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Lanyards

ID&C has supplied lanyards since 1995 for events, workplaces, schools and healthcare. Choose custom lanyards printed in full colour or one colour, plain lanyards and pre-printed lanyards ready to use, eco-friendly lanyards made from recycled PET or bamboo, or lanyards with ID card holders. Every lanyard comes with a choice of clips, and you can add pouches, badge reels, lanyard stands and badges.

Lanyards are wearable straps that hold and display ID cards, badges, keys and access passes. With over 30 years of experience, we supply millions of lanyards each year to events, corporate offices, conferences and leisure attractions where reliability and consistent quality matter.

We’ve been in business for over 30 years. Lots of people love our Wristbands, Lanyards and Passes, here’s what a few of them had to say:

Lanyard accessories and ID holders

Complete your lanyards with ID card holders, clear lanyard pouches, badge reels and lanyard stands for registration desks. See all lanyard accessories.

What types of lanyards are there?

Lanyards differ by material, and the right one depends on how often they'll be worn and how detailed your design is.

Polyester and satin lanyards

The most popular choice for events and workplaces. Flat polyester is cost-effective and takes a one colour screen print well, while smooth satin polyester is used for full colour dye sublimation lanyards.

Cord lanyards

Cord lanyards are round, rope-style lanyards. They're lightweight and budget-friendly, which makes them a common choice for large events and giveaways.

Tubular lanyards

Tubular lanyards are woven as a soft, hollow tube. They're lightweight, comfortable to wear and available in a range of colours.

Eco-friendly lanyards

Choose recycled PET lanyards made from recycled plastic bottles, or biodegradable bamboo lanyards. See the full range of eco-friendly lanyards.

What lanyard printing options are available?

Plain lanyards

Plain lanyards are supplied without printing, ideal for immediate use or colour-coding staff, visitors and contractors. Browse stock coloured lanyards to match your colour scheme.

Pre-printed lanyards

Pre-printed lanyards carry standard text such as STAFF, VISITOR or CONTRACTOR, a fast and cost-effective way to identify people on site.

Screen printed lanyards

Screen printed lanyards use one colour print for simple logos and text in solid colours. Cost-effective and well suited to high-volume orders.

Full colour dye sublimation lanyards

Full colour lanyards are printed edge to edge on both sides using dye sublimation, so gradients, photos and detailed artwork reproduce accurately. The standard lead time is 10 business days after artwork approval.

Express full colour lanyards

Need lanyards sooner? Express full colour lanyards have a lead time of 3 to 5 business days and are made from recycled polyester (RPET).

The right option depends on whether you need speed, simplicity, or fully customised branding. For more detail, see our Guide to Designing Custom Lanyards.

How Do I Choose the Right Lanyard?

  • Material: polyester suits most uses; choose recycled PET or bamboo for sustainability goals.
  • Print: screen printing for simple, bold logos; dye sublimation for detailed or full colour artwork.
  • Clip: choose based on the card, badge or pouch you'll attach.
  • Width: wider lanyards give more space for branding. See our lanyard width guide.
  • Lead time: full colour lanyards take 10 business days after artwork approval; express full colour lanyards take 3 to 5 business days.

For detailed guidance, see:

Choosing Lanyard Material Guide
Lanyard Attachment Types Explained
Designing Custom Lanyards Guide
Lanyard Width Options Guide

Lanyard Comparison (Quick Guide)

Compare our most popular lanyards by material, print, minimum order and lead time. Lead times for printed lanyards start once your artwork is approved.

Lanyard Material Print Best for Lead time Widths Min. Qty
Full colour (dye sublimation) Satin polyester Full colour, both sides Detailed logos, photos and gradients 10 business days 10, 15, 20, 25mm 25
Express full colour Recycled polyester (RPET) Full colour Urgent orders and eco-conscious brands 3 to 5 business days 15, 20 mm

25

One colour (screen printed) Ribbed polyester One colour Simple logos and text at low cost 15 business days 10, 15, 20, 25mm 25
Layered premium Stock base with printed recycled polyester top Full colour ribbon Premium events and VIP guests 9 days 20mm 50
Recycled PET printed Recycled PET (rPET) Custom print Branded lanyards with a lower plastic footprint 15 business days 15, 20, 25mm 50
Biodegradable bamboo Bamboo fibre Custom print Plastic-free and sustainability-led events 4 to 5 weeks 15, 20mm 100
Pre-printed (e.g. STAFF, VISITOR) Polyester Standard text Quick role identification on site 3 days 15mm 25
Plain event lanyards Ribbed polyester Unprinted Last-minute events and colour-coding 1 day 100
Plain double clip Ribbed polyester Unprinted Badges and wallets that shouldn't spin 1 day 100
Plain recycled PET Recycled PET from plastic bottles Unprinted Fast, eco-friendly plain lanyards 1 day 15mm 25
Retractable Polyester with badge reel Unprinted Staff who scan ID cards often 3 days 10mm 100
Cord Round cord Unprinted Large events and giveaways on a budget 1 day — 25

Lanyard clips and attachments

Every lanyard comes with a dog clip as standard. Depending on the product, you can choose from:

  • Dog clip (standard)
  • Tension clip
  • Plastic tension clip
  • Split ring
  • Crocodile clip
  • Lobster clip
  • Double dog clip, which keeps badges facing forward

For staff who work around machinery, crowds or children, choose safety breakaway lanyards, which release under tension. See our guide to lanyard attachment types to find the right clip for your badge or card. 

Which Industries Use Lanyards?

Events and festivals

For access control and staff identification, see festival lanyards and conference lanyards, or pair them with name badges using lanyards with name badges.

Workplaces

For employee ID and building access, see company lanyards and branded lanyards with logos.

Education

For student and staff identification, see school lanyards and lanyards for teachers.

Healthcare

For hospitals and care settings, see medical lanyards and NHS lanyards.

Sport, leisure and large orders

See sports lanyards, patterned lanyards and bulk and wholesale lanyards.

Need Help Choosing?

For a more detailed comparison of lanyard materials, attachments, and design options, see our complete guide: Choosing the right lanyard for your needs

How Do I Design Custom Lanyards?

Create and customise your lanyards online using our Lanyard Designer:

  1. Choose your material and style
  2. Select screen printing or dye sublimation
  3. Add colours, logos, and text
  4. Choose attachments and safety features
  5. Preview your design before ordering

Lanyard FAQs

What are lanyards used for?

Lanyards are used to hold ID cards, badges, keys, and access passes for identification and security purposes.

What is the most durable lanyard type?

Durability depends on material and usage, but higher-quality polyester lanyards are suitable for most long-term applications.

Which lanyard is best for events?

Polyester or tubular lanyards are commonly used for events due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility.

What printing options are available for lanyards?

Lanyards can be screen printed for simple designs or dye sublimated for full-colour, detailed artwork.

How quickly can lanyards be produced?

Standard production times vary but usually between 2-3 weeks. However, express lanyards can be produced in as little as 3 to 5 working days.

What attachments are used with lanyards?

Common attachments include trigger clips, bulldog clips, and safety breakaways, depending on the use case.

How do I choose the right lanyard?

The right lanyard depends on material, printing method, attachment type, width, and how it will be used.

Shop By Use

View All Discover the best product solutions based on your use case, from live events to hotels resorts & theme parks.

Customised How You Want It

We have a huge range of custom products for events, all of which can be designed to your requirements.

Fast Production

We produce most of our wristbands and passes in the UK, allowing for fast products and quick delivery to your event.

Free Delivery!

Free Delivery on online orders over £100
*Mainland UK only

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