Machine Washable Banknotes in 2016 [UK]

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You could suggest that the title is slightly misleading - but it actually isn't far off. :rolleyes:​

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Smaller, wipe-clean plastic banknotes could be introduced by the Bank of England from 2016, matching currency across the world.

The new polymer notes stay cleaner, are more secure and should even survive a spell in the washing machine, the Bank says.

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Currently, UK banknotes are made from cotton fibre and linen rag and apparently, the average five pound note lasts only a year (I wouldn't know, I've never held the same note for that long ). The bank has stated that the proposed plastic notes will be made from a thin, flexible and transparent polypropylene film, outlasting spills, bends and a cycle in the washing machine. That material is then coated with ink that allows it to carry the printed features and allows 'windows or clear portions in the design, used to enhance protection against counterfeits.'

The Bank believes the new notes would be:

• Cleaner, as they resist dirt and moisture. For example, red wine can be wiped off but would stain the current paper notes
• More durable, as they last for 2.5 times longer than paper banknotes. However, they would still shrink under extreme heat - such as being put under an iron
• Secure, because they could include more sophisticated anti-counterfeiting techniques. New Zealand reported a big fall in reported counterfeits after introducing polymer notes
• It added that the longer life-cycle meant that they were more environmentally friendly. In Australia, where polymer notes are used, unfit notes are recycled and used for other plastic items, such as plant pots.

They would be still be thin and flexible enough to fit into purses and wallets, the Bank argues. If they are adopted, then the new notes would be slightly smaller than the existing collection of banknotes and easier to fit in pockets and purses.

Click here for the original story.

What do you think about this introduction in 2016? Should it have been introduced earlier? Do you like the idea?

I guess the only upside I can think of so far is that the tops of my twenty pound notes wont get shredded by my already-large purse by the zip.