What are the Benefits of Polymer Banknotes?

In 1966, Australia made a significant shift from British currency to a decimal system. This change, however, quickly led to a surge in high-quality counterfeit notes, posing a serious threat to the economy. The head of the Reserve Bank of Australia, in collaboration with Australian scientists, embarked on a mission to develop the world's most secure currency. A team of physicists and chemists skilled in spectroscopy, plastics, and ink formed to bring an innovative idea to life — creating money from plastic. After devising a preliminary research plan, they embarked on a secretive experiment.

On January 27, 1988, the Reserve Bank of Australia released a 10-dollar circulating commemorative note, marking the world's first fully circulating polymer banknote and sending shockwaves worldwide. This innovation also signaled Australia's commitment to both technological advancement and economic security, demonstrating its role as a leader in financial innovation. This article delves into why Australia was so adamant about using plastic for its currency, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of polymer banknotes, and looking towards their future.

Advantages of Polymer Banknotes:

Polymer banknotes offer a multitude of advantages compared to traditional paper currency. These benefits stem from their innovative design and advanced materials, which make them a preferred choice in many countries.

• Durability: Traditional paper banknotes typically have a lifespan of 18 to 24 months. Polymer banknotes, with their stain resistance, waterproof qualities, counterfeit deterrence, and tear resistance, can last over five years, often five times longer than paper currency. This durability significantly reduces the costs of printing and issuing new notes.
• Advanced Anti-Counterfeit Features: Polymer banknotes aren't made from ordinary plastic. They are crafted using high-security technology and special coatings, making them difficult to replicate. Techniques like holographic printing and unique ink formulations add layers of security. Since their introduction, there has been a notable decrease in counterfeit currency in countries like Australia. In addition to the high-tech production methods, polymer banknotes incorporate a sophisticated multi-tiered security system, each layer offering unique protection against counterfeiting:

  • First Layer of Security: This layer can be identified through simple methods such as the feel and distinct smell of the banknote.

  • Second Layer of Security: Typically recognized by machines, this involves sophisticated image sensors in banknote counting machines that use infrared and UV light detection for precise verification.

  • Third Layer of Security: This relates to the magnetic properties of the ink used in printing the banknotes.

• Cleanliness and Hygiene: Polymer banknotes, made from non-porous materials, are less likely to accumulate dirt and bacteria compared to paper notes. This makes them more hygienic and easier to clean, maintaining their appearance even after multiple transactions.
• Environmental Benefits: Unlike paper notes made from cotton and linen fibers with limited recycling potential, polymer notes can be recycled into products like pens and flower pots, reducing environmental impact.

Disadvantages of Polymer Banknotes:

Polymer banknotes have drawbacks including color fading, folding difficulties, heat sensitivity, and handling challenges, which need to be weighed against their advantages in currency systems.

• Fading Colors: Polymer notes can suffer from color fading, as seen in countries like Nigeria, where the test run of polymer notes failed due to fading, leading to their rejection in the marketplace.
• Difficulty in Folding: Polymer notes are not as easily foldable as paper ones and can develop permanent creases when forced.
• Heat Sensitivity: Polymer notes are susceptible to high temperatures, potentially shrinking and becoming unusable in extreme heat conditions.
• Handling and Storage Issues: Due to their unique texture, polymer banknotes can sometimes be more slippery than paper notes, leading to handling difficulties. They also require specific storage conditions to maintain their quality.

Some Tips to Preserve Polymer Banknotes

Understanding the care for polymer banknotes is essential. Here are some tips to preserve the polymer banknotes:

1. Avoid Bending or Folding: Polymer banknotes can retain creases if folded, so try to keep them flat.

2. Protect from High Temperatures: Keep polymer notes away from heat sources to prevent shrinkage or melting.

3. Dry Storage: Store these banknotes in a dry place, as moisture can affect the ink and cause fading.

4. Gentle Cleaning: If they get dirty, gently wipe them with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing.

5. Use Suitable Wallets: Store polymer notes in wallets that do not require folding or crumpling.

Note: When handling polymer notes, particularly new ones, it's advisable to handle them with care to avoid slipping. Counting and sorting these notes may require different techniques compared to paper notes.

Conclusion

While the material of banknotes varies significantly across countries, the shift towards polymer banknotes is driven by their enhanced durability, security, hygiene, and environmental benefits. The Reserve Bank of Australia, along with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), pioneered this technology, setting a global precedent. Today, countries like Romania, Canada, Israel, and Vietnam have fully adopted polymer banknotes, while others are considering the transition. Despite some drawbacks, the advantages of polymer banknotes far outweigh the cons, making them a likely choice for future currency development.