As the leading banknote printer in the eurozone, the Banque de France is continuing to decarbonize the production of banknotes. In its 2025 Sustainability Report, the institution?which produces approximately 2.5 billion banknotes in euros and foreign currencies?has set a target to reduce the carbon intensity of a banknote by 25% between 2019 and 2028, that is, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of each banknote.
Organic cotton for all euro banknotes
Reducing this carbon footprint depends first and foremost on raw materials. Starting in 2026, all euro banknotes produced by the Banque de France will be made from organic or fair-trade cotton certified under the GOTS or Organic Content Standard. The report also calls for expanding the use of other fibers that generate fewer emissions than conventional cotton.
The decarbonization goal also relies on consolidating operations, with the Chamalières printing plant in Puy-de-Dôme being replaced by a new one at the security paper mill in Vic-le-Comte, a few kilometers away. In addition, the paper mill is expected to install a new boiler.
CO2 Emissions Are Already on the Decline
The Banque de France, which produces about one-third of the eurozone?s banknotes, says it has exceeded its previous climate target. Greenhouse gas emissions from its operational activities fell by 35% between 2019 and 2025, while the target had been set at 25%.
The report also highlights procurement. After training 87.5% of its buyers to take climate and biodiversity issues into account, the institution plans to prioritize suppliers committed to decarbonization for its service sector purchases and industrial raw materials.
