Intaglio Intaglio printing is used to add the portrait of Her Majesty The Queen and the lettering to the front of the note. The ink rests in grooves engraved into the plate. When the plate comes into contact with the paper the ink is forcibly 'drawn' from the plate onto the paper under very high pressure. This produces the raised print which is one of the characteristics that gives Bank of England notes their distinctive feel. Letterpress Letterpress printing is used for the cypher and serial numbers on the front of the note.
Ink is transferred onto the raised letters and digits are printed onto the note.
Used note sorting machines separate returned notes into those which are fit for re-issue and those which are too dirty or damaged for further circulation. The machines also authenticate the notes by removing any counterfeit notes which may have entered circulation. Until the late 1980's, damaged notes were incinerated and the heat generated was used to supplement the heating at the Printing Works . However, it was decided that it would be more environmentally friendly and cost effective if the notes were shredded rather than burnt. The shredded notes are currently used as landfill.