KEM Was a 60 year old independent company that manufactured only one product, cellulose acetate playing cards which are 100% plastic. They are now owned by US Playing Cards in Cincinnati, Ohio where their cards are made along with many other playing card related items.  They do not use vinyl, which is the raw material used by all other manufacturers for their plastic cards. KEM is the only company in the world with the ability to manufacture cards from cellulose acetate.

Although KEM playing cards are more expensive to purchase, they are the least expensive on a per play basis. They last at least 30 times longer than a paper card and considerably longer than a vinyl card. Also, acetate will not warp or stick together as many other plastic playing cards will. KEM plastic playing cards are long lasting, odorless and washable. Resist scuffing and breaking. They are clean, crisp and flexible. There is no doubt they are the least expensive on a per-play basis.