Request for Information - Alternative Fiber Materials for Currency Substrate Production
Updated
A PDF document (219 KB) attached to Alternative Raw Materials for Currency Substrate Production, from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Due Dec 11, 2026, 5:00 PM (UTC-5).
File name: RFI - Alternative Fiber Materials for Currency Substrate Production_ 2031ZA26N00063.pdf
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TREASURY COMMON SERVICES CENTER
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)
Alternative Raw Materials for Currency Substrate Production RFI Number: 2031ZA26N00063
Issue Date: October 1, 2026
Response Due Date: December 11, 2026
Issuing Organization: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
1. Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to identify and evaluate currency and security paper substrates manufactured with commercially available and emerging alternative raw materials. The Issuing Organization seeks information regarding paper that could supplement or replace traditional cotton-linen currency paper while maintaining or improving performance, security, durability, sustainability, and manufacturability. This RFI is issued solely for market research and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation, request for proposal, or commitment to procure products or services.
2. Background
Currency substrates used in the production of banknotes must meet stringent performance and security requirements. Current currency papers are designed to withstand extensive circulation while supporting sophisticated anti-counterfeiting technologies. The Issuing Organization is interested in gathering information on innovative natural and engineered materials that may provide equivalent or enhanced characteristics, including: •
Durability and longevity in circulation
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Enhanced security feature integration
TREASURY COMMON SERVICES CENTER
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Improved environmental sustainability
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Supply chain resiliency
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Manufacturing efficiency
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Cost effectiveness
3. Requested Information
Respondents are invited to provide information regarding one or more alternative substrate materials, including but not limited to:
Natural Fibers
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Hemp
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Cotton
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Flax
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Kenaf
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Abaca (Manila hemp)
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Bamboo
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Agricultural byproduct fibers
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Wood-derived specialty cellulose fibers
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Other renewable natural fibers
Engineered Materials
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Regenerated cellulose fibers
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Nanocellulose materials
TREASURY COMMON SERVICES CENTER
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Synthetic polymer substrates
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Hybrid fiber/polymer substrates
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Other advanced materials suitable for secure document production
4. Information Requested from Respondents
For each proposed paper type, respondents should provide the following information:
A. Material Description
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Material composition
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Fiber source(s)
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Manufacturing process overview
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Commercial readiness level
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Current commercial applications
B. Performance Characteristics
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Tensile strength
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Tear resistance
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Caliper ranges
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Grammage ranges
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Lightfastness
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