ID cards carry personal data: names, photos, staff numbers and sometimes dates of birth. Under UK GDPR that data must be protected at every stage, including printing and disposal. Two risks are often missed: used printer ribbons and old cards.

Why used ID card printer ribbons hold personal data

Dye sublimation printers print from a ribbon with separate colour panels. After printing, each panel keeps a clear negative image of what was printed: the photo, the name and any other details. A bin bag of used ribbons is a record of everyone you have issued a card to.

What to do:

  • Store used ribbons securely until they are destroyed.
  • Shred them, either through a secure shredding service or in house with a ribbon shredder such as the IDP Smart BIT ribbon shredder, which works with ribbons from most major printer brands.
  • Consider a printer that protects the ribbon. The Evolis Primacy 2 offers Kineclipse, which scrambles the image left on the used ribbon.

How to dispose of old ID cards

When someone leaves or cards are replaced, the old cards still carry personal data.

  • Shred or cut cards before disposal, so the photo and name cannot be read.
  • Ask your shredding provider whether they accept PVC. Many do.
  • Check local recycling for PVC collection.

Printed security features protect data too

Security features make a card harder to copy, which protects both the cardholder and your site. UV print, holograms and Magicard HoloKote watermarks are explained in our guide to ID card security features.

GDPR checklist for ID card printing

Stage Check
Collecting data Only collect what the card needs
Printing Restrict access to the printer and the software
Used ribbons Store securely, then shred
Old cards Collect, then shred or cut before disposal
Software Password-protect the cardholder database

Frequently asked questions

Do used ID card printer ribbons contain personal data? Yes. Each panel of a used dye sublimation ribbon holds a readable image of everything printed, including photos and names.

How should I dispose of old ID cards? Shred or cut them so the photo and name cannot be read, then recycle the PVC where possible.

Can a printer protect the data left on its ribbon? Some can. The Evolis Primacy 2 offers Kineclipse, which scrambles the printed image left on the used ribbon.

Contact us for advice on secure card printing.