World’s First Certified Circular Polymer Substrate

Spectra Systems has developed its own print-ready machine- readable banknote polymer substrate, FUSION™, working exclusively with Toray Plastics America. It has recently announced the certification of FUSION by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS process as part of a mass-balanced recycling supply chain, marking a world first for polymer substrates.

The ISCC PLUS certification was obtained through Cartor Security Printers in the UK, which Spectra acquired last year (see CN December 2023). Cartor undertakes the conductive treatment and opacification of the BOPP film, which is supplied by Toray.

The ISCC PLUS certification allows Spectra Systems to maintain a fully audited mass-balance supply chain from Toray Plastics America. For every kilogram of Certified Circular polymer utilised in the substrate, an equal amount of polymer has been recycled and repurposed as part of a sustainable supply chain.

Spectra claims this will provide the following environmental benefits:

• Using plastic waste as an alternative to fossil fuels
• Additional end of life options for plastic waste
• Diversion of significant amounts of plastic waste from landfills or incineration
• Expanding the range of plastic waste that can be recycled.