International Card Manufacturers Association

09/01/2026

Ready to build a truly circular future? ♻️

Join us at CardTREX 2026 on Tuesday, 27 October at 15:45 PM for an inside look at how advanced molecular recycling is revolutionizing high-performance materials!

Thomas Steinbrecher, Group Leader of Technical Services at Eastman Chemical Co., will share how Eastman’s innovative methanolysis technology breaks down hard-to-recycle PET waste into molecular building blocks, delivering virgin-quality, high-performance materials with up to 100% recycled content.

Learn how to overcome quality, cost, and regulatory limits while diverting plastic waste from landfills and creating scalable, sustainable solutions.

Tap the link to register and secure your spot: https://icma.com/cardtrex/registration

08/28/2026

If you could customize your ideal payment card, what would you choose first? 💳

Cast your vote in the comments below and see how your industry peers respond! 🗳️

08/27/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Rico Kerstan, Managing Partner at KR Krisensicher Risikoberatung GmbH, to CardTREX 2026 on Tuesday, 27 October.

In his session, "Artificial Intelligence and Business Model Uncertainty: Building the Digital Twin of Your Organization," Rico challenges the common view of AI as a simple productivity tool. Instead, he addresses AI as an organizational pressure test, examining what happens when agentic systems allow competitors to target and disrupt your most vulnerable, knowledge-intensive workflows.

This presentation reframes AI transformation as a critical management task under uncertainty. Attendees will learn how to identify strategic vulnerabilities, separate real operational risks from AI hype, and utilize a digital organizational twin to protect their competitive edge. AI does not make management obsolete; it raises the standard.

Register now to secure your spot: https://icma.com/cardtrex/registration

08/26/2026

After four successful years in Germany, ICMA is looking ahead to the future of CardTREX, and we are inviting our members to help shape its next chapter!

For 2027, we are seeking a host organization in a new European location to help expand CardTREX’s reach and make the conference even more accessible to professionals from across the continent.

Hosting CardTREX is a unique opportunity to showcase your organization, your technologies, and your region while welcoming industry leaders from across the global card ecosystem. Whether your proposal includes your own facility, a nearby hotel, or a combination of both, ICMA will partner with you throughout the entire planning process.

We are especially interested in centrally located European destinations that are easy to reach by air or rail and offer opportunities to introduce attendees to new companies, regions, and perspectives.

If your organization is passionate about supporting the global card industry and helping CardTREX continue to grow throughout Europe, we would love to hear from you. Submit your proposal by December 1, 2026: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ICMACardTREX

08/21/2026

Which card innovation are you most excited to see evolve?

Cast your vote in the comments below and see how your industry peers respond! 🗳️

08/20/2026

Connecting the global card ecosystem! 💳 The ICMA Public Member Directory is driving major traffic, with page views up 20% and active users up 53% year-over-year.

Ensure your company stands out to potential partners by keeping your profile updated. Review your listing today to maximize your membership benefits! ✨ https://icma.com/directory

08/19/2026

Payment cards have evolved into powerful brand tools and getting new designs to market quickly is critical. 💳

Don't miss our session at CardTREX 2026 on Tuesday, 27 October (9:45–10:15 AM) featuring Aubrey Collins, Senior Production Graphic Designer at CPI Card Group . We’ll cover the latest in premium materials and eco-friendly packaging, plus demonstrate how 3D visualization with Vzual brings concepts to life before production to slash approval times and shorten development cycles.

Tap the link to register and secure your spot today: https://icma.com/cardtrex/agenda

08/18/2026

AI is rapidly shifting from a futuristic concept to a practical, everyday tool for card manufacturers.

Following key insights shared at ICMA EXPO, our latest blog explores how AI-driven quality management is transforming dual-interface card production. We walk through a practical framework designed to help manufacturers detect risks earlier, eliminate defects before they happen, and boost overall production efficiency.

Discover how AI is taking quality control in card manufacturing to the next level: https://icma.com/2026/08/12/ai-takes-quality-control-to-the-next-level-in-dual-interface-card-manufacturing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly moving from an emerging technology to a practical tool for card manufacturers. That shift was reflected in recent conversations at ICMA EXPO, where…

08/13/2026

What key factor determines your go-to payment card? 💳

Cast your vote in the comments below and see how your industry peers respond! 🗳️

08/12/2026

The deadline is almost here! 📅 If you’ve been planning to join us for CardTREX 2026, this is your last chance to secure early rate savings before prices increase after 14 August.

From 27–28 October, ICMA will gather global leaders at Lohmann’s state-of-the-art TEC Center in Neuwied, Germany. Together, we’ll take a deep dive into the innovations transforming our field, including breakthroughs in sustainable manufacturing, advanced adhesive technology, and next-generation identity documents.

Beyond the sessions, it’s an unbeatable chance to network with top peers and see the future of the firsthand. Don't wait until prices go up—lock in your exclusive rate and claim your spot today! https://icma.com/cardtrex/registration