Banknote Fibre Extraction – Repurposing Goes Greener

Earlier this year Giesecke+Devrient outlined a solution for banknote waste which is ‘straightforward, flexible and scalable’ (see CN July 2023). After having introduced the concept of Banknote Fibre Extraction (BFE) at the CT Symposium, the next development phase has taken place.

Recycling of banknote waste has been a challenge for a long time. Because of the complex ingredients and the high wet strength, no standard application has yet been established.

G+D looks set to change that by enabling the sustainable de-composing of cotton- based banknotes at the destruction stage. Instead of destroying fibres by cutting banknotes to small shreds with a traditional shredding mechanism, banknotes are physically de-composed, without using water or any chemicals. The result is single fibres which can be used for many different applications.

BFE is now in the advanced testing phase with central bank customers and cash- cycle proven banknote materials. This is allowing G+D to not only test with its own materials, but is providing the opportunity to include materials and shreds from other sources in the development process.

In addition, various options for handling shreds from high-speed sorting machines will be presented shortly.

External and independent analysis has confirmed G+D`s assessments that extracted fibres are suitable for use at papermills for creating packaging and cardboard material. Consequently, these fibres can be disposed of via common paper recycling facilities according to EU norm EN 643:2014.

Another promising option for customers would be to sell these fibres to local recycling partners. Depending on the volume and location, a business case can be made. This, says G+D, should be seen as a game changer since banknote waste can become a valuable, sustainable raw material. By re-purposing banknote material, parts of a banknote can tomorrow be a parcel, a bag or almost anything which is made of paper.

The heart of the Banknote Fiber Extractor.