泛的客製化旅館房卡模板，這對於顧客來說是一項附加的體驗服務。 PVC房卡可使用於大多數門鎖系統。

Plastic: Generic plastic cards are widely used due to their durability and low cost. They can accommodate various technologies, including magnetic stripes and RFID. Plastic cards can also be printed using various card printing methods, making them flexible for customization.

塑膠：通用塑膠卡因其耐用性和低成本而被廣泛使用。 它們可以適應各種製卡技術，包含磁條和 RFID。 塑膠卡片也可以使用各種卡片印刷法付印，使其可以靈活定製。

Paper: Paper cards, often coated for durability, are an economical choice, suitable for temporary use, such as gift cards or ID cards. However, they lack the robustness of plastic or PVC, making them less ideal for long-term use. Paper cards typically use barcode technology as they may not hold up well with an embedded RFID chip or magnetic strip.

紙：紙卡通常帶有塗層以提高耐用程度，是一種經濟的選擇，適合臨時使用，例如禮品卡或識別證。 但是，它們缺乏塑膠或 PVC 材質的堅固性，因此不太適合長期使用。 紙卡通常使用條碼技術，因為它們可能無法有效支援嵌入式 RFID 晶片或磁條。

These materials can also be fashioned into key card holders, lanyards, or door hangers, adding to the customer experience.

上述材質還可以製成卡套、掛繩或門把掛牌，以提升顧客體驗。

Whether for a large chain like IHG or a boutique hotel, it’s crucial to consider the front desk’s needs, the hotel door lock systems in place, the expected turnover rate of key cards, and the desired guest experience when selecting the key card material. Your choice will affect not only the access control of each hotel door but also the overall impression of your brand. Always remember, the humble hotel key card is not just an access tool; it’s a part of the whole hotel experience.

無論像是洲際酒店集團這樣的大型連鎖酒店集團或是精品旅館，在選擇房卡材料時，都必須考量到前檯接待部門的需求、旅館門禁系統、預期的房卡淘汰週轉率以及所預期的顧客體驗。 做為旅館業者，您的選擇不僅會影響每間旅館的門禁管控方式，還會影響您的旅館品牌整體形象。 永遠記住，不起眼的旅館房卡不僅僅是一種門禁工具，它也是整個旅館體驗的一部分。