Solidarity in Times of Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has had massive impact at a global scale. If mostly negative, it has also generated an incredible surge of solidarity. Governments, associations and individuals have all in their own way launched initiatives to help those most in need. Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions along with the banknote industry have played their part too.

Since the pandemic took hold in early 2020, the consequences worldwide have been considerable, with a large number of lost lives, increased human seclusion or economic recession. At the same time, a natural surge of solidarity could be observed, with for example many individuals joining associations or participating into blood donation for the first time.

Governments, associations and companies have not been outdone, including the banknote industry and Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions.

It was important for us to support global and local recovery with our own means. We have not been able to sew masks as the textile industry did, but we have joined the HUMANIA initiative and helped the City of Lausanne in their recovery project.

A global cash community initiative

‘HUMANIA’ may be considered as a Global Cash Community Initiative, using banknote design as a vector to support human recovery and development post COVID-19. Via a global platform, people with design skills and willing to help are encouraged to create a piece of banknote artwork that will celebrate and pay tribute to the people, spirit and solidarity during the pandemic.

The initiative will make it possible to raise funds, say thank you to those in the front line and demonstrate the power of cash to connect people.

At Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions, we have supported this great initiative by building HUMANIA’s website, making it as visible as possible to encourage a maximum of people to participate.

Furthermore, our design team is currently working on a design to be submitted as part of the initiative. Stay tuned to discover it!

Supporting the city where our roots are

Last summer, we were contacted by the City of Lausanne, that needed to secure vouchers given to all city residents in the frame of a project to revive local businesses. We of course made available our technological know-how in security printing as well as helping to design, implement and produce a security feature on the vouchers.

The goal was to produce a safe and trustworthy paper that merchants could easily check. In order to provide an optimal solution, we approached SICPA to integrate authentication and security inks and technologies. The result is a pictogram in the form of a small gift changing colour when the voucher is tilted. The feature was printed with our NotaScreen II unique technology using SICPASTAR®.

‘When the City of Lausanne approached us, it was without a doubt we were willing to contribute. We are proud to be able to play an active role in Lausanne's economic recovery, a city that has been part of our DNA since our creation. As our core business is linked to the world of banknote security, we were delighted to share our expertise’ said Hervé Guillerey, Head of Banknote Innovation and Design Services.

Crisis, even more so now, highlights the need to be united and care for each other. At Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions, the values of responsibility and solidarity are of high importance and we will always look to make our contribution.