The Solomon Islands’ newly launched SBD 5 polymer banknote has won a gold medal in the 2020 Print Industry Craftmanship Awards (PICA), an Australian Print & Visual Communication Association industry competition.
“The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) is thrilled to learn that the newly launched $5 Polymer Banknote has won a gold medal,” the bank said in a statement.
The award was in the specialty category for printers applying new innovative and current technologies in unique ways.
Entries included promotional printing, 3D printing, letterpress, architectural printing, glass printing, screen printing, laser etching and textile printing.
Note Printing Australia (NPA) says the banknote has become the CBSI’s “silent ambassador” in signalling important areas of focus for the nation as it faces the future.
NPA is responsible for the design, print and supply of the banknote.
CBSI’s press statement added that from the start of the design process, it was very important that the nation’s plans for long term economic sustainability in the fishing industry and the importance of community and social cohesion had to be included.
NPA says the bank’s decision to issue the banknote on UN World Tuna Day (2 May 2019) was an inspired choice that strengthened the message that the CBSI and the government are sending to the public about the future of the Solomon Islands.
“The new polymer $5 note carries the image of the fisheries sector that could contribute significantly to the country’s GDP if extracted and managed sustainably,” Dr. Luke Forau, Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, said.
“The Bank is pleased to have partnered with NPA, which has the technical know-how to come up with such a strong technical feature as SUSI Flip – the first of its kind.”
To signal the importance of sustainability, the unique design of the polymer banknote features a yellowfin tuna and a traditional fishing hook on the front of the note.
A traditional spearfishing scene is featured on the reverse side and highlights the need to preserve and promote community activity for the future.
CBSI decided to move to polymer substrate after a comprehensive analysis indicated that polymer banknotes would deliver a long-term cost saving to the bank.
The Keesing Platform team brings you the latest in various fields, including security documents, security printing, banknotes, identity management, biometrics, blockchain, crypto technology and online onboarding.
