A banknote barely larger than a credit card. That?s the concept presented by Bundesdruckerei. The German security printer, which produces identity documents and secure payment methods, among other things, is exploring a drastic reduction in the size of banknotes in order to limit the consumption of raw materials and energy.
Unveiled at the Banknote Conference in Washington, this prototype?named Stella and measuring 85 × 54 mm?is similar in size to a credit card, while retaining the functions of a modern banknote. This black-backed banknote is made of a polymer substrate produced from renewable, non-fossil raw materials.
With this new banknote, Bundesdruckerei continues the work it began with the Ex Nihilo series, which explores innovative solutions to meet new monetary requirements in collaboration with a group of leading industry partners.
Adrian Heuberger-Lewerenz, who is leading the design of these experimental banknotes, explains that the focus is on how the role of physical currency is evolving in an environment where digital payment methods are gaining ground. " "Innovative design approaches are needed so that species can continue to fulfill these fundamental functions." ", he says.
Stella's graphic design is inspired by stars and the origin of carbon. The bill has no white border, which allows for the integration of security features. Despite its smaller size, the prototype incorporates numerous visual and technical security features designed to preserve its functionality, according to its designer.
First of all, Bundesdruckerei used the RGB technology developed by the Swiss studio Lorenz Boegli, which we introduced in 2017 . The German manufacturer explains that, because the black background absorbs light to a particularly high degree, the print was produced using iridescent pigments from Susonity that reflect light rather than absorb it. This patented RGB technology?which is still unprecedented in the world of banknotes?thus makes it possible to create the prototype?s visual effects on a black background.
In addition, in collaboration with Leuchtstoffwerke Breitungen, this ticket features infrared protection on a black background using a special ink that reveals a face when exposed to an LED of a specific wavelength.
This note also has a window in the center, which, when illuminated, projects a dynamic image onto the surface below, much like the ripples that form a pattern at the bottom of a swimming pool.
It also features Koenig & Bauer?s Susi Optics Jazz technology. When the banknote is tilted, reflections appear, revealing the movement of the patterns, even under UV light.
And the edges of the bill have distinctive notches that allow visually impaired and blind people to identify its denomination by touch.
Stella is the successor to Ignis, which was unveiled in 2024. This prototype was notable for its use of black paper and the integration of an extremely thin chip directly into the banknote. IGNIS had received an Excellence in Currency Award from the International Association of Currency Affairs.
Stella is also among the projects selected for the 2026 edition of these awards, in the "Best New House Note" category. Bundesdruckerei has already announced that two other prototypes from the series will be unveiled at upcoming industry events.
