Great Britain switches to plastic notes

Bank of Great Britain Governor has introduced the first plastic note in the state.

The first plastic note in Great Britain is a Fiver with Winston Churchill’s image on one side and Queen Elizabeth II on the other.

The first plastic Fivers will be issued in September 2016, and already since June 2017 only plastic Fivers will be used.

In summer 2017 new polymer £10 banknotes featuring Jane Austin will enter circulation, and by 2020 notes featuring William Turner, a British artist will also be issued.

Plastic banknotes are produced out of high quality plastic under the patent-protected technology, which will prolong the life of a banknote by 2,5 times – up to 5 years. Plastic money is persistent towards impunity and even laundry washing.

Great Britain was not the first to start using plastic money. Notes produced out of plastic have already entered circulation in Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Source:

http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/Documents/news/2016/053.pdf