Innovative security solutions based on environmentally friendly processes

Hueck Folien is driving forward sustainable banknote technology by combining high security features with environmentally friendly processes. In cooperation with a leading banknote paper mill, a recycling concept has been developed that combines the highest security standards with environmentally friendly processes. The centrepiece of this initiative is the use of recycled raw materials for high security features. This enables central banks to increase the security of their banknotes and at the same time fulfil their ecological responsibility.

Award for best house note

HSP EMEA (High Security Printing Europe Middle East and Africa) is one of the leading conferences for high security printing. This year it was hosted in Basel, Switzerland. Since 1976, the trade fair has brought together technological innovators and institutional end users from all over the world. Participants include security printers, central banks, government agencies and industry. Every year, prizes are awarded in the categories of best banknote, best new series, best commemorative note, best house note, best house note series, best passport, best national ID card and best travel document series. Hueck Folien received the award for the best house note with the Ocean Dollar. The competition in this category was fierce, with a record number of nominations. ‘We are proud and happy to have won this award exactly on the 55^th anniversary of the company's founding,’ says a delighted Martin Bergsmann, CEO of Hueck Folien.

Ocean Dollar

The Ocean Dollar, created by Hueck Folien to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and sustainability, won the competition. Inspired by the hidden depths of the ocean, the banknote contains a range of recycled components including aluminum, paper and PET. The Optomove^® security thread embedded in paper made from recycled banknotes is made from recycled PET and aluminum, saving 53% CO₂ from the raw material used. The Reef film strip with optical nanostructures and Trilumic^® is also made from recycled PET and aluminium, resulting in a CO₂ saving of 26%. ‘The sustainable security features not only offer maximum protection against counterfeiting, but also significant CO₂ savings,’ explains Michael Ritschewald, Director Business Development at Hueck Folien, who had the pleasure of accepting the award.