Polymer Banknotes Reach One-Fifth of Global Denominations

The global polymer banknote substrate market has reached a significant milestone, with approximately 19.2% of the world's banknote denominations now printed on polymer substrate.

This shift is no longer limited to early adopters such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as countries from around the world are increasingly adopting polymer currency.

According to Makreo Research analysis, 76 countries have issued some form of polymer currency, with the Middle East and Africa region holding a 37% share of the global polymer banknote substrate market in 2026.

The Reserve Bank of India has cited international experience showing that polymer notes last two to six times longer than paper, with a UK study finding that the lifespan of a five-pound polymer note rose from 1.9 to 4.8 years after the Bank of England's conversion.