Placard, part of HID Global: home
Who we are · A HID Global Company

Australia's card company, backed by a global identity leader.

Founded in 1987, Placard is Australia's only Secure Plastic Card manufacturer accredited by all major schemes, responsible for the manufacture, personalisation and distribution of everything from standard gift cards to high-technology smart cards for financial and driver-licence programs. As part of HID Global, we combine that local craft with the reach and technology depth of one of the world's largest identity companies.

Meet the teamLocate us
Our story

Since 1987, Australia's most trusted card partner.

Placard has grown from a specialist Melbourne press into the country's most vertically integrated secure card bureau, now producing more than 100 million cards a year for the brands, banks, transit authorities and governments Australians rely on every day.

Our success comes down to four things we've refused to compromise on since day one: uncompromising product quality, a constant investment in new technology, an in-house culture of product innovation, and a genuine partnering approach with every client we serve.

EST. 1987
MADE · AU
Quality · Technology · Innovation
Cardholder
A HID GLOBAL COMPANY
Part of HID Global

A worldwide leader in trusted identity.

HID Global operates in more than 100 countries and issues hundreds of millions of identities every year, from mobile access credentials to biometric passports and IoT trust platforms. Placard brings that platform to Australia's banks, retailers, governments and transit operators, issued locally, securely and at scale.

  • Seos® secure identity credentials
  • iCLASS® physical access
  • Mobile & biometric identity
  • IoT and secure issuance
Visit HID Global →
300M+HID identities issued globally
100+Countries served by HID Global
2.5B+Trusted transactions each year
Sustainability

Cards that don't cost the earth.

From pioneering commercial-scale biodegradable substrates in 2011 to today's ocean-bound recycled PVC, Placard has spent over a decade engineering greener credentials without ever compromising security, durability or scheme accreditation.

  • Biodegradable substrates
    Commercial-scale, PVC-free, scheme-approved.
  • Ocean-bound recycled PVC
    Plastic diverted from waterways, made into cards.
  • Bio-derived polymers
    Corn-based PLA and rPETG alternatives.
  • Responsible manufacturing
    Low-waste production, on-site solvent recovery.
ICMA Biodegradable Cards Award, 2011 recognised globally for pioneering biodegradable secure plastic substrates.
Ethics & Labour Standards

Committed to the FSC® Core Labour Requirements.

Every card we make starts with the people who make it. Placard's operations are aligned with the FSC® Core Labour Requirements, a global framework covering the fundamental rights of every worker in our supply chain and on our factory floor.

No child labour
Placard does not employ, use or benefit from child labour anywhere in our operations or supply chain.
No forced labour
We eliminate all forms of forced and compulsory labour and expect the same of every partner we work with.
No discrimination
We ensure there is no discrimination in employment or occupation on any protected ground.
Freedom of association
We respect freedom of association and the effective right to collective bargaining across our workforce.
In every circumstance, Placard complies with the FSC® Core Labour Requirements or Australian law, whichever standard is more stringent.
Certifications

Every accreditation the modern issuer needs.

Payment schemes

Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, American Express and eftpos manufacturing & personalisation accreditation.

Secure manufacturing

PCI CP aligned physical and cyber controls across every stage of the bureau.

Sustainability

Recycled PVC, ocean-bound plastics and biodegradable substrate options, proven at production volume.