What is a Lanyards and All There Is To Know About Them

Lanyards are the type of objects we use daily, but they do not receive enough recognition for the number of benefits they provide. From school to corporate jobs, lanyards have been a staple in everyone’s lives, and it would be lying if someone said they hadn’t worn a lanyard at least once. In this article, we are going to discuss further on lanyards. 

What is a Lanyard? 

Lanyards are long necklaces made out of soft clothing materials like cotton, polyester, or plastic. They have an attached clip for holding ID cards, keys, USB drives, or other lightweight items.

People across various industries, from academics to engineers, use lanyards for work. In most workplaces, lanyards are necessary because employees have to wear their IDs all day long. Some lanyards have various things printed, and some are just plain. Lanyards have made life easier in more than just a way. 

What Are Lanyards Made of? 

Lanyards are made of various materials, including braided leather, cotton, silk, satin, nylon, polyester or polyethylene terephthalate. Some lanyards are also produced from recycled PET bottles to help reduce the amount of plastic on the planet.

Lanyards are supposed to be lightweight as they are worn around the neck for an extended period. Most companies use synthetic materials to manufacture lanyards as they last longer and are more durable than natural materials. 

The Different Types of Lanyards. 

It might be surprising to some people, but lanyards come in different forms. The traditional form, made of cotton, is unsuitable for all purposes. Here we will discuss some of the types of lanyards. 

1. Name Badge Lanyards – These are standard ones that students or employees often use. They have an attached metal clip and a plastic case for the ID card. Most of them have plain straps without any writing. 
2. Double-Ended Lanyards – These are mainly used to hold glasses or sunglasses. Some people like to keep their glasses with them all time, but not on heads or in cases, and that is when this comes in handy. 
3. Retractable Lanyards – If you use ID key cards which are often used to scan to enter exclusive areas, then these are suitable. Use these on the go by giving it a little pull and extending the cord.
4. Cross Lanyards – This lanyard comes with an attached crucifix worn by people who work in religious fields. The decorative crucifix has an attached metal clip at the bottom for holding the ID badge. 
5. Custom-Made Lanyards – People receive name cards during certain events or essential functions. That is when these lanyards come to use. They have custom texts added to the ribbon. Some offices keep a lot of these around for visitors to use for the time being. 
6. Credential Lanyards – These are lanyards that usually have names or stuff written on the straps and are used for VIP access or special events. They come with more prominent and flashier badges than those used for ID cards. 
7. Safety Lanyards – People who have to work on high above the ground, such as in construction, use these most as they cling to the D-ring of the safety harness. Many people do not use safety lanyards as their usage is only limited to preventing people from falling from great heights. 

How Are Lanyards Made? 

Most lanyards are produced in bulk in factories but if you were to make one, then follow these steps. 

• First, you must choose the materials you want for your lanyard. Most people go for nylon or polyester as they are lightweight, easy to care and can stretch. 
• Then take a large piece of the desired fabric in the preferred base color and insert it into the machine, which will cut it into the provided specifications. The fibers are placed loosely together so that the lanyard stretches when pulled. 
• Most lanyards have designs such as the organization names or logos printed on them. However, the majority of people want to keep the straps simple so they do not look too tacky. 
• The designs are printed using a high-quality silk-screening system for polyester or nylon lanyards. The ink used is of good quality and does not bleed if it gets in contact with water. Woven lanyards have the design stitched into them using a process similar to embroidering.
•  Lastly, attach attachments of your choice. You can go for metal or plastic swivel hooks, bulldog clips, split rings, or other choices of hooks. With the hooks, you can use a badge holder, cell phone loop, badge reel, breakaway clasp or plastic buckle. It all depends on the purpose of your lanyard. 

What Is a Lanyard Used for? 

Lanyards are used the most for identification purposes and can be seen almost everywhere. Some of the applications of lanyards are mentioned here. 

1. Academic purposes – Most schools use lanyards for students to hang their ID cards around their necks, and they must do so. The school’s name is usually printed on the straps, and the ID card goes inside the cardholder. 
2. Business events and seminars – These lanyards come with a logo or company name, which helps to create a good image for the company. It is also helpful to identify the important members and for verification. 
3. Office and workplaces – In offices, it is vital to ensure the area’s safety so that no outsider can become a threat. Wearing IDs with lanyards all day inside the office helps to identify as a member of the organization. Some IDs also access higher officials to confidential rooms where regular employees are not allowed. 
4. Concerts and Events – Lanyards are necessary for the event management members to get to the backstage area when needed, separating them from the usual crowd. Audiences from VIP or premium members get IDs with lanyards to get a chance to meet the celebrities backstage.

FAQs on Lanyards. 

1. Can you recycle lanyards?

A: If you have a few around the house, you can donate them to charity events as they always need volunteers. Or else, you can use them in children’s toys or organize keys or gardening equipment.

1. Do lanyards bleed colours when wet? 

A: It depends on the quality of the colour used and the fabric. Sometimes during manufacture, the material and dye do not go hand-in-hand, and that is when the colour has a possibility of bleeding. 

1. Are lanyards dangerous to use? 

A: Lanyards are not dangerous, but if they get stuck somewhere while you are in a hurry, then it might hurt you or be troublesome. As for children, the chances of the lanyard getting tangled around them are low as the straps are not too long. 

1. Are lanyards expensive?

A: The price of lanyards depends on the company producing them and the type. Polyester lanyards are going to cost less than cross lanyards. 

Final Verdict: 

Lanyards are a valuable item in our daily lives and have made many things more manageable. From academics to workplaces, lanyards are essential as they hold ID cards to verify members. There are different types of lanyards for different occasions. All in all, lanyards are durable and last a long time.