Bank of England Governor Mark Carney holds a new plastic £5 note as he visits Whitecross Street market in London, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016. The polymer note is said by the Bank of England to be cleaner, safer and stronger than paper notes, lasting around five years longer. (Jonathan Brady/PA via AP)
This week, The Bank of England released a new £5 banknote into circulation in a sleek, more modern material: plastic.
Money is traditionally made from cotton because its long fiber length makes it more durable. But polymer banknotes have been increasing in popularity around the world.
Bank of England Governor Mark Carney dips a new plastic £5 note into a tray of food as he buys lunch from a stall at Whitecross Street market in London, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016. The polymer fiver is said by the Bank of England to be cleaner, safer and stronger than paper notes, lasting around five years longer. (Stefan Wermuth/Pool Photo via AP)
According to Chemistry World, the cash printed in England is made from polypropylene with layers added for durability, opacity and reducing static. British officials have praised the new notes for being cleaner and strong enough to handle a trip through the washing machine.
The new notes will also come with the latest anti-counterfeit and security features.
Bank of England Museum curator Jenni Adam holds the new five pound note in front of one of the World's earliest of Ming dynasty paper money at the Bank of England Museum in London. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Chemistry World notes that the challenge with the more durable notes — the polymer cash is expected to last 2.5 times longer than paper — is that all accompanying inks, coatings and applied features also have to last longer.
After the 440 million £5 notes are phased in, Britain plans to begin the switch to £10 and £20 plastic notes as well.
