How are Swiss banknotes produced? A look behind the scenes at the SNB.

The question „How are Swiss banknotes produced?“ The answer is surprisingly complex. Switzerland doesn't simply produce its banknotes like ordinary paper – but through a multi-stage, highly secure process that is among the most advanced in the world. The manufacturing process is a combination of artistry, engineering, materials science, and the strictest security measures.

1. The development process: From idea to design

Before the first note is printed, the development process takes 5 to 10 years.
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) determines:

• Safety requirements
• new materials
• thematic focus
• Artistic design

Source: https://www.snb.ch

For the current Series 9 The theme chosen was "The Diverse Switzerland". Designer Manuela Pfrunder won the competition.

2. The special material: Durasafe® – Swiss technology

Swiss banknotes are not made of cotton paper, but of... Durasafe®, a composite material made of:

• two layers of paper
• a polymer safety layer
• special fibers
• Coatings against moisture and wear

Advantages:

• longer lifespan
• harder to forge
• cleaner contours
• more resistant to tearing

Swiss banknotes are therefore among the most robust banknotes in the world.

3. Security elements are integrated in multiple layers.

Switzerland uses over 20 safety features, including:

• Microtexts
• Color-changing effects
• transparent windows
• Safety threads
• Tilting films
• UV elements
• tactile relief structures

The majority will not printed, but incorporated This makes Swiss banknotes extremely difficult to counterfeit.

4. The printing process: Multiple passes, absolute precision

The printing process takes place in up to 13 work steps, including:

1. Offset printing (Background)
2. Intaglio printing (Relief for the blind and visually impaired)
3. Special paints
4. Color-changing elements
5. Security windows
6. numbering

Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/banknote

Each note passes through machines that detect deviations of less than 0.1 mm tolerate.

5. Quality control: Every single grade is checked.

Swiss banknotes are considered a quality benchmark because:

• Each note is scanned by machine.
• Incorrect grades are immediately sorted out.
• Samples will be checked manually
• Serial number systems prevent counterfeiting

The rejection rate is comparatively low – a sign of precision.

6. Storage, transport and distribution

After production:

• The banknotes are kept in high-security vaults.
• distributed to banks and PostFinance
• Distributed via ATMs and counters

Invalid notes are destroyed in secure facilities.

Conclusion

The answer to „How are Swiss banknotes produced?“ shows:
This is not simple printing, but a highly scientific, artistic, and extremely controlled production process. Each banknote is a technological product designed for maximum security, durability, and protection against counterfeiting.