Driving sustainability in banknote solutions

In today’s world, sustainability is more than just a trend – it's a necessity. Global challenges like climate change demand that industries reduce their environmental impact. 

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) and its subsidiary Louisenthal are at the forefront of driving sustainability in currency production. Through innovative practices, significant investments, and recognition by industry leaders, they are setting new, award-winning benchmarks for how the currency sector can balance sustainability with security and durability.

A comprehensive sustainability strategy

Over the past 15 years, Louisenthal has made sustainability a core focus, investing over €15 million in environmentally friendly innovations. These efforts culminated in winning the 2020 IACA Award for Best New Environmental Sustainability Project. Their initiative, titled “Banknotes – How a Value Chain Becomes Sustainable,” highlights the company’s approach to reducing the environmental footprint across the entire life cycle of a banknote. This includes everything from the selection of raw materials through an optimised sustainable production to the disposal and recycling of production waste.

Louisenthal’s use of “noil” fibres, the short cotton fibres that occur as a by-product of the textile industry, showcases its commitment to minimising waste. Furthermore, it is also exploring alternatives like bio-based carbon content to reduce plastic consumption, while still ensuring that its banknotes maintain durability. This approach has set a new standard for sustainable banknotes.

Energy efficiency and resource conservation

Louisenthal has implemented cutting-edge energy-saving measures to minimise carbon emissions, including hydropower and combined heat and power systems. This has significantly reduced its CO2 emissions, a critical step in its sustainability journey. Introducing a biomembrane wastewater treatment plant has also reduced the need for fresh water by 700 cubic metres daily, highlighting Louisenthal’s commitment to conserving resources.

And the company’s efforts don’t stop at energy reduction. Additionally, innovations such as the NotaTracc^® trays have reduced packaging waste by 25%, further contributing to their overall waste reduction goals.

Recognition and industry leadership

G+D and Louisenthal’s dedication to sustainability has earned them global recognition. Their Green Banknote, which focuses on using sustainable materials like FSC^®-certified wood pulp and organic cotton, won the 2023 IACA Excellence in Currency Award. It has significantly reduced the carbon and water footprints of banknote production while promoting environmentally friendly printing inks.

The Green Banknote uses 70% recycled PET in its security threads, sourced from post-consumer materials such as PET bottles. The reduced plastic use by 86% compared with fully polymer-based banknotes showcases G+D’s leadership in creating environmentally responsible yet durable banknotes, using the least amount of plastic possible and the maximum that is absolutely necessary to ensure a high durable substrate.

Balancing sustainability with security

One key challenge in producing sustainable banknotes is ensuring that security isn’t compromised. G+D has successfully maintained high-security standards through features like the RollingStar^® i+ security thread, a technology that prevents counterfeiting while using environmentally friendly materials. The balance between sustainability and security sets G+D apart from its competitors, proving that eco-friendly innovations can still meet the rigorous demands of the currency sector.

The path forward: A sustainable currency cycle

Looking to the future, G+D and Louisenthal are committed to creating a fully sustainable currency cycle. Their efforts into extending the lifespan of banknotes through durable materials like the Hybrid™ and LongLife™ substrates reduces the need for frequent replacements, further decreasing waste. This focus on durability, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient production positions them as industry leaders pushing towards a greener future.

In May 2024, G+D gained further recognition for its innovation in this area when its Green LongLife™ banknote substrate won the “Best New Banknote Product, Process or Feature” Award from the IACA.

The Green LongLife™ banknote uses renewable materials like certified organic cotton and sugarcane, which cuts down on plastic and CO2 emissions and makes the banknote last longer. It is composed of over 85% bio-based carbon content yet is highly secure, with the security threads and foils made from 70% recycled polyester. This approach allows Louisenthal to reduce the amount of plastic- and mineral-oil-based inks in the banknote.

G+D and Louisenthal are proving that sustainability and security are not mutually exclusive. They are transforming the currency industry through significant investments, innovative practices, and a clear focus on the future. Their award-winning efforts are paving the way for a more environmentally responsible currency production process and setting a powerful example for other industries to follow.

Published: 17/12/2024