Innovation Meets Sustainability Meets Market Needs
In an industry traditionally seen through the lens of security, tradition, and stability, Giesecke+Devrient and its subsidiary Louisenthal are proving that sustainability and innovation can reshape the currency landscape. Their innovative eco-awareness approaches have earned them significant recognition, with three top awards that underscore their leadership. These awards highlight how the companies are integrating sustainable practices into their everyday operations – striking a balance between environmental responsibility and economic success.
All good things come in threes, right? Here are three awards that showcase G+D and Louisenthal’s comprehensive approach to sustainability, addressing various aspects of their operations. From cutting their carbon footprint through creative energy consumption to using sustainable materials in their banknote production, their efforts demonstrate a strong dedication to environmental conservation. This multi-faceted strategy meets the highest standards of environmental responsibility while setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Best New Environmental Sustainability Project (2020)
- The currency industry is striving to fulfill its responsibilities for the environment and the sustainable development of the economy. The banknote industry needs to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability.
- Louisenthal has invested €15 million over 15 years to enhance the sustainability of banknotes, focusing on using fair, certified organic cotton, and minimizing plastic usage.
- The company explores new fibers, uses local hydropower and combined heat and power systems, and employs innovative heating and cooling processes that significantly cut CO₂ emissions.
- Louisenthal uses biological wastewater treatment, cuts water use by 40%, has eco-friendly packaging, and goes for sustainable production processes and materials to help protect the environment.
Louisenthal’s holistic strategy, “Banknotes – How a Value Chain Becomes Sustainable,” earned the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA) award for Best New Environmental Sustainability Project in 2020. This comprehensive approach integrates environmentally friendly practices into every stage of production, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life management.
- The currency industry is striving to fulfill its responsibilities for the environment and the sustainable development of the economy. The banknote industry needs to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability.
- Louisenthal has invested €15 million over 15 years to enhance the sustainability of banknotes, focusing on using fair, certified organic cotton, and minimizing plastic usage.
- The company explores new fibers, uses local hydropower and combined heat and power systems, and employs innovative heating and cooling processes that significantly cut CO₂ emissions.
- Louisenthal uses biological wastewater treatment, cuts water use by 40%, has eco-friendly packaging, and goes for sustainable production processes and materials to help protect the environment.
Louisenthal’s holistic strategy, “Banknotes – How a Value Chain Becomes Sustainable,” earned the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA) award for Best New Environmental Sustainability Project in 2020. This comprehensive approach integrates environmentally friendly practices into every stage of production, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life management.
One of the key achievements is the use of renewable energy sources.
Clemens Berger, CEO of Louisenthal
“One of the key achievements is the use of renewable energy sources,” explains Clemens Berger, CEO of Louisenthal. “Switching to green electricity has significantly slashed our carbon footprint.” Additionally, innovative water recycling processes ensure minimal environmental impact, conserving precious resources while improving operational efficiency.
Waste reduction is another cornerstone of this strategy. By prioritizing recycling and efficient resource management, Louisenthal has minimized waste generation across the production cycle. These efforts exemplify how a value chain, when thoughtfully managed, can become a model of sustainability.
IACA Excellence in Currency Award (2023)
- As a major step forward, G+D has created the Green Banknote. It has been developed based on findings from a study by G+D subsidiary Louisenthal, which calculated the product-related carbon and water footprint of various substrates in the entire cash cycle.
With the ability to use bio cotton from different sources (like Cotton Made in Africa), which helps to reduce the carbon footprint while addressing social sustainability issues. These organizations help ensure fair working conditions for farmers and fair pay.
In 2023, Giesecke+Devrient’s Green Banknote won the IACA award for Best New Environmental Sustainability Program for Currency. This initiative, built around organic cotton and FSC-certified wood pulp, significantly reduces the carbon footprint of banknote production while supporting sustainable agriculture.
“With the Green Banknote, we’re taking the concept to the next level,” says Felix Ehrtmann, G+D’s Product Manager Integration + Print. “By using locally grown fibers, recycled materials, and environmentally friendly printing inks, we’ve created a product that balances innovation with sustainability.”
The initiative also promotes renewable and biodegradable materials. As Ehrtmann highlights, “The real game-changer is durability. A longer-lasting banknote reduces the frequency of replacements, cutting resource demand significantly.” The hybrid substrate ensures both durability and sustainability, with organic cotton requiring fewer pesticides and fertilizers—further reducing the carbon footprint.
- As a major step forward, G+D has created the Green Banknote. It has been developed based on findings from a study by G+D subsidiary Louisenthal, which calculated the product-related carbon and water footprint of various substrates in the entire cash cycle.
With the ability to use bio cotton from different sources (like Cotton Made in Africa), which helps to reduce the carbon footprint while addressing social sustainability issues. These organizations help ensure fair working conditions for farmers and fair pay.
In 2023, Giesecke+Devrient’s Green Banknote won the IACA award for Best New Environmental Sustainability Program for Currency. This initiative, built around organic cotton and FSC-certified wood pulp, significantly reduces the carbon footprint of banknote production while supporting sustainable agriculture.
“With the Green Banknote, we’re taking the concept to the next level,” says Felix Ehrtmann, G+D’s Product Manager Integration + Print. “By using locally grown fibers, recycled materials, and environmentally friendly printing inks, we’ve created a product that balances innovation with sustainability.”
The initiative also promotes renewable and biodegradable materials. As Ehrtmann highlights, “The real game-changer is durability. A longer-lasting banknote reduces the frequency of replacements, cutting resource demand significantly.” The hybrid substrate ensures both durability and sustainability, with organic cotton requiring fewer pesticides and fertilizers—further reducing the carbon footprint.
Best New Banknote Product, Process or Feature (2024)
- G+D's Green LongLifeTM banknote substrate won the IACA Award for Best New Banknote Product, Process or Feature thanks to its innovative approach to sustainability in the cash cycle.
- The Green LongLifeTM banknote uses renewable materials like certified organic cotton and sugar cane, which cuts down on plastic and CO2 emissions, and makes the banknote last longer.
- Even though it's all about sustainability, the Green LongLifeTM still has high security standards, like embedded recycled polyester security threads and mineral oil-free inks.
In 2024, Louisenthal’s Green LongLifeTM banknote substrate received the IACA award for Best New Banknote Product, Process or Feature. This durable product is composed of renewable materials, including organic cotton and sugar cane, and features a dirt-repellent coating derived from bio-based content.
“The Green LongLifeTM banknote is specifically designed to last significantly longer in circulation compared to traditional banknotes,” says Clemens Berger. “This reduces the frequency of replacements, conserving resources and lowering emissions.”
The innovative substrate also prioritizes security. Recycled polyester threads and mineral oil-free inks are embedded to maintain the highest safety standards while enhancing sustainability. Together, these features enable G+D and Louisenthal to lead the way in environmentally conscious banknote production.
- G+D's Green LongLifeTM banknote substrate won the IACA Award for Best New Banknote Product, Process or Feature thanks to its innovative approach to sustainability in the cash cycle.
- The Green LongLifeTM banknote uses renewable materials like certified organic cotton and sugar cane, which cuts down on plastic and CO2 emissions, and makes the banknote last longer.
- Even though it's all about sustainability, the Green LongLifeTM still has high security standards, like embedded recycled polyester security threads and mineral oil-free inks.
In 2024, Louisenthal’s Green LongLifeTM banknote substrate received the IACA award for Best New Banknote Product, Process or Feature. This durable product is composed of renewable materials, including organic cotton and sugar cane, and features a dirt-repellent coating derived from bio-based content.
“The Green LongLifeTM banknote is specifically designed to last significantly longer in circulation compared to traditional banknotes,” says Clemens Berger. “This reduces the frequency of replacements, conserving resources and lowering emissions.”
The innovative substrate also prioritizes security. Recycled polyester threads and mineral oil-free inks are embedded to maintain the highest safety standards while enhancing sustainability. Together, these features enable G+D and Louisenthal to lead the way in environmentally conscious banknote production.
Three in one go!
These three awards collectively highlight G+D and Louisenthal’s leadership in sustainable currency production. Their achievements demonstrate that sustainability doesn’t come at the expense of durability, security, or efficiency—it’s an integral part of their strategy.
“The awards showcase how we can successfully combine market needs with sustainability requirements,” says Berger. “By making banknotes last longer and using environmentally friendly materials, we are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable currency cycle.”
G+D and Louisenthal’s sustainability efforts extend beyond these accolades. With ambitious plans to reduce plastic usage by 30% and further improve energy efficiency, their future initiatives aim to push the boundaries of innovation.
By focusing on sustainable materials, optimizing energy consumption, and enhancing banknote durability, they continue to set new benchmarks for environmental responsibility in the industry. With the Green Banknote Initiative, Green LongLifeTM, and ongoing investments in renewable energy and water conservation, G+D and Louisenthal are leading the way toward a more sustainable future for currency production.
Further Reading
Sustainability in the production of banknotes
The ecological footprint of banknotes depends on many factors. With our “Life of a Banknote” principle, we show how we meet requirements in terms of security, durability, functionality, and design while respecting sustainability.
Sustainability Newspaper
How sustainable can a banknote be? We took a hard look at our entire value chain: What is going well? Where could we do even better?