Covestro Formally Launches CERTEVO

Covestro has formally introduced its new polymer substrate for banknotes and secure documents, which it has branded CERTEVO®, stating that it marks a ‘significant advancement in document security, sustainability, and printing technology, combining performance and environmental responsibility.’

A pre-launch of the substrate for currency took place at the Banknote Conference in May. The product is a thermoplastic polyurethane which is created through extrusion, during which the addition of white pigments (or, potentially, other colours) takes place as opposed to the route for other polymer substrates, which are coated through opacification. No surface printing is required either before or after printing.

The result, it says, is a highly durable substrate which offers an optimised carrier to which ink (offset and intaglio) bonds strongly, with deep embossing properties up to 160 microns.

As coatings are not involved, the process does not allow for the creation of windows. Instead, windows are cut or punched into the substrate, much like they are with paper. But the difference is that, whilst in paper the process weakens the substrate, there is no impact on the strength of the polyurethane.