At the dawn of the 21st century, advanced reprographic devices are making counterfeiting more accessible, affordable and convincing than ever before. With the counterfeiting threat this technology poses, it is surprising that most of the world's most sophisticated economies still use paper banknotes.
Note Printing Australia (NPA) produced Australia's first polymer banknote in 1988, setting a new world standard in banknote technology.
The new polymer note not only featured unique, multi-layered designs and innovative security features; it set new precedents for banknote durability.
By 1996, Australia had issued the world's first complete series of circulating polymer banknotes.
The numerous benefits of polymer banknotes - such as improved security, durability, cost effectiveness, processability and environmental responsibility - are now being recognised internationally.
NPA has also produced polymer notes for Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Kuwait, Samoa, New Zealand, Romania, Bangladesh, Solomon Islands, Mexico, Nepal, Vietnam, and Chile.
 Australia's first polymer banknote, issued in 1988. |
 NPA produces banknotes for an increasing number of countries. |
 The clear window is the most readily identifiable security feature of polymer banknotes. |
