How Fungi Could Transform Banknote Disposal

BioBanknote is a Colombian-based specialist in reducing the environmental impact of banknotes through ‘natural’ means. Over the past several years, it has built up what it refers to as its ‘BioBanknote Ecosystem’, a comprehensive network of sustainable solutions for the management of waste from withdrawn banknotes, which is designed for central banks, printers and all suppliers involved in this industry.

The ecosystem consists of:

• BiobankMulch – ecological protective ring made from waste banknotes, which help safeguard freshly planted trees
• BioGHG – a web-based application developed to measure and calculate the carbon footprint of central banks and banknote printing facilities 
• Biobanksludge – a solution that optimises the disposal of intaglio print ‘sludge’ by using selected micro-organisms, in controlled environments, which can naturally biodegrade the sludge.