Monnaie de Paris : Bio-based plastic innovation for coin packing and distribution

As part of Monnaie de Paris’ drive to reduce and replace conventional plastic materials, its R&D Department tested a bio-based polyethylene (PE) supplied by Braskem as an alternative to fossil-based PE used in thermo-shrink packaging films for its automatic circulation coin-packaging lines. Produced from sugarcane residues, and special finish to fi the use, this material contains 95% bio-based material, while retaining the same recyclability conditions as ordinary PE.

Trials confirmed that the bio-based PE can be introduced into existing packing and re-packing processes with process adjustments. Initial issues, including slight seal tearing and excessive perforation, were corrected by settings optimization. Once adjusted, with the support of the provider, pack quality, blister printing, manual handling and robotic manipulation were considered comparable to standard PE packaging. Quality Department validated production on lines, and no production malfunction was reported during the qualification runs.

The main interest of this innovation is its practical industrial compatibility: it reduces reliance on petrochemical feedstocks without requiring changes to packaging equipment, operating practices or recycling channels. This makes the solution immediately relevant for scaling.

Key benefits highlighted by the innovation

• High renewable-carbon content: 95% bio-based carbon derived from sugarcane residues.
• Lower carbon footprint.
• Full recyclability within existing PE recycling streams.
• Equivalent operational performance after machine-setting adjustments.
• No significant change to printing, manual handling or robotic manipulation.
• Scalable pathway to improve the environmental profile of coin-packaging operations in Mints, CIT companies and Central Banks.

Sourcing Plastic firms, including Braskem.

Developping specific transformed plastic films adated to use.

External Labs analysis.

Internal tests for resistance and compatibility.

World.

Each time and for each Monnaie de Paris’ Central Bank customer which permits it / requires it.

According to an IMDN-TC study of 2024, about 3500-4500 tons of plastic is used for the coin industry worldwide each year.

Almost 100 % is a single use, and a very small part of it goes to recycling.

This solution can improve dramatically the situation in the sense that Bio-based plastic is environmental friendly, renewable ressource, and fully recyclable.

Validation of product and process has been done in October 2025.

Use for customers is open since end of 2025, for new coins packed by Monnaie de Paris for its foreign customers.

Information to French CITs for coin re-packing for recirculation has been given end of 2025. They project to use it in 2026.

There is no specific vulnerability of the innovation to crisis. Raw material can be sourced in two world areas, South America and Asia.

The Bio-based plastic packing for distribution or re-packing and recirculation of  the coin industry is the first of this kind.

It was long-awaited, and applicable as soon as the technical know-how would be mastered. The new process enables to drop theoretically from 100 % to 5 % the current situation by using Bio-based material.

Even if the objective may take too long, it can be reasoned that at least 50 % of the actors would adopt it in a mid-term (about 5 years maximum)

As mentioned above, the environmental impact in mid-long term could be saving more than 3000 Tons per year of virgin, petrol based plastic, and turn it into a green, renewable and recyclable material without major CAPEX (long term capital investment).