What is GUARDIAN™ substrate?
GUARDIAN is the world’s most advanced polymer banknote substrate. It has been issued by more than 40 central banks on over 80 billion banknotes and 175 denominations worldwide.
How is GUARDIAN™ substrate made?
GUARDIAN substrate begins with a patent-protected polymer film, called Propanote™ Clarity C. It was developed for exclusive use in GUARDIAN banknotes by CCL Secure’s sister company, Innovia Films. Propanote Clarity C imparts a unique security signature to GUARDIAN banknotes.
This transparent film is then opacified with printed layers that include advanced security features embedded directly into the three-dimensional polymer structure of GUARDIAN substrate. Finally, the substrate is packed and delivered to banknote printers for finishing.
How is GUARDIAN™ different to cotton-paper banknotes?
GUARDIAN polymer provides a highly durable, three-dimensional structure that creates endless opportunities for design and security in comparison to cotton-paper notes which fatigue faster while being constrained to a two-dimensional space. The difference is driven by the polymer production process, which involves building up substrate through application of printed layers.
As a result, security features are embedded directly into the GUARDIAN substrate itself, adding complexity that creates additional barriers to counterfeiters. This unique production process is also the reason GUARDIAN banknotes can include large and intricate transparent windows.
What benefits does GUARDIAN™ offer to central banks?
GUARDIAN banknotes are stronger, safer, cleaner and greener than any circulating alternative.
Stronger: GUARDIAN lasts three to five times longer in the cash cycle, reducing the rate of replacement and cutting cash cycle costs across procurement, transport, and processing. Cost-benefit analyses by central banks demonstrate this increases seigniorage long-term.
Safer: GUARDIAN has been independently proven by central bank data to reduce counterfeit rates through the inclusion of advanced security features that are only possible with polymer.
Cleaner: GUARDIAN banknotes feature an impermeable barrier independently proven to limit the accretion of pathogens. They can be wiped clean and disinfected with a damp cloth.
Greener: GUARDIAN reduces emissions by lowering the rate of replenishment, which reduces raw material inputs and transport pollution. They can be fully recycled at end-of-life.
What does the evidence show about acceptance of polymer substrate by the public?
GUARDIAN banknotes have been successfully issued on every inhabited continent. Compared to cotton-paper, GUARDIAN banknotes are brighter and clearer with more vivid colours. GUARDIAN also allows for aesthetic elements like transparent windows.
Central banks can introduce texture to their smooth surface by incorporating intaglio printing to create tactile elements that help support a seamless transition to GUARDIAN banknotes.
Can cotton-paper and polymer banknotes co-circulate?
Yes. GUARDIAN banknotes are completely compatible with existing automated processing machinery in a wide range of cash cycles worldwide. Many nations have a mix of cotton-paper and polymer banknotes in circulation, with denominational mix often driven by durability needs.
Is it a complex process to switch from paper to polymer banknotes for a central bank?
No. Very few changes are needed in terms of the banknote printing process or cash cycle equipment including automated processing devices like vending devices or ATMs. CCL Secure also offers an in-house design service and technical experts to support central banks.
What happens to GUARDIAN™ polymer notes at end-of-life?
There is a proven process for recycling GUARDIAN banknotes, and CCL Secure offers comprehensive support to central banks through the GUARDIAN Global Recycling Program.
Globally, 85 per cent of GUARDIAN banknotes were recycled between 2017 and 2023. That means billions of GUARDIAN banknotes have been transformed into durable second-life products like building materials, bollards, containers and compost bins.
Which countries use polymer banknotes?
Polymer banknotes are used in over 50 countries around the globe, and GUARDIAN is in circulation on every inhabited continent, including 40 countries worldwide, from Mexico, Mozambique, Vietnam and the Philippines to Australia, England and Canada. There is a well-established process to ensure a seamless transition, built on decades of data from central banks. You can view an interactive map showing countries where GUARDIAN circulates here.