Polymer Technology
Why Polymer?
Between 1992 and 1996, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) progressively introduced a new series of banknotes to replace the original decimal banknotes, which were first issued in 1966. The new banknotes are printed on polymer (plastic) substrate instead of traditional paper. Polymer banknote technology was developed in Australia, jointly by the RBA and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The RBA made the move to polymer to make Australia's banknotes more secure against counterfeiting, which had been on the increase as modern reprographic equipment became more readily available. Polymer banknotes are also more durable than paper banknotes, are cleaner and more hygienic, and can be recycled at the end of their useful life into a range of plastic products.
Australia was the first country in the world to replace all its paper banknotes with polymer banknotes.
Recycling
With the increasing importance of environmental awareness around the world, it is significant that polymer banknote waste is recyclable. Paper banknotes are very difficult to recycle at the end of their useful life, but polymer banknotes (and the waste from production) are granulated and recycled into useful plastic products such as compost bins, plumbing fittings and other household and industrial products.
