The ECCB will put EC polymer banknotes into circulation in June 2019, commencing with the new $50, followed by the $100, $20 and $10 in August/September and the $5 in 2020.
Paper and polymer banknotes will be in circulation at the same time. That is, in conducting your business you may receive both polymer and paper banknotes.
What is polymer?
Polymer banknotes are produced from a thin, transparent and flexible plastic film made from polypropylene.
Why the transition from paper to polymer?
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank decided to change the material on which the EC banknotes are printed from paper to polymer because polymer banknotes are:
CLEANER: Polymer banknotes stay cleaner than paper notes as they are resistant to dirt and moisture.
SAFER: Polymer banknotes can incorporate advanced security features which make them more difficult to counterfeit.
STRONGER: Polymer banknotes last at least two and a half times longer than paper notes. This also makes them more environmentally friendly.
