SAFEGUARD
De La Rue (United Kingdom)
Safeguard is a polymer banknote substrate developed by De La Rue, launched in 2012 to provide central banks with enhanced durability, security, and sustainability for their currency.
The substrate is manufactured from biaxially oriented polypropylene, creating a non-porous, waterproof material that significantly outlasts traditional paper banknotes. Polymer notes on Safeguard typically last two and a half times longer in circulation than cotton-based notes, remain cleaner throughout their lifespan, and are fully recyclable at end of life.
Safeguard's layered construction enables the creation of distinctive transparent windows—a defining security feature of polymer currency. These windows can be designed with vivid colors, unique textures, and intricate details, providing immediate visual authentication for the public while creating significant barriers for counterfeiters. The windows serve as a platform for advanced optical security features including holographic stripes, color-shifting effects, and three-dimensional imagery.
The substrate supports comprehensive integration of security features, allowing designers to layer multiple authentication elements throughout the banknote. De La Rue's position as both substrate manufacturer and banknote printer enables seamless coordination between material properties, security features, and overall aesthetic design.
Safeguard has been adopted by numerous countries worldwide, including major implementations for the Bank of England (all polymer denominations), Bank of Scotland notes, and complete currency series for countries like the Maldives, Bermuda, Egypt, and Turkmenistan. The substrate provides central banks with a proven platform for modernizing their currency with robust anti-counterfeiting protection while meeting sustainability objectives.
- Name
- SAFEGUARD
- Category
- Substrate
- Company
- Product Page
- View on Supplier Site
- Linked Substrates
- 4 substrates