You’ve probably had to wear an ID badge at an event or use an access card to enter your workplace at some point. In these situations, and many others, having a lanyard to hand can be incredibly useful.
Below, we’ll explain what lanyards are, which factors you should consider when choosing one for your brand, and the occasions when they’re always an excellent choice. Let’s get started!
· What Is a Lanyard?
A lanyard is an accessory consisting of a strap, which can be made from polyester, recycled PET (rPET), cork, organic cotton, and other materials. It is typically worn around the neck to hold small items such as ID badges, access cards, or keys.
- Key definition: A strap or cord worn around the neck to hold ID badges, access cards, or keys.
- Common synonyms: Neck strap, ID lanyard, badge holder lanyard, or card holder strap.
- Commercial advantage: Lanyards are one of the most popular promotional products thanks to their versatility and excellent brand visibility.
In recent years, lanyards have become increasingly popular, particularly in the promotional merchandise sector, thanks to their versatility, ease of use, and the excellent brand visibility they provide through their wide range of customisation options. They are also ideal in situations where quick and easy access to certain items is essential.
· A Guide to Choosing the Right Promotional Lanyard
It’s important to identify how the lanyard will be used so you can choose the combination of features that best meets your brand’s requirements.
| Selection Factor | Options and Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Style | A wide range of designs, from simple and cost-effective models to double-ended, dual-clip, and tubular lanyards for a more distinctive look. |
| Material | Standard options (polyester), sustainable alternatives (rPET or organic cotton), or premium finishes (satin polyester for a softer feel and enhanced appearance). |
| Attachment | The type of clip depends on the intended use: split ring for keys, standard lobster clip for ID badges, or a dedicated phone attachment. |
| Accessories | Available with or without a badge holder. A safety breakaway clasp (a plastic fastening at the back of the neck designed to release under tension) can also be added. |
| Customisation | Virtually unlimited design options, including single- or double-sided logo printing, a wide choice of colours, and various printing techniques. |
Lanyards offer a wide variety of features and customisation options, so it’s important to be clear about how they will be used before choosing the combination that best suits your needs. They are available in a broad range of styles, from the simplest and most affordable models to single lanyards with dual attachments, double lanyards, and tubular designs that provide a more distinctive alternative.
Although polyester is the most common material due to its durability, lightweight feel, and flexibility, there are plenty of other options available. These include more sustainable alternatives such as rPET and organic cotton, as well as satin polyester, which offers a more premium finish and a softer, more comfortable feel.
If these lanyards are intended for carrying ID badges or access cards, it’s best to choose a model that includes a badge holder. Another important consideration is the type of attachment. A split ring is better suited for carrying keys, while a standard lobster clip is ideal for ID badges and passes. Alternatively, you can opt for a dedicated phone attachment.
A safety breakaway clasp is a plastic fastening located at the back of the neck, designed to release under tension and help prevent injury if the lanyard is pulled suddenly.
· Strategic Uses of Customised Lanyards
Lanyards are used in a wide range of settings and are suitable for many different industries.
1. Workplaces (Offices and Businesses)
- Primary purpose: An essential accessory for carrying ID badges, staff passes, access cards, and keys, keeping them secure and easily accessible.
- Marketing benefit: They can be customised with a company or event logo, making them an effective promotional item and a valuable piece of branded merchandise for exhibition stands.
One of the most common places you’ll see lanyards is at events such as conferences, trade shows, and festivals. They are ideal for carrying ID badges, accreditation passes, access cards, keys, and other small items that need to be readily available throughout the event.
Lanyards can also be customised with an event logo or name, making them an excellent promotional tool. They are frequently distributed as branded merchandise at exhibition stands, helping to attract visitors, increase brand visibility, and leave a lasting impression on attendees.
2. Workplace Environments (Offices and Businesses)
- Functionality: Ideal for carrying access cards or keys, allowing employees to move freely around the premises.
- Organisation: Perfect for keeping essential items such as USB flash drives or mobile phones close at hand throughout the working day.
Lanyards are particularly useful in workplaces where staff need to carry access cards or keys. They keep these items secure, easily accessible, and always within reach, making it easier to move around the building without inconvenience.
They are also a practical way to carry important everyday items, such as a USB flash drive or a mobile phone, ensuring they’re always close by when needed.
3. Tourism and Sports
- Hotels: Allow staff to be identified quickly while displaying useful information such as their name, role, or the languages they speak on their ID badge.
- Sports: Help organisers identify participants and are commonly used by referees to keep their whistle secure and easily accessible.
Lanyards are widely used throughout the tourism sector, particularly in hotels. They make it easy for guests to identify members of staff and ask for assistance when needed. Staff ID badges can also display useful information, such as the languages an employee speaks or their specific role within the organisation.
At sporting events, lanyards help organisers clearly identify participants and officials while providing a convenient way to wear accreditation. Referees also frequently use lanyards to keep their whistle secure and prevent it from being misplaced during matches.
4. Education
- Students: A useful way to help identify pupils during school trips by displaying information cards with the school’s contact details.
- Teachers: Ideal for keeping classroom, office, or staff room keys readily accessible.
Lanyards are equally practical in schools for both pupils and teachers. For students, they provide an effective way of helping staff keep track of children during school trips. Each pupil can wear a lanyard with an information card displaying their name, the name of their school, and the school’s contact telephone number.
For teachers, lanyards provide a convenient way to keep important keys close at hand, whether for classrooms, storage cupboards, or the staff room.
· Brand Visibility Starts Here
Now that you’ve discovered the many uses of lanyards, why not take the next step? At Gift Campaign, we specialise in offering a wide range of fully customisable lanyards to suit every requirement. Whether you’re looking for sustainable materials such as rPET or premium-quality designs, you’ll find products that combine excellent quality with outstanding value for money.
Explore our range of customised lanyards and find the perfect solution for your next promotional campaign.