Amid objections, the Bank of England has decided to continue using its new notes that contain traces of tallow made from animal fat. Vegetarians and religious groups, including Hindus have raised their objection over the new notes.
According to reports, the central bank had launched a public consultation on the material following protests, including by Hindu groups – some of whom had banned the new notes from UK temples.
However, its report into the consultation has concluded that alternatives to the polymer notes, such as palm oil, were not viable and also more expensive.
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According to a report in India Times, the bank in a statement said that the use of palm oil raises questions about environmental sustainability and is also expensive. The additional cost of switching to a new type of production would rise to about 16.5 million pounds over the next 10 years, according to the Bank of England.
The decision means that future production of the polymer 5-pound notes and 10-pound notes this year, as well as the 20 pounds to be launched in 2020, will remain unchanged.
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Around 3,554 people had responded to its consultation, of which 88 per cent were against the use of animal-derived additives and 48 per cent were against the use of palm oilderived additives.
According to the report, plastic containing animal fat is also used in debit and credit cards, mobile phones, cosmetics, soaps, household detergent bottles and car parts.
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