Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) has introduced to the market the first security thread for banknotes that uses nanotechnology, combined with micromirrors, to generate unprecedented visual effects that reinforce the authenticity of paper money. This advancement promises to significantly improve banknote verification, providing an extra layer of protection.

The new thread, called RollingStar Venus and presented at the Global Currency Forum in Oman, incorporates state-of-the-art micromirrors along with nanostructures that generate coordinated movement and color changing effects. These effects, known as ColorFlip and Color MotifFlip, not only increase the aesthetic appeal of banknotes, but also raise their security to a new level. Thanks to the integration of millions of micromirrors with applied nanotechnology, a large part of the light is reflected, ensuring optimal visibility even in low-light environments.

Nanotechnology for banknote security

The ColorFlip effect simulates movement and color change in certain areas of the yarn, precisely controlling these variations on a microscopic scale. On the other hand, the MotifFlip effect introduces a dynamic change between two images of different colors, reinforcing the authentication capacity of the banknote and making it more resistant to counterfeiting. RollingStar Venus is an innovation from Louisenthal, a subsidiary of G+D, which expands its range of security threads with an unprecedented technological approach.

Clemens Berger, President of Louisenthal, highlighted: “RollingStar Venus is a technological leap in banknote security. “Nanotechnology allows us to create dynamic effects that are not only visually appealing, but also ensure the authenticity of the banknote in the long term.”

It is essential that central banks can offer banknotes whose authenticity is easy to verify on a day-to-day basis. Dynamic optical effects, vibrant colors and visible security are key pillars to fulfill this responsibility.

During the Global Currency Forum, G+D exhibited two samples that illustrate these innovative effects. One of them features a hummingbird in flight where a floral motif changes from green to red depending on the viewing angle (ColorFlip effect). The second sample portrays a pianist playing, with the thread alternately showing the number “100” and a musical note (MotifFlip effect), highlighting orange colors on a purple background, creating a striking visual impact.