Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expressed interest in a pulp and paper research program of the Department of Science and Technology’s Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) that will produce specialty and security base paper using 100 percent locally sourced fibers.
Key officials of BSP visited the DOST-FPRD) to discuss possible collaboration in producing currency base paper (CBP) using locally available plant materials. Banknotes or paper money is printed on CBP.
During the meeting, Adela S. Torres of DOST-FPRDI’s Pulp and Paper Products Development Section presented the results of the laboratory-scale production of CBP handsheets.
Cooked and bleached abaca specialty pulp, salago bast fibers and mangium chips were formed into CBP handsheets at the FPRDI Pulping and Papermaking Laboratory.
“Tests showed that the handsheets’ folding endurance was similar to that of imported currency base paper, aside from having superior tear strength,” Torres explained.
She added that the BSP officials had signified their interest in the “Pulp and Paper Enhancement Research from Local Sources [Papel]” program, which aims to produce specialty and security base paper using 100 percent locally sourced fibers.
Through the project, the DOST-FPRDI will procure a paper machine for “security/specialty-grade paper with modern wastewater treatment facility” to pilot-test the production of CBP, abaca waste fibers as reinforced packaging papers and security-based papers used in printing land titles and passports, among others.
The machine can produce at least six tons of paper in a day.
“With the help of a private company that will adopt DOST-FPRDI’s technology, we are looking forward to supplying at least 20 percent of BSP’s CBP requirement. We will also explore the possibility of supplying other countries’ needs, particularly those that have yet to produce their own CBPs,” Torres said.
Currently, Philippine banknotes are printed on imported CBP made from 20 percent abaca and 80 percent cotton. While the country produces and exports large volume of abaca pulp, it still imports about 780,000 kilograms of CBP yearly.
“Producing our own paper money using locally sourced materials will not only promote our local fibers but will also save us lots of money. According to BSP, approximately P3 billion is spent annually in printing new banknotes to replace deteriorated or demonetized ones,” Torres said.
“We are just awaiting the green light and funding for the Papel program. Right now, a memorandum of understanding between DOST-FPRDI and BSP is being prepared,” she ended.
Among the attendees in the recent meeting with BSP were Senior Assistant Governor Dahlia D. Luna, head of the BSP Security Plant Complex; DOST-PCIEERD Deputy Executive Director Raul C. Sabularse; and Executive Director Engr. Ray Geganto of Philippine Paper Manufacturers Association Inc. Apple Jean C. Martin-de Leon/S&T Media Service
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