
Canadian currency plastic is a game-changer for our wallets and the environment. The Bank of Canada has been exploring this option since 2013 to reduce the environmental impact of paper bills.
The plastic substrate used in Canadian currency plastic is made from a blend of 80% polypropylene and 20% polyethylene, a combination that makes it more durable than traditional paper bills. This blend also makes it resistant to wear and tear.
The use of plastic in Canadian currency also reduces the risk of counterfeiting, as it's more difficult to replicate than paper. According to the Bank of Canada, the new plastic bills have a unique texture and color-shifting ink that makes them harder to fake.
The benefits of Canadian currency plastic are clear: it's more durable, eco-friendly, and secure than traditional paper bills.
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Practical Benefits
Plastic money lasts anywhere from two to five times longer than paper money.
Plastic currency performs better in vending machines, unlike paper money that can shed tiny bits of ink and dust, confusing their optical readers.
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The non-porous surface of plastic money makes it virtually waterproof, so bills won't be ruined if they're left in a pocket by mistake and end up in the washing machine.
Plastic money also stays cleaner and becomes less grubby than paper money because it doesn't absorb perspiration, body oils, or liquids.
The slick, non-absorbent surface of plastic money makes it harder for bacteria to cling, making it less likely to spread disease.
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Cost Savings
Cutting costs is a major advantage of adopting a new system, and one of the most significant benefits is the reduction in labor costs. By automating tasks, you can save up to 40% on labor costs.
Implementing a new system can also lead to significant reductions in errors, which can result in costly rework or corrections. In one case, a company was able to reduce errors by 75% after implementing a new system.
Another area where cost savings can be achieved is in energy consumption. By implementing energy-efficient systems, you can reduce your energy bills by up to 30%.
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Increased Durability

Plastic money lasts anywhere from two to five times longer than paper money.
This extended lifespan is a significant advantage, as it reduces the need for frequent replacements and minimizes waste.
Bending and twisting plastic currency won't damage it, making it a more durable option than paper money.
The non-porous surface of plastic money also makes it virtually waterproof, so you can rest assured that it won't be ruined by accidental washing or exposure to liquids.
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Availability and Acceptance
The availability of practical benefits is a significant factor in their acceptance.
According to research, a staggering 80% of employees are more likely to accept a benefits package that includes practical benefits.
Practical benefits can be tailored to meet the specific needs of employees, making them more appealing and increasing their acceptance rate.
In fact, a study found that employees who have access to practical benefits are 25% more likely to stay with their current employer.
Having a range of practical benefits available can also boost employee morale and motivation, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
By offering practical benefits, employers can attract and retain top talent, reducing turnover rates and saving on recruitment costs.
Environmental Benefits

Plastic money has a surprising environmental upside. Plastic currency can be recycled and used to make other plastic products, such as compost bins and plumbing fixtures.
Recycling plastic money is a notable benefit, but it's not the only one. Various companies have been recycling worn-out paper currency and using the recycled material in products like pencils, coffee mugs, and even piggy banks.
A life-cycle assessment found that plastic polymer bills are responsible for 32% fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their entire life cycle. This reduction in emissions is a significant advantage over traditional paper currency.
The energy needed to produce plastic money is also lower, resulting in a 30% reduction in energy use compared to paper bills. This is a notable improvement, especially in a world where energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important.
Introduction to Polymer Currency
The Canadian government has introduced a new series of polymer currency, starting with the $20 bill, to combat counterfeiting. This change is a result of a major counterfeiting problem Canada faced in the past.

These polymer bills are designed to last 2.5 times longer than traditional cotton-paper bills and can be recycled when they get worn. They're also tough to tear and won't crack even under freezing conditions of minus 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
Manufacturing each new polymer bill costs 19 cents, compared to 10 cents for the old bills. However, the benefits of the polymer series make it a worthwhile investment, especially considering they can survive extreme heat conditions of up to 284 degrees.
What is Polymer Currency?
Polymer currency is a type of banknote made from a special plastic material.
It's designed to be more durable and long-lasting than traditional paper currency.
The introduction of polymer currency was first implemented in Australia in 1988.
The Australian government chose this material to reduce the risk of counterfeiting.
Polymer currency is made from a blend of polypropylene and polyethylene.
This combination provides the necessary strength and flexibility for the notes to withstand everyday use.
The use of polymer has also reduced the risk of notes becoming worn and damaged.
This has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of notes being withdrawn from circulation.
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History of Polymer Currency in Canada

Canada introduced its first polymer banknote in 1989 with the $100 bill featuring Sir John A. Macdonald.
The Bank of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mint collaborated to develop the new currency, which was made from a blend of 75% cotton and 25% polyester.
The polymer material used in Canadian banknotes is more durable and resistant to wear and tear than traditional paper currency.
In 2000, the Bank of Canada introduced a new series of polymer banknotes featuring iconic Canadians, starting with the $20 bill featuring Viola Desmond.
The new polymer banknotes were designed to be more secure and easier to use than their paper counterparts.
The $50 bill featuring William Lyon Mackenzie King was introduced in 2002, followed by the $100 bill featuring Robert Borden in 2004, both part of the iconic Canadians series.
The polymer banknotes were also designed to be more accessible for people with visual impairments, with raised tactile markings and Braille.
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Design and Security Features

Polymer currency is designed to be more secure than its cotton-paper counterpart, with features like raised dots for visually impaired users and a metallic image of the queen in its clear window.
The polymer $20 bill has a glossy surface that's smooth to the touch, especially along its clear window, which has a metallic image of the queen.
The new polymer bills are also less prone to counterfeiting, with a figure of 34 per million in circulation, down from 454 per million in 2004.
The polymer series is designed to last 2.5 times longer than the old cotton-paper bills, and they can be recycled when they get worn.
They're also tough to tear and won't crack even under freezing conditions of minus 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
The main reason for introducing polymer currency is to reduce counterfeiting as much as possible, according to Lebeau, who notes that the new bills are a dramatic change.
Polymer Dollars
Polymer dollars are the new wave in Canadian currency, and they're designed to stop counterfeiting with advanced security features.
The new $20 bill features a polymer portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which is now in many Canadian wallets.
Some Canadians have noted that the bills tend to stick together in stacks and ATMs, but this is considered a normal glitch in the new series of banknotes.
The polymer $20 bill has a glossy surface that's smooth to the touch, especially along its clear window, which has a metallic image of the queen.
It feels slightly slippery, as if it won't stay in your hands for long, and some people have compared it to play money.
The polymer series is designed to last 2.5 times longer than the old cotton-paper bills and can be recycled when they get worn.
They're also tough to tear and won't crack even under freezing conditions of minus 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
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However, some reports have claimed that they melt or fuse when left near heat sources like toasters, but the bank says this is only a problem when used under abnormal conditions.
The main reason for issuing these polymer notes is to reduce counterfeiting as much as possible, and the bank notes that some hiccups about stickiness are to be expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did money become plastic in Canada?
Canada introduced its first plastic bill in 2011, featuring the image of Sir Robert Borden, the 8th Prime Minister. The switch to polymer bills also brought new patriotic designs and Canadian historical figure tributes.
Why is Canadian money waterproof?
Canadian money is virtually waterproof because it's made from synthetic polymer, a durable material resistant to water and wear. This design feature helps extend its lifespan and prevent counterfeiting.
Is Canada getting rid of paper money?
No, Canada is not getting rid of paper money entirely, but the government may remove certain denominations in the future. The $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 notes will remain in circulation for now.
Sources
- https://www.thoughtco.com/canada-replaced-paper-currency-with-plastic-3971626
- https://www.technologyreview.com/2012/03/23/187066/here-comes-the-plastic-money/
- https://www.cnet.com/culture/polymer-dollars-fingering-canadas-plastic-bills/
- https://inhabitat.com/canada-now-issuing-durable-and-recyclable-plastic-polymer-banknotes/
- https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-15782723
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