The surprising ingredient found in Aussie banknotes
<p>Although Australia was the first country in the world to produce banknotes from plastic (polymer), one surprising ingredient has been confirmed by the Reserve Bank of Australia.</p>
<p>Our currency uses tallow, which is rendered animal fat from sheep, pigs and cows, as a “slip agent” to prevent static and friction.</p>
<p>The Reserve Bank of Australia confirmed that a tiny amount of animal fat is used.</p>
<p>While the secret ingredient has been used since the mid-1990s, it only became known when Britain adopted the same technology to produce its £5 note last year, resulting in various protests.</p>
<p>The use of tallow in banknotes has been slammed by vegans and some religions, including Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and Jains.</p>
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<p>A recent video by social commentators Project Night revealed that tallow is used to make banknotes in 23 countries, such as Canada, Malaysia and Singapore.</p>
<p>The video has since had 5000 shares and over 679,000 views on social media.</p>
<p>After watching the video, one user wrote: “That is really horrible to hear. But, we can all limit cruelty of animals in our daily life by going vegan and using cruelty free products. It’s sooo easy.”</p>
<p>“Hopefully spreading this video will help people know more about it!”</p>
<p>However, others shared a different point of view.</p>
<p>“Isn’t it better to just use natural animal parts rather than creating synthetic versions of it? We are part of this giant ecosystem, if we don’t eat animals, someone else / some other animals do.”</p>
<p>One orthodox Jew said they found no issue with using tallow in money.</p>
<p>They wrote: “As an orthodox jew … we are not allowed to EAT pork. We can touch it and use it. It being in money is not a problem at all.”</p>
<p>Tallow is found in a number of household items including soap, candles, plastic bags, moisturisers and some fabric softeners.</p>
<p>Animal by-products can also be found in some clothing and cosmetic lines.</p>
<p>There has been no suggestion that there will be a revision of the production of banknotes.</p>
<p>Do you think an alternative ingredient should be used in the production of banknotes? Let us know in the comments below. </p>
