New plastic bank notes have a major flaw

Britain’s new plastic bank notes will be rolled out soon, however there is a design problem…

*UPDATE*

This is what the new £5 note will look like…

Britain are replacing the old style ‘paper’ bank notes with brand new plastic notes.

However, it has emerged that the polymer-coating on freshly made notes can stick to each other meaning shoppers could accidentally end up paying more than they intended.

The first plastic bank note to enter circulation will be a new £5 note featuring Winston Churchill, which is set to be unveiled on Thursday 2nd June ahead of its official launch in September 2016. Today’s paper £5 notes will be formally withdrawn before the new polymer £10 note is introduced in 2017.

Experts have warned the switch to plastic notes could create a particular financial burden on elderly people as they are most likely to use cash, but may not notice their notes sticking together.

An official Bank of England Q&A sheet warns: “Brand new polymer notes can sometimes stick together, but this effect is short-lived once in use.”

The new polymer banknotes are almost impossible to tear, they can survive a 90C washing machine cycle, repel dirt and moisture. You could even pour a glass of red wine over one and it will wipe clean!

Their durability means the notes are expected to last 2.5 times longer than today’s notes, meaning the Bank can cut costs over the long term by printing fewer.

However polymer banknotes begin to shrink and melt at temperatures above 120°C, meaning they can be damaged by an iron or a very hot washing machine or tumble dryer cycle.

Are you looking forward to the new bank notes?