The UK plans to join Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Singapore in switching to polymer banknotes.
On Tuesday, the Bank of England announced a public consultation on the issue. It gives 3 main reasons for the change:
- The new notes will be more secure, as they will have advanced features making them more difficult to forge
- They will be more durable, lasting 2.5 times longer
- They will be cleaner, as polymer is more resistant to water and dirt than paper
The consultation lasts till November, and the decision will be made in December. If all goes according to plan, the new notes (pictured) will start being used in 2016.
This, of course, will not only mean increased polymer sales. It will also provide a positive image for polymers themselves, and hopefully remind the public of their many advantages.