Brazilian playing card manufacturer Copag is at home on the international stage
The history of playing cards in Brazil is the history of Copag. A company that began selling paper, notebooks and envelopes has transformed into a worldwide leader in the playing card industry. Having existed for over 100 years, Copag is under the management of the fifth generation of the Gonçalves family.
From general stationery producer to playing card importer, Copag has expanded its line of products over the years, manufacturing its own cards in Brazil. In 1987, the company inaugurated its 7,000sq.m industrial plant in the Zona Franca of Manaus. Since then, new manufacturing processes have been introduced at the plant, with investment in state of the art equipment and technology for printing, automation, employee training and production growth.
In 1994, Copag was the first playing card manufacturer to ever obtain the ISO 9001 certificate, as well as the ISO 14001 (Environment) and SA 8000 (Social Responsibility) certificates. These internationally recognised accomplishments are a testament to Copag's essential values of maintaining continuous improvement in all processes, promoting a balance between profitability and reducing environmental impact. The social responsibility of everyone involved throughout all of the manufacturing phases and the community in which the company is located is of paramount importance.
Having doubled in size over the past 10 years, the 10,000sq.m factory has not only gained in size but more importantly has gained even more experience in the manufacturing of playing cards. Using the most advanced technology available on today's market, Copag guarantees its clients quality they can rely on. Focusing on market demands, Copag offers innovation and creativity, evident in its entire line of products and backed with a professional team of specialised staff.
This growth caught the attention of leading worldwide playing card manufacturer, Cartamundi, which was attracted by Copag's international reputation for quality. In 2005, Copag entered into partnership with the Cartamundi Group, which acquired 50 per cent of the company in Brazil, sharing technology and know-how in playing cards and children's games.
Copag's line of 100 per cent plastic playing cards achieved international recognition after it was labeled as the best playing card in its category by many professional players. This success, the company said, is all due to an exclusive formula and special varnish that ensures pleasant handling, durability and excellent performance when used with automatic shufflers.
This recognition paved the way for Copag to enter the international poker tournament market. It didn't take long before it became the official supplier to nearly all PokerStars world tournaments - the largest poker site in the world.
Considering that security is a crucial asset to casinos, Copag offers exclusive security features such as an inviolable holographic seal with sequential numbers printed on every dozen boxes, facilitating internal inventory control for its clients. Every playing card is technically inspected, therefore manufacturing defect rates are extremely low. Ensuring product integrity all the way to the client's doorstep, lots are delivered on an all exclusive sealed wooden pallet fastened with security belts.
Copag takes its quality guarantee seriously and this is shown in each production phase, which is overseen by the quality control department following the strict ISO 9001 criteria. Production monitoring, statistical strategies and sample planning are guided by the company's certified norms. In addition to high-tech equipment, attention to every detail ensures Copag's international quality.
The variety and quality of available options also demonstrate a commitment to delivering products that exceed customer expectations. Copag works with internationally recognised suppliers chosen under strict assessment criteria, including social and environmental requirements, use of renewable resources and social responsibility.
Copag's variety of options includes the choice of raw materials, offering three different finishing options for casino decks - including the exclusive 'European' option. Different tones of red are available for card faces for better visibility on casino security cameras. There are also more than 15 face options available in standard or custom sizes to better adapt to the customer's needs. The options and possibilities for creating back designs are endless, with expert designers working to satisfy the most stringent requirements.
In the past five years, Copag has expanded its line of retail products, especially in the card game industry, making games for different audiences and ages, delighting everybody with its fun mechanics that promote logical thinking and player interaction. And, once again, this development inspired internationally renowned companies to seek out Copag's quality when manufacturing their own products, thus allowing Copag to acquire a greater share in the market and generate new business opportunities.
Not only can Copag's playing cards be found on five continents, but also in the largest and most reputable casinos and poker tournaments in the world. Aiming to remain ahead of the competition in developing new products and technology, the company is building a reputation for quality and customer service.
