Plastic or plastic? Canada is set to join the list of countries that use polymer bank notes. These shiny plastic notes are smooth to the touch, practically impossible to tear, and will last much longer than the paper notes we’re used to. It’s also a lot more secure.

I love money. It makes everything a lot better. I’ve always believed that those who say “Money can’t buy you happiness” are clearly shopping at the wrong store. As awesome as it is though, cash is gross. It’s dirty, smells like Charlie Sheen’s last get-together, and every now and then you get handed a note that looks like it was used as a loofah by a bergie.

Canada has solved this problem. In March, the first of their range of polymer notes will be released. This is pretty much the future of cash. It’s a plastic banknote, and they’ve made the rather bold claim that it can’t be counterfeited. I give it six months. Security features include holographic elements and a metallic strip running through a transparent window. A video of all the features, some of which are pretty awesome, is at the top of the article.

The technology was first used in Australia in the 1980’s, and is now being licensed by Securency International to Canada.

The best part? Because it’s made from a polymer, which is a shiny kind of plastic, notes will be a lot cleaner. Any dirt, dust and grime isn’t going to stick, and the notes are far less susceptible to crumpling. This means notes will last longer, and remain in circulation, ultimately saving the treasury money. It’ll also be handy if you need to wipe blood off after a drug deal gone bad.

I wonder how long it’s going to take SA to jump on the bandwagon?

[Source: USA Today]