Q&T Showcases Breakthrough Polymer Banknote Technology at Mint & Print 2025

Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer proudly participated in Mint & Print 2025, one of the world’s most influential events in the banknote, minting, and security printing industry. The conference gathered 250+ delegates from over 100 organizations, including:

• 57 central banks and issuing authorities

• 20+ printing and minting institutions

• 60 leading global suppliers, such as Crane Currency, Monnaie de Paris, CBPM, AGAONE, PWPW, G+D, Mennica Polska, CCL Secure, CIT, JURA, Arrandene MFG, Tozai Structures, Q&T, SICPA, Numisma Bank, IMC Coins, and others.

The presence of such prestigious institutions underscores the strategic significance of Mint & Print as a global forum for the future of currency production and security innovation.

At the event, Mr. Luong Ngoc Anh, Chairman of Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer, delivered a keynote presentation that received strong attention from central banks, security printers, and international technology suppliers.

His presentation, titled:

“Q&T: POLYSECURE SHIELD — The World's First Multiple OVDs Embedded in Polymer Banknote Substrate”

introduced a groundbreaking technological advancement that positions Q&T among the industry's global innovators.

Below is a summary of the key points presented by Chairman Luong.

1. The Problem: Limitations of Surface-Applied Security Features

Chairman Luong emphasized that most traditional banknote security features — holograms, foils, color-shifting patches, and other optical variable devices (OVDs) — are applied on the surface of the substrate.

This long-standing approach presents several challenges:

• Susceptibility to wear and fading due to friction, moisture, and chemical exposure

• Higher risk of tampering or harvesting, where counterfeiters remove and reuse surface features

• Design constraints, as surface patches disrupt artwork continuity and limit creative freedom

• Counterfeiting risks, since surface features can be imitated or transferred onto fake notes

He highlighted that as banknotes circulate in increasingly harsh, high-humidity, and high-usage environments, these limitations become even more evident.

2. The Q&T Solution: PolySecure-SHIELD Embedded Technology

To address these industry-wide challenges, Q&T introduced PolySecure-SHIELD, a new security architecture where OVDs and protection layers are embedded deep within the polymer substrate — instead of being applied onto the surface.

This represents a global industry first.

Key Innovations of PolySecure-SHIELD

• Full-Surface Integration

  Security elements are fused throughout the polymer layers, not restricted to windows or patches.

• Tamper-Proof Architecture

  Deep embedding protects features from mechanical, chemical, and environmental damage.

• Enhanced Durability

  Resistance to moisture, UV exposure, friction, and contaminants drastically extends banknote lifespan.

• Unlimited Design Freedom

  Continuous artwork can flow across the entire note — printing can occur over security areas without distortion.

• No Shape Constraints

  Embedded features can stretch seamlessly across the substrate, combining aesthetics with functional security.

Chairman Luong emphasized that this embedding approach marks a structural transformation in how polymer banknotes can be protected.

3. Benefits for Central Banks and the Banknote Industry

The PolySecure-SHIELD platform delivers a range of strategic advantages for issuing authorities and currency printers:

Security Integrity

Deep-embedded OVDs are nearly impossible to replicate, remove, or harvest — dramatically raising the barrier against counterfeiting.

Longer Banknote Life

The robust polymer structure protects security elements from harsh climates, high circulation intensity, and contamination.

Sustainability

A longer lifespan reduces replacement frequency, lowers waste, and contributes to environmentally responsible cash management.

Design Enhancement

Security features no longer interrupt the artwork — instead, they become part of a unified visual and functional composition.

Chairman Luong noted that these advantages align closely with modern central bank priorities: tamper-proof durability, lifecycle cost efficiency, and strong public recognition of authenticity.

A Step-Change in Global Banknote Security

In his closing remarks, Chairman Luong affirmed that PolySecure-SHIELD represents a new era in polymer banknote protection. By shifting from surface application to deep structural embedding, Q&T sets a new benchmark for durability, security, and design freedom.

The enthusiastic reception from delegates — particularly central banks and major security printing suppliers — demonstrates the relevance and impact of Q&T’s innovation on the future of global currency design.

Q&T: Advancing the Future of Secure Polymer Technology

Q&T’s participation in Mint & Print 2025 highlights the company’s growing influence in the global banknote technology landscape. As one of the few suppliers presenting a major technological breakthrough, Q&T continues to affirm its position as a pioneering innovator in high-security polymer substrates.

The company looks forward to expanding international collaborations, sharing technological expertise, and contributing to the evolution of safer, more durable, and more sustainable banknotes worldwide.