Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/ill-take-my-british-pounds-in-plastic-not-paper-please Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter I'll take my British pounds in plastic, not paper, please Nation Dec 18, 2013 12:08 PM EST Photo by Karen Bryan/Flickr Plastic money. That isn't just an economic term. Soon it will be fact for British pound users. The Bank of England announced Wednesday that come 2016, they will trade paper banknotes for plastic. The decision comes after a three year research project by the Bank to gauge public reaction to the potential switchover. The notes will be made out of polymer: a thin, plastic film; making the currency more durable, stay cleaner and have added security features. Because they would last longer, the Bank of England says the notes would be more environmentally friendly and cheaper to produce than paper, over time. The first polymer banknote to receive a facelift would be the 5 pound note and would feature former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill. The Bank plans to feature Jane Austen on the subsequent release. Victoria Cleland, head of the Notes Division at the Bank of England provides more details about polymer banknotes. Video by YouTube channel bankofenglanduk A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
Photo by Karen Bryan/Flickr Plastic money. That isn't just an economic term. Soon it will be fact for British pound users. The Bank of England announced Wednesday that come 2016, they will trade paper banknotes for plastic. The decision comes after a three year research project by the Bank to gauge public reaction to the potential switchover. The notes will be made out of polymer: a thin, plastic film; making the currency more durable, stay cleaner and have added security features. Because they would last longer, the Bank of England says the notes would be more environmentally friendly and cheaper to produce than paper, over time. The first polymer banknote to receive a facelift would be the 5 pound note and would feature former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill. The Bank plans to feature Jane Austen on the subsequent release. Victoria Cleland, head of the Notes Division at the Bank of England provides more details about polymer banknotes. Video by YouTube channel bankofenglanduk A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now