Paper banknotes are harder to counterfeit
Paper allows you to use more sophisticated technologies, in a greater number, to prevent counterfeiting
Cash is a vital part of the global economy. While non-cash transactions are certainly increasing, governments are printing more money now than ever before. That’s because billions of consumers still prefer to pay with cash. In fact, keeping cash is vital to enable the millions of people who do not have access to computers, smartphones or even bank accounts to live their lives.
Almost all banknotes in circulation today are made of durable paper created from a blend of material such as cotton and linen. Some countries have experimented with making money out of plastic, but there are four key facts for why this hasn’t really taken off.