Secure from counterfeiting

Research shows that total counterfeit activity concerning currency infringements consistently drops by more than 80% after Guardian^® banknote substrate is introduced into circulation. Counterfeit money carries a number of burdens for any economy which includes inflationary pressure due to the artificial increase in the money supply, as well as unrecoverable losses for business and consumers.

Easy to authenticate

Banknotes using Guardian^® substrate are immediately identifiable in both appearance and feel. The large transparent window or windows integrated with optically variable colours and images that can be viewed on quick inspection, giving the public a means for immediate authentication and confidence in the integrity of their national currency.

Significantly more durable than paper

Guardian^® banknote substrate lasts around four times longer than cotton-paper notes, reducing the volumes of unfit banknotes being replaced and corresponds to less currency management time spent on unfit banknote replacement. The protective coating and highly durable substrate means that notes, and their security features, remain in circulation longer and retain their aesthetic qualities and crisp appearance throughout the note’s useable life. The durability issue is particularly evident in humid climates, where paper notes deteriorate relatively quickly due to moisture and soiling.

Major cost savings over time

The significant reduction in banknote counterfeit activity is essentially like providing a layer of immunity to the national economy. The total financial benefit to an economy is difficult to quantify due to the ripple effect of positive outcomes that result from banknotes that the public can trust.

Further, the reduced currency management requirement means a significant cost saving to client nations based on; a reduced use of note destruction services; reduced security services, transportation, and handling costs; and a reduced number of new notes being required for circulation.

This amounts to savings of millions of dollars, and enables public funds to be used for other essential government services in the economy.

Distinctive in appearance and texture

Banknotes play a significant role in the cultural and political identity of a nation. In gaining public confidence and engendering national pride, nothing compares to the symbolism of a beautifully designed, distinctive banknote that is crisp to the touch and a marvel to behold.

With its transparent windows, unencumbered design possibilities, and colour-shifting inks and devices, Guardian^® banknote substrate provides an unparalleled platform for a market-leading aesthetic appeal the look of which cannot be replicated with the use of cotton-paper notes.

Its robust durability enables Guardian^® to maintain a design’s distinctive look and feel over the long term, supporting a rich seam of latent national pride every time cash is exchanged.

Clean and hygienic for the public to handle

Academic studies have proven conclusively that cotton-paper banknotes are a vehicle for the transmission of bacteria and other microorganisms throughout the general population. A 2011 study in India, for example, revealed 100% of cotton-paper notes tested carried at least one type of bacteria.

The non-porous, non-fibrous nature of Guardian^® banknote substrate is impervious to moisture from humidity, body oil, greasy substances, liquids and other solvents. Thus, the introduction of polymer-based Guardian^® substrate to banknote circulation has immediate public health benefits in significantly reducing bacterial transmission.

Environmentally-friendly in production and recycling

Based on its superior durability to paper, Guardian^® banknote substrate enables client nations to significantly reduce its resource consumption in the supply of banknote material, the volumes of ink, and the machinery and transportation useage required to maintain a national money supply.

At the end of its useable life, the banknotes are shredded and subsequently sold to polymer recycling organisations to be granulated. The material is extruded under high temperatures and pressure to form pellets. From this newly formed material, a range of useful products are made that include numerous household and industrial products.

Easier to manage through print and cash processing machines than paper

Central bank clients consistently report the superior handling of Guardian^® banknote substrate when it is delivered to its national banknote printing facilities. Guardian^® substrate packs absolutely flat, unlike the natural waves that develop in cotton-paper notes with embedded threads, maximising the efficiency with which substrate sheets are processed through printing machines.

Further, polymer-based Guardian^® banknote substrate cuts cleanly, generating minimal note dust during manual and machine processing thereby helping create a healthier working environment.