RRD Research Shows Premium Materials, Finishes Drive Collectibles Purchases

7/24/2026

Collecting trading cards and other memorabilia was once primarily viewed as a hobby. However,  RRD’s latest research, The 2026 Collectibles and Trading Card Report, shows that collectibles are now often seen as viable financial assets and investments. In fact, the report states that 64% of collectors indicate investment potential as one of their top considerations when purchasing a new collectible, and 31% of collectors report that their collection is worth more than their savings account.

Looking specifically at trading cards, physical product quality — and packaging quality — have become primary purchase drivers. Notably, 70% of collectors have declined to purchase a product specifically because the packaging felt "cheap" or low-quality.

What’s driving collectibles purchases?

When asked to rank the top physical attributes that influence their overall satisfaction with a new memorabilia purchase, collectors most frequently included these factors in their top choices:

• Artwork quality and aesthetic appeal — 84%
• Texture, foil, or holographic effects — 77%
• Durability and resistance to damage — 72%

To keep pace with these consumer preferences, our research points to two foundational initiatives for card producers:

1. Commit to high-grade product and packaging materials. Collectors want physical assets that resist wear, aging, and environmental damage over time, helping collectibles maintain their condition grade.
2. Harness premium finishes to drive value. Finishes like custom foils, textured embossing, and selective gloss make cards look great on-shelf. They also create physical distinction, elevate perceived scarcity, and turn a standard print into an irreplaceable display piece.

Commit to high-grade product and packaging materials

Professional grading services, which assess a card’s physical condition and verify its authenticity, have accelerated the industry’s ongoing push for standardization, transparency, and market valuation. As graders continue to update and refine their standards, they create ever-tighter thresholds for top-graded cards (aka “gems”). In addition, they’re increasingly integrating new technologies, like AI and machine learning, which help flag card flaws and detect counterfeits.

To meet the rigorous standards of professional grading services, our research shows that more than half of industry decision-makers (51%) say their organizations are investing in higher-grade materials and card stock. By doing so, the cards can better align with what collectors ultimately seek: 

• Ability to withstand the rigors of handling
• Enhanced visual appeal
• Ability to maintain their structural integrity for long-term preservation and value as an investment

Brands should evaluate if their vendors are well-versed in the following areas:

• High-quality paper and cardboard: card stock that’s thicker and denser is resistant to creasing, tearing, and edge wear. In addition, high-quality papers offer better color contrast and typically provide better ink coverage
• Mono-materials: products and packaging composed of a single type of material can streamline production efforts (improving speed to market). Because they’re easier to recycle, mono-materials also support eco-friendly packaging trends
• Sustainable materials: eco-friendly solutions can include sustainable papers and card stocks, specific FSC®-certified papers, and bio-based or biodegradable plastics for card packaging. In addition, our research shows that 58% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that use sustainable, plastic-free packaging.

Harness premium finishes to drive value

Nearly all (97%) of surveyed collectibles decision-makers stated that they have seen an increase in the use of premium finishes — foil, holographic, textures, etc. — over the last two years. Brands can align with this trend by working with partners with the following card and packaging finishing capabilities:

• Spot UV: applying a clear, glossy varnish to specific areas of a design can provide a striking contrast 
• Gilded edge: metallic foil or ink added to a card’s outer edge results in a luxurious reflective sheen 
• Matte, satin, and textured finishes: a matte finish resists smudges and fingerprints, while a satin finish provides a “premium” aesthetic. Leather, linen, and felt textures can be achieved either through the paper stock itself or via coatings 
• Water-based coatings: eco-friendly coatings, available in various finishes, protect against scratches and smudges

Taking a long-term view 

With more and more collectors treating collectibles as high-value financial assets, collectible brands must follow suit. Collaborating with vendors experienced with premium materials and finishes can ensure brands meet the demands of professional grading services — and collectors themselves.