The World of Money – What Are Banknotes Made Of Around the Globe?

If we pull out any banknote from our wallet and check the year it was printed, we’ll often see dates like 2012 or 2013. This means the banknote is over a decade old. Normally, paper that old would be worn out and falling apart—but banknotes still tend to look surprisingly intact. The reason is simple: they’re not made of ordinary paper.

Money is the backbone of the global economy, which means banknotes must first and foremost be durable. They need to withstand daily wear and tear, being passed from hand to hand, folded, crumpled in pockets, sometimes getting wet or exposed to sunlight.

Additionally, money must be protected from counterfeiting and unauthorized duplication. For all these reasons, so-called “paper” money is not made from standard paper, but rather from a specially engineered blend of materials that varies depending on the country and the currency.

The U.S. Dollar and the Euro

U.S. dollar banknotes are crafted from a unique blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen. This mixture gives the notes their distinct texture and exceptional durability. On average, each dollar bill “lives” for about seven years or more—something impossible with conventional paper. Modern American banknotes are recognized for their straightforward yet practical design, featuring iconic figures from U.S. history such as presidents and Founding Fathers.

Banknotes of the euro, the official currency of the European Union, are made from 100% cotton without any additives, as stated on the European Central Bank’s official website. Thanks to this composition, the notes have a firm texture and can even survive brief contact with water. Their production is handled by 11 certified printing facilities.

Russian Ruble

Regular paper simply doesn’t qualify as a long-lasting and resilient material. That’s why, in Russia, different raw materials are used—primarily cotton fibers with a high cellulose content (between 96% and 98%). This material is characterized by its brightness, flexibility, and resistance to wear.

Over the base material, a special ink is applied to assign value and add decorative elements, followed by a unique antibacterial coating. To enhance protection, each ruble banknote is then finished with a special polymer varnish that includes gelatin.

Vietnamese Dong and Thai Baht

In tropical countries, banknotes are made from different materials to adapt to environmental conditions. For instance, the Vietnamese dong and Thai baht are produced using a special type of plastic, which adds extra protection against moisture and high temperatures. Without this, the notes would quickly fade and lose their usability.

Macedonian Denar

Macedonian banknotes are made using two types of materials—cotton paper and polymer. Most of the higher-denomination notes, such as 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 denars, are still printed on specially treated cotton paper.

In recent years, however, polymer notes have also been introduced in Macedonia—even though the climate doesn’t necessarily demand them. Banknotes of 10, 50, and 200 denars are now made from polymer—a material more resistant to moisture, tearing, and wear, while also offering a higher level of protection against counterfeiting.

With this move, Macedonia joined countries like Australia (the pioneer of plastic banknotes), Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Brunei, and Romania.

Swiss Franc

The Swiss franc is considered one of the most technologically advanced currencies in the world. Its newest, ninth series of banknotes is made entirely of polymer, offering exceptional durability and security. These notes resist moisture, dirt, and physical damage, while incorporating an array of advanced security features—including transparent windows, microtext, dynamic graphics, and tactile elements.

Interestingly, the design of Swiss francs doesn’t center on historical figures, but instead highlights abstract themes like light, water, and time—a refreshing approach in the world of banknote design.