Recycled Card vs Paper: Which Is Best for Menu Printing?

When it comes to printing menus for your café, restaurant or bar, selecting the right material is just as important as the design itself. At Menu Paper, we understand how menus shape your guests' first impression. That's why we offer a wide range of eco-friendly options to suit every style of venue and type of service. Two of our most popular materials, recycled card and recycled paper, each bring unique qualities to the table. But how do you know which is right for your needs? 

In this blog, we'll walk you through the differences between recycled card and paper for menu printing, drawing on our product knowledge, material sourcing, and feedback from thousands of hospitality businesses across the UK. Whether you're printing a rustic brunch menu, cocktail list or a fine dining dinner service, we'll help you find the best material for the job. 

Understanding Our Recycled Materials 

All of the paper and card we supply is made in the UK using 100% recycled fibres. That means no trees are cut down to create our products, and every sheet helps divert waste away from landfills. Recycled materials also require less energy and water to produce than virgin stock, making them a much more sustainable option for eco-conscious businesses. 

We stock a carefully curated range of paper and card weights to suit different types of menus, from single-use inserts to laminated covers. Every batch is selected for its visual quality, print performance and distinctive texture. And because our products are designed to work seamlessly with both laser and inkjet printers, they're as practical as they are beautiful. 

What's the Difference Between Recycled Paper and Card? 

The main difference between paper and card is weight and rigidity. Recycled paper tends to range from around 100gsm to 140gsm. It is lighter, more flexible, and ideal for menus that are regularly updated, replaced or printed in-house. Recycled card typically starts at 150gsm and goes up to 300gsm and beyond. It is thicker, sturdier, and gives a more premium, tactile feel. 

From a visual perspective, both paper and card come in natural finishes, such as flecked ivory, soft grey and unbleached white, that complement sustainable branding. These finishes add character and charm to your printed menus without distracting from the text or design. Both materials are supplied in standard sizes like A4 and A3, making them easy to fit into menu holders, clipboards or folded displays. 

Durability in Hospitality Settings 

When choosing between card and paper, durability is often a key factor. For high-traffic venues or menus that need to last longer between reprints, recycled card offers more resilience. It holds its shape well, resists creases, and performs better when laminated or placed in plastic sleeves. This makes it a great choice for cocktail menus, wine lists, or reusable all-day menus. 

Recycled paper, while lighter, still performs well in most indoor environments. It's perfect for daily specials, seasonal menus or tasting menus that change frequently. Because of its lighter weight, it's also a more economical option for venues printing in higher volumes or offering disposable menus for hygiene reasons. 

Both paper and card are suitable for full-colour and black-and-white printing. However, heavier card stock tends to produce more vivid colours due to its density and stiffness, which can enhance brand presentation for more design-led venues. 

Sustainability Matters 

At Menu Paper, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. All our card and paper options are made from 100% recycled post-consumer waste, processed in UK mills that follow strict environmental standards. Choosing these materials helps reduce your carbon footprint and communicates your commitment to responsible sourcing. 

Our recycled papers are uncoated and naturally biodegradable, with no plastic or harmful chemicals. Whether you're a zero-waste café or an eco-conscious hotel restaurant, switching to our recycled materials is a simple yet impactful way to align your printed materials with your environmental values. 

The growing interest in plant-based packaging and compostable materials also extends to printed goods. We continue to explore these developments and offer advice to clients who want their menus to reflect the most sustainable practices available today. 

Creating the Right Impression 

In a hospitality setting, menus do more than list food and drink. They're a key part of your brand experience. The feel of the paper, the weight of the card, and even the colour tone can influence how customers perceive your venue. 

Recycled card conveys substance and style. It's well-suited to establishments that want to create a lasting impression—think boutique hotels, stylish wine bars, and contemporary dining rooms. Recycled paper, on the other hand, offers a clean and natural look that works well for cafés, garden venues, or casual restaurants aiming for a relaxed, homespun feel. 

We offer textured and smooth finishes across both card and paper options, and because our fibres are unbleached and untreated, no two sheets are exactly the same. This slight variation in texture and tone enhances the handcrafted quality of each printed menu. 

When to Use Each Material 

If your menus are likely to be replaced often, such as lunch menus, special event menus or one-off seasonal inserts, recycled paper is likely your best choice. It's easier to store in bulk, costs less per sheet, and feeds smoothly through most office and commercial printers. 

If you're creating a long-term menu or want to achieve a more structured presentation, recycled card is a better option. It stands up well in upright holders, looks professional even after repeated handling, and allows for optional finishes such as corner rounding or embossing. Many clients use card for the cover page and paper for the internal pages, giving a layered and thoughtful appearance. 

Our team is happy to provide advice based on your layout, budget and volume requirements. We can also recommend paper weights or finishing touches that enhance the look and feel of your menus while remaining in line with your sustainability goals. 

Practical Tips and Considerations 

Before placing a large order, we always recommend testing a few samples. At Menu Paper, we offer up to ten free samples so you can compare different weights, tones and textures in your own setting. This helps you make an informed decision and ensures your chosen material works with your printer and brand colours. 

To keep your menus looking their best, store them flat in a dry space away from direct sunlight. For longer-term use, consider protective sleeves or lamination. If you're unsure about print settings or which material suits your menu design, we're only a call or email away. 

Final Thoughts 

So, which is better for menu printing, recycled card or recycled paper? The answer depends on your purpose, venue style, and printing needs. If you want durability, presence, and a luxury feel, the card is the clear winner. If you're looking for flexibility, affordability and a light eco-friendly touch, paper may be the way to go. 

At Menu Paper, we believe you shouldn't have to choose between sustainability and style. That's why we stock only 100% recycled materials that are beautiful, practical and designed to perform. Whichever option you choose, you can feel confident knowing you're making a responsible decision that doesn't compromise on quality. 

Ready to explore your options? We're here to help you find the perfect recycled material for your menus. Just get in touch for tailored advice or to request your free sample pack.