CCL Secure has worked with over 40 central banks to ensure a seamless transition to polymer banknotes. We have more than 35 years of experience across a wide range of cash cycles, and expertise extending well beyond banknotes themselves.
Our senior technical specialists operate out of three regional centres, in Australia, Mexico and the UK, and they include former central bankers and printers with decades of experience. This expertise enables our specialist advisory and technical consultants to support central banks, state and commercial printers, equipment manufacturers, technology suppliers and other stakeholders throughout the entire cash cycle.
Planning
More than 50 central banks have made the switch to polymer banknotes, and this provides a wealth of knowledge about how to plan and execute the transition effectively. However, CCL Secure recognises the best banknote solution will be different for each central bank.
That’s why we support issuing authorities to conduct cost-benefit analyses, evaluate and manage risk, assess technical requirements and develop strategies to ensure the successful introduction of polymer banknotes.
Design
CCL Secure’s design team has more than 100 years of experience in banknote design. We are the polymer experts, and can provide dedicated support services for both concept and substrate design.
This ensures every banknote combines functional, aesthetic and cultural values to maximise counterfeit resilience, process efficiency, and public pride and confidence in currency.
It is important to understand that designing for polymer is highly specialised. This is due to the inclusion of dynamic design elements, like windows, and the fact that security features are embedded directly into the substrate itself through a process of printing opacified layers.
This means designers are working in a three dimensional space, which is what creates the complexity that ensures GUARDIAN™ banknotes are extremely difficult to counterfeit. CCL Secure can support central banks to include:
• micro printing
• intaglio
• tactile features
• intricate offset patterns
• transparent registration
• infrared and magnetic features
• fluorescent, phosphorescent, and colour changing inks
• optically variable devices.
Production
Pre-production
CCL Secure can advise printers and central banks on pre-press, logistics, materials and equipment, laboratory testing and correlations, printing, production trials and more. We provide support with plate making, substrate and note proofing, specifications, tooling, materials, overcoating and finishing, as well as systems and process auditing.
These pre-production support services provide the foundation for a seamless transition to polymer banknotes.
Implementation Phase
During the implementation phase, CCL Secure provides intensive, on-site support, including systems and process auditing, proofing, problem solving, and assistance with start-up for initial production runs.
After each of the first three production runs, we provide a full job review, including an audit, report, and problem solving service to ensure any technical challenges are overcome.
Ongoing Support
CCL Secure supports central banks throughout the entire polymer banknote process. We provide ongoing access to the expertise needed to solve problems as they arise, and assist central banks to improve processes, and calibrate the planning, design and delivery of any additional denominations.
As part of this commitment to continuous improvement, we provide expert consultancy encompassing quality control and finished note testing, performance evaluation and counterfeit analysis.
Launch
A critical aspect of transitional planning for the introduction of polymer banknotes is building acceptance and understanding among consumers, businesses and retail banks. To ensure confidence in currency is maintained and strengthened, CCL Secure supports central banks with:
• project management
• launch strategy
• media liaison
• public information and education campaigns.
Cash Cycle Management
CCL Secure also supports central banks with cash cycle management by providing technical assistance and training to a range of stakeholders. This includes consultation on automated processing and handling equipment, as well as practical support with machine calibration.
We also deliver in-person and online training modules to support cash handlers through the transition. They cover techniques for unpacking, counting and storing polymer banknotes, along with treatment at end-of-life.
Recycling
Sustainability is a core value for CCL Secure. That’s why we support central banks to recycle through our award-winning GUARDIAN™ Global Recycling Program, a network of regional recycling facilities strategically situated in key markets to support our goal of ‘zero waste’.
Our technical managers in Australia, Mexico and the UK can also connect central banks with third-party recyclers and provide information on the technical aspects of the recycling process.