Polymer is now used in over 20 countries as diverse as Australia, Canada, Fiji, Mauritius, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Romania, and Vietnam. The Bank of Canada began its move to polymer banknotes in 2011, after assessing the environmental impact of producing paper and plastic bills.

Why are countries using polymer?

Polymer material has more benefit to the environment than paper notes. For one, polymer is less polluting, and the production process of the material is more energy-efficient. The other great environmental benefit of polymer over paper is how the polymer notes are recyclable when they are no longer needed for use.

Will the US use polymer banknotes?

It is unlikely any of the new US dollar banknote denominations will be printed on polymer, according to an associate director of the US Federal Reserve Board.