In 1988, the world's first polymer (plastic) banknotes were printed and issued in Australia. Polymer banknotes incorporate many security features not available to paper banknotes, making counterfeiting much more difficult.JEDDAH – An increasing number of countries are switching to using polymer bank notes. Australia was the first country to develop and use polymer notes in general circulation, mainly to decrease the rising rate of counterfeit money. In 1967, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) began to experiment with new materials for printing banknotes. In 1988, the world's first polymer (plastic) banknotes made from biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) were printed and issued in Australia. These $10 notes were tough, stayed clean longer and worked well inside auto-teller machines. Australia produced the first polymer banknote made from biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP), and in 1996 became the first country to have a full set of circulating polymer banknotes of all denominations. Since then, they have only gained in popularity and recognition for their many benefits over the traditional paper banknotes. Polymer banknotes were developed to improve currency durability and prevent counterfeiting through incorporated security features - such as optically variable devices that are extremely difficult to reproduce, durability and ability to resist wear and tear, cost-effectiveness in the long-term, increased environmental friendliness. One of the strongest security features of the polymer note is the see through window, which makes it hard to reproduce by using photocopiers or scanners. The raised ink, transparent text, metallic portraits or images and hidden numbers are some of the other security features of polymer currency which makes it very difficult not to mention costly to counterfeit. Further means of security features can also be added easily and inconspicuously. The material properties of polymer substrate as well as the protective coating finish means that the notes don't soil easily and absorb sweat, oil, water or other liquids like paper bills do, are less prone to staining or damage, less prone to tearing. Polymer notes last up to four times longer than paper notes, hence they save money in printing costs over a longer time period, thereby saving costs in the long-term. Polymer material has more benefit to the environment than paper notes. For one, polymer is less polluting, and the production process of the material is more energy-efficient. The other great environmental benefit of polymer over paper is how the polymer notes are recyclable when they are no longer needed for use. They are easier to machine process and are shreddable and recyclable at the end of their useful lives. In 2005, Bulgaria issued the world's first hybrid paper-polymer banknote. As of 2010, seven countries have converted fully to polymer banknotes: Australia, Bermuda, Brunei, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Romania and Vietnam. Other countries with notes printed on Guardian polymer in circulation include Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Hong Kong (for a two year trial), Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Singapore, Solomon Island (no longer issued), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Samoa and Zambia. Countries and regions that have issued commemorative banknotes (which are not in circulation) on Guardian polymer include China, Taiwan, Kuwait, Northern Ireland and Singapore. In 1983, Costa Rica and Haiti issued the first Tyvek and the Isle of Man issued the first Bradvek polymer (or plastic) banknotes. These were printed by the American Banknote Company and developed by DuPont. Countries indicating plans to issue polymer banknotes include Nigeria and Canada. Polymer banknotes are advantageous for a number of reasons, but they have their faults as well. When polymer notes come in contact with water or some other liquid, they tend to get stuck together, making them difficult to pull apart. Polymer notes are designed specifically to resist attempts at folding. The use of polymer is intended to increase the life of a bill, but without being able to fold it at all, those who use folding wallets or prefer to carry bills in their pocket will have a difficult time making do. When a polymer banknote is folded, the action creates a crease in the middle of the bill that is permanent.
