The global banknote printing market is expected to increase in value to $17.1 billion in 2029, a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024
In 2023, there were 54.6 billion US banknotes in circulation, with a combined face value of $2.3 trillion.
Despite the growing dominance of contactless payments and digital wallets, banknotes remain indispensable for economic resilience, financial inclusion, cultural identity, and privacy. Towards 2030, the banknote lifecycle will be greatly influenced by the integration of advanced technology, evolving public needs, and a strong emphasis on security, sustainability, and accessibility.
This report maps out the current lifecycle of a banknote, and the steps involved in the design, production and circulation of banknotes. It includes a detailed analysis of each stage in the cash cycle, and focuses on how changes within the banknote industry and geopolitical factors will influence this lifecycle over the next five years.
Key Questions:
What forces within the market are driving or hindering banknote use?
Which stages of lifecycle are affected by technological disruptions or developments?
How is the use of digital and physical currencies balanced geographically?
What is the influence of Central Bank Digital Currencies on the lifecycle of banknotes?
This report is essential to:
Organisations active in the printing and distribution of cash
Central banks, state printers and mints
Security print consultants and analysts
Table of Contents
Executive summary
Introduction and methodology
Report scope
Report objective
Geographic coverage
Methodology
Definitions and abbreviations
Banknote industry: key drivers and trends
Overview
Introduction
Global usage of cash is declining
Cash remains resilient and secure
Emergence of Central Bank Digital currencies (CBDCs)
Environmental sustainability and lifecycle optimization
Security threats and counterfeiting
Artificial intelligence: unlocking vast potential
Phy-gital hybrids AKA "smart" banknotes
The tariff years
Strategic acquisitions and industry transformation
Banknote design: concepts to blueprints
Overview
Role of design in the lifecycle of banknotes
Design and pre-production
Production and printing
Quality control and inspection
Distribution and circulation
End-of-lifecyle
Banknote design: perpetual evolution
Increased security
Cultural and social reflection
Current case study: the new Euro - a five-year popularity contest
Public input
Environmental considerations
Banknote design in 2030: meeting today's challenges
Designing for security
Designing for digital coexistence and convergence
Sustainability
Designing for durability
End-of-life design and recycling
Banknote design: learning and knowing your client
AI and design: complementary roles
Generative design and aesthetic innovation
Accelerated design process
Predictive counterfeit mitigation
Behavioral analytics and human-centered design
Lifecycle simulation and durability optimization
The challenges
Banknote substrates and security feature technologies