Smart Solutions for Banknote Destruction from CPS and Hunkeler

Whilst the focus on cash is generally concentrated on substrates and features, production and circulation, the end of life is also key as regards the secure, clean and efficient disposal of both waste and notes no longer fit for circulation.

Billions of notes are destroyed each year. In the past, incineration was the preferred method, but offered little control and resulted in the emission of harmful contaminants from the inks into the air. In recent decades, destruction has been undertaken through shredding and granulation, with the output either sent to landfill or, increasingly, recycled into industrial products.

Two companies that are active in the field of banknote destruction are Swiss-based Hunkeler Systeme, specialists in waste disposal and secure shredding systems, and Cash Processing Solutions (CPS) of the UK, providers of banknote processing systems. They have now teamed up to offer SmartShred™, a so-called intelligent banknote destruction solution for central banks that offers integrated secure destruction and collection of unfit banknotes through Hunkeler’s technology, underpinned by data-driven control and monitoring from CPS to ensure that the notes are destroyed as securely as they are produced.

SmartShred™ (© CPS).

Combined expertise

Commenting on the partnership. CPS CEO Barrie Foley said: ‘we are so pleased to partner with Hunkeler Systeme, to combine our expertise in banknote processing with their capabilities in banknote destruction and disposal. This combination creates a flexible, best in class and fully integrated banknote destruction system for our central bank and printworks customers’.

The core components of SmartShred include on-line shredding (together with the CPS 7000i™ high speed used note sorting system for notes returning from circulation, and the CPS 9000 Single Note Inspection System for notes that have failed to meet inspection criteria), off-line shredding and granulation, bagging and briquetting.

The modular design of SmartShred allows customers to choose the components that best meet their requirements, such as volume, footprint and room dimension. Each component can be used individually or as part of a fully integrated solution installed on one floor or across multiple floors. The system is able to handle paper, polymer or hybrid banknotes.

Key to the solution is the workflow management software that monitors every single step in the process, and which continuously compares the feed quantities against the output quantity of the shredded materials. Every process step is recorded and there is full traceability from start to finish. The data is stored and displayed in a central control station and a graphic interface provides both live and historic data.

The shredders and granulators can be placed in a secure room with access control; alternatively, the granulators can be fed by an automatic load-and-leave conveyor with secure access when not in a secure room. Lockable covers on the conveyor allow the shredder to sit behind a secure partition, with only an access hatch accessible, optimising security. And the collection systems are linked to the destruction equipment via a secure air conveyor system, which eliminates the need for operator intervention between these processes.

Concept, design and implementation

Customer projects start with a concept drawing, followed by the planning and engineering, then installation, and ends with start-up and training.

In the first phase, the specific requirements are determined and used to create a bespoke solution regarding both needs and the physical environment. Project planning involves the detailed plan from start to finish, focussing on a successful and quick installation and production start.

Engineering involves system engineers creating 3D visualisations and virtual process animations to achieve a high-quality customised solution. Close cooperation between sales and project management teams, including engineering and software specialists, ensures the custom-designed solutions integrate into users’ operating schedules and processes as well as into the space available.

Training of operating and service personnel is regarded as essential for security, safety and high productivity, and training courses are available at Hunkeler in Switzerland or at the customer’s site.

Service and support

A range of tailored service and support options are available to optimise up-time and performance, as well as maximise the longevity of the equipment. Preventative maintenance is key, say the two companies. Options include on-site engineers and field engineers, spares management, remote diagnostics and a 24-hour help desk.