Lanyards can be made of many different materials depending on the use and the design. Many lanyards are made from cotton threads, but thanks to increased demand for sustainable products, many lanyard buyers are turning to alternative materials. Cotton is a natural fiber favored for its comfort but is less durable than synthetic options. These include bamboo threads and recycled plastic. Some lanyards are made from biodegradable materials such as bamboo and cotton, offering environmental benefits for eco-conscious users. Polyester is one of the most popular lanyard materials due to its balance of durability, affordability, and versatility.
Lanyards are essential in educational institutions for identifying staff, students, and visitors, and event organizers use lanyards for access control and branding purposes.
You might think that a bamboo thread wouldn’t be very strong, or that a plastic lanyard would be uncomfortable to wear, but threads made from these materials are actually very strong and durable. Bamboo lanyards are biodegradable and provide a soft, cotton-like feel while being durable.
Recycled plastic, such as rPET, is increasingly used for eco-friendly lanyards. In 2026, rPET accounts for a significant portion of premium lanyard orders, reflecting corporate sustainability goals.
Read on to discover the types of lanyards we offer at Lanyards Online and how they are made.
Reflective yarn lanyards are also available for maximizing visibility in low-light conditions, making them suitable for environments like construction.
There are many different lanyards available, from plain braided cotton cord, to twill cotton and even embroidered cotton lanyards. These are some of the main types of lanyard materials and the biggest benefits they offer.
Other lanyards are available with additional features such as phone holders, eyeglass straps, or carrying accessories to suit different needs.
Plain and woven lanyards are typically made from cotton strands. Our plain coloured lanyards are constructed as a twill ribbon, which is similar to the design of shoelaces. This makes them incredibly strong and durable.
Plain and woven lanyards can also be paired with a badge holder, making them ideal for holding IDs or access cards at events and in the workplace.
With embroidered lanyards, the design is woven directly into the lanyard. With a woven lanyard, you can choose up to 3 colours to create your design, and the reverse of the lanyard will be the reverse of your threads. Plain lanyards are cost-effective if you don’t need branding. Woven lanyards are incredibly strong, durable and have a high-end finish.
Printed lanyards are typically made from polyester and then screen printed or dye sublimation printed to create the final design. Some printed lanyards are also made from flexible materials such as PVC, which allows for greater adaptability and comfort. Polyester printed lanyards are incredibly strong and durable. They are also ideal for branding as you can choose from a variety of designs.
Bamboo lanyards are one of the newest available and are incredibly strong and durable. If you’re running an event with an eco-friendly theme, these lanyards are the perfect promotional tools. Bamboo feels like incredibly soft cotton and can be screen printed with your design.
If you really want to do your bit for the environment, our recycled PET lanyards could offer the ideal solution. They are made from recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), or plastic bottles, so they offer a great solution to the problem of plastic waste. PET is strong, durable, waterproof and suitable for full-colour printing.
Lanyards start life as a continuous spool of cord or ribbon. For screen printing, the lanyard material is laid out in rows so that multiple lanyards can be printed at once. For full dye printing, the design is pressed onto the polyester satin fabric.
Once printed, the lanyards can be assembled by sewing them into loops and adding the necessary components. This will include adding a break away clip to the back and the lobster claw clip at the bottom. A dog clip is another popular attachment, providing a secure and convenient way to carry ID cards or badges. Lanyards are commonly used to hold ID cards securely, making them easily accessible for staff and visitors. Safety breakaways are an essential feature that helps prevent accidents by allowing the lanyard to detach quickly if pulled. We are also able to supply your lanyards with a range of other clips and hooks to suit your needs.
While lanyards can be produced on a large scale, there is still a high level of skill involved in making them. They are very much still hand-crafted, as many of the steps in the process cannot be completed by machines.
The best option before considering recycling your lanyards is to think about ways you can repurpose them around your home. They can be used to organise keys, gardening equipment or other items like children’s toys.
If you can’t find a use for them around your home and you have a few piling up, you could consider donating them. Charity run events may need lanyards to organise volunteers, but they might not have the budget for printing.
Another option for recycling your lanyards would be to take them to a charity shop. Some lanyards could become collectable if they are from special events such as concerts. And finally, you could place them in a fabric recycling collection bin. This will allow the fabric fibres to be recycled and turned into something new.
Lanyards are incredibly versatile accessories, finding their place in a wide range of industries and settings. From bustling trade shows and outdoor events to everyday use in offices, schools, and healthcare environments, the right lanyard material can make all the difference. The choice of lanyard material types—such as polyester, nylon, cotton, bamboo, or recycled PET lanyards—depends largely on the intended use and specific requirements of the wearer.
For large-scale events and conferences, flat polyester lanyards are a go-to option thanks to their durability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to showcase custom printed logos. These lanyards offer a high quality finish and can be tailored with full colour printing or dye sublimation, making them perfect for displaying complex logos and vibrant branding. Woven lanyards are another excellent choice for organizations seeking a more luxurious feel and long-lasting wear, as the design is stitched directly into the fabric for added durability.
Outdoor events often call for tubular lanyards made from durable materials like polyester or nylon. These lanyards are designed for all day wear, providing comfort and flexibility even in active environments. For those looking to make an eco friendly statement, bamboo lanyards and recycled PET lanyards—crafted from recycled plastic bottles—are sustainable alternatives that don’t compromise on strength or style. Bamboo fiber offers a soft, cotton-like feel, while recycled PET provides a waterproof and robust option for eco conscious brands.
In professional settings such as offices, schools, and hospitals, polyester lanyards with a satin finish are popular for their smooth texture and professional appearance. These lanyards are ideal for holding ID badges, name badges, or badge holders, ensuring that identification is always visible and accessible. Custom printed lanyards can also be used to reinforce company branding, with options for screen print or full colour designs to suit any corporate identity.
Safety is another important consideration, especially in environments where lanyards are worn throughout the day. Features like safety breaks, metal crimp attachments, and dog clips help protect the wearer by allowing the lanyard to release quickly if caught or pulled. This makes them suitable for a variety of applications, from special events to everyday office wear.
With so many material options and styles available, lanyards can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of any organization or event. Whether you need a durable material for outdoor use, a more luxurious feel for high-profile occasions, or an eco friendly solution for sustainable branding, there’s a lanyard to suit every need. By working with a design team to create custom printed lanyards, businesses can ensure their logo stands out while providing a practical and stylish accessory for staff, visitors, or event attendees.
When choosing the right lanyard for your organization or event, safety and security should be top priorities. One of the most important features to consider is the inclusion of safety breaks, also known as breakaway clips. These clever additions are designed to release the lanyard quickly if it becomes caught or pulled, significantly reducing the risk of injury or choking hazards. This is especially vital in busy environments like healthcare facilities, schools, outdoor events, or workplaces with machinery, where lanyards may be exposed to sudden tugs or snags.
The choice of lanyard material also plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and security. Durable options such as polyester lanyards, flat polyester lanyards, and woven lanyards are less likely to fray or snap, providing reliable wear for all-day use. Tubular lanyards made from polyester or nylon offer flexibility and strength, making them suitable for active settings and outdoor events. For those seeking eco friendly alternatives, recycled PET lanyards—crafted from recycled plastic bottles—deliver both sustainability and robust performance, without compromising on safety.
Custom printed lanyards can further enhance security by clearly displaying names, roles, or access levels, which is essential for crowd management at trade shows, special events, or large-scale conferences. Full colour printing and dye sublimation techniques allow for complex logos and high quality finishes, ensuring that identification is both visible and professional.
Attachment options are another key consideration. Metal crimp and dog clip attachments provide a secure connection for badge holders or ID cards, reducing the risk of accidental loss. While plastic attachments are lightweight, they may not offer the same level of durability as metal options, so it’s important to match the attachment style to your specific requirements.
For those prioritizing comfort alongside safety, bamboo lanyards and cotton lanyards are soft and gentle on the skin, making them ideal for all day wear at events or in the workplace. These eco friendly lanyards combine sustainability with wearer comfort, ensuring that safety features don’t come at the expense of usability.
Ultimately, selecting the right lanyard material and safety features depends on your intended use and the environment in which the lanyards will be worn. Consulting with a design team can help you navigate the many material options, safety breaks, and printing methods available, ensuring your lanyards meet your organization’s unique needs. Whether you opt for flat polyester, woven, tubular, or recycled PET lanyards, prioritizing safety and security will help protect your team and enhance your event’s professionalism.
Custom lanyards, exceptional every time!
