Lesotho’s Green Banknote:
Lesotho, a small mountainous kingdom in Southern Africa, has always prided itself on its rich cultural heritage and commitment to sustainability. No wonder that in the summer 2023, in commemoration of the 60th birthday of His Majesty King Letsie III, the Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) unveiled a landmark in its currency history — the nation’s first Green Banknote. This significant release not only celebrates the King’s anniversary but also underscores Lesotho’s dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The 200 maloti note, the highest denomination in Lesotho’s currency, was chosen for this special edition. The regular note, which features three members of the royal family, has been redesigned to prominently display the portrait of King Letsie III., wearing a traditional “Basotho blanket”, a heritage garment, steeped in meaning, tradition, and history. Known for his passion for agriculture and the environment, King Letsie III’s image on the banknote symbolizes his commitment to these causes. This redesigned note aligns perfectly with the Kingdom's sustainability goals, incorporating materials and technologies that reduce environmental impact.
The First Banknote to Hold the "Cotton Made in Africa" Certification
The introduction of the Green Banknote marks a significant step towards sustainability in Lesotho's cash cycle. The new 200 maloti note is made from sustainable, renewable regional sources, including cotton sourced from the "Cotton Made in Africa" initiative. A raw material not only environmentally friendly but also supporting regional agriculture, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional banknote production. Additionally, the substrate used in the banknote is a „greener version“ of Louisenthal’s Hybrid ADDvance®, comprising 75% Cotton Made in Africa and 25% FSC®-certified wood pulp. This makes it the first banknote globally to hold the Cotton Made in Africa certification.
Innovative security features have also been integrated into the Green Banknote: the note boasts a 4mm dynamic RollingStar® i+ 'Moon' thread on the reverse side, which displays perfectly aligned circles in an alternating pumping sequence when tilted, along with a color shift from magenta to green. This thread, made with 70% recycled PET, ensures the note’s security while promoting sustainability. “Moving motifs and the eye-catching color shift immediately captivate the user of the banknote and raise its security to a higher level,” says Clemens Berger, chairman of Louisenthal’s management board. “As a banknote is the calling card of its country and its central bank, your possibilities to design this banknote also reach a new level.”
RollingStar® i+
RollingStar® i+
Additionally, the Mokorotlo, a traditional Basotho conical hat, is featured in SPARK Flow® Dimension, showing numerals ‘60’ and ‘200’ for the King’s birthday and the denomination respectively. The front of the note, showcasing King Letsie III, includes other cultural elements such as the national coat of arms, while the watermark features a portrait of King Morena Moshoeshoe I, the first King of Lesotho. The use of mineral-oil-free inks for printing further enhances the note’s eco-friendly profile.
The Central Bank of Lesotho decision to order enough banknotes to let them circulate in the country – instead of holding them back for collectors only –represents a significant shift from the traditional issuance of commemorative coins. A move that ensures that the Green Banknote reaches a wide audience, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in everyday financial transactions.
An Award That is a Testament to Integrating Sustainability
In recognition of its groundbreaking design and sustainability features, the Lesotho Green Banknote was awarded the prestigious "Regional Banknote of the Year" award, highlighting its innovative approach and significant impact on promoting environmental sustainability within the currency industry. Thanks to its sustainable materials and durability, this “green” banknote has the lowest lifecycle carbon footprint of any note on the market. “This award is a testament to Lesotho’s leadership in integrating sustainability into national symbols of value and pride,” says Ulrich Rebele, regional Sales Director (EMEA).
Further Reading
RollingStar® i+ Security Thread
With RollingStar i+ we have taken the visual impact and design possibilities for banknotes to a new level. Simple and fast authentication, outstanding visibility even in unfavourable lighting conditions and cutting-edge dynamics are among the highlights of RollingStar i+.
Hybrid ADDvance® and Hybrid™
Confidence in banknotes is getting more sustainable. Our innovative substrate Hybrid ADDvance combines the best of cotton and polymer solutions for banknotes: uncompromising safety, high durability and sustainability through minimal use of plastic.
The Green Banknote Initiative
Our award-winning solution for greater sustainability is the Green Banknote — a Hybrid ADDvance banknote with the lowest carbon footprint but with no compromise on durability and security.