Polymer notes last at least four times as long as paper notes. They don't get as dirty and tatty as paper and they are much harder to tear. Secondly, polymer bank notes allow for more sophisticated security features to deter forgeries. These security features are explained in more detail below. In Australia, the introduction of polymer bank notes in 1992 resulted in reported forgeries falling significantly.
Polymer is good for the environment too.
Whereas paper notes were shredded and discarded at the end of their lives, old polymer bank notes can be recycled economically into useful products such as polymer wheelbarrows, compost bins and plumbing fittings. The life-cycle of a bank note Design The planning, printing and production of a new bank note design is complex and takes a large team of people up to two years before the note is issued. First of all, the design elements of the note have to be decided. Once these preliminary details are worked out, a group of artists produces an exact image or sketch of both sides of the note in the correct size and colours with the aid of a computer-based design system. The designers have to think not only about the Reserve Bank's requirements, but also about security features and printing capabilities.