News

Banknote paper-maker responds to increased ATM use with more durable materials

July 3, 2013

Improved reproduction technology and increased use of ATMs place increasing demands on the security and durability of banknotes, according to Louisenthal, a division of Giesecke & Devrient. In response, the company has invested some €30 million ($39 million) to expand of its production capacity.

After about a year's-worth of construction, the new production facility for high-security threads and foils was officially commissioned yesterday. Technologies required to manufacture advanced security elements — for instance, holographic security threads with color-shift effect and special foils for hybrid substrates — are housed in the new production facility, which covers some 4,000 square meters.

"We produce enough high-security foils to cover the surface of nearby Lake Tegernsee twice over, while incorporating precision structures that are smaller than the wavelength of light," said Dr. Wolfram Seidemann, chairman of the Louisenthal management board, highlighting the technological dimensions of the new thread and foil production facility. "This enables us to produce banknote security elements that you can trust."

Louisenthal operates two production facilities, both in Germany. The company supplies banknote paper and high-security foils to more than 100 countries worldwide.

Read more about manufacturers.