The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has started a unique initiative keeping the environment in mind. Now thousands of tonnes of torn and old notes collected every year will not just go to the garbage heap, but they will be converted into strong boards like wood, from which furniture and other useful items will be made.

What is RBI's new initiative?

RBI, in collaboration with the country's leading technical institutions, has developed a sustainable formula, which will allow the torn and out of circulation notes to be recycled and converted into 'particle boards'. These boards will serve as an alternative to traditional wood and can be used from furniture to construction material.

How much waste is generated every year?

According to the RBI's 2024-25 annual report, about 15,000 tonnes of bad bank notes are deposited every year. Till now, burning or burying these notes in the ground was the main option, which is harmful to the environment. But now with this new process, their correct and useful use will be possible.

How was the solution made?

RBI got research done for this from the Wooden Science and Technical Institute under the Union Ministry of Environment. The research found that briquettes (thick kneaded pieces) made from currency paper technically meet the standards for making particle board. After this, RBI has started adding companies making particle board to the panel.

What was the danger from old notes?

The security threads, chemicals, ink and fibers present in torn notes are harmful to the environment. Burning them spreads harmful gases in the air. But with the new process, not only will they be disposed of safely, but reuse of resources will also be possible.

What will be the benefit?

Less harm to the environment

Useful products from waste

Reduction in wood cutting

New option for the domestic furniture industry

Now 'notes will be cut, not forests!'

This initiative of RBI will not only make the management of notes more responsible, but it can also prove to be a game changer from the environmental point of view. Now the chair or table on which you will sit, may have once held 500 or 2000 rupee notes!