Damon Mcknight
In 2016, it was revealed that Australian banknotes contain animal fat in the form of tallow, a substance often made from beef and mutton byproducts. Tallow is used in the plastics industry as a 'slipping agent' to make the notes stay slippery. This revelation sparked controversy, particularly among vegan, vegetarian, and religious groups, with some calling for the removal of animal products from currency. However, Australian animal rights groups have generally considered this a fringe issue, focusing instead on broader concerns about animal exploitation and welfare.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animal fat content | Tallow, a substance containing animal fat, is present in Australian currency. |
| Source of tallow | Tallow is derived from the kidneys and loins of cows, sheep, and horses. |
| Amount of tallow | The amount of tallow in each note is minuscule or tiny, with the animal part comprising less than 1% of the total weight. |
| Supplier | Innovia Films supplies the polymer plastic used in Australian currency, which contains tallow. |
| Impact on vegans and vegetarians | The presence of animal fat in Australian currency has raised concerns among vegans and vegetarians, who consider it unacceptable. |
| Religious concerns | The use of animal products in currency has sparked concerns among Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain groups, as it conflicts with their beliefs in non-violence and respect for animal welfare. |
| Alternatives | The Bank of England is investigating plant-based alternatives to tallow, including coconut oil and palm oil. |
| Halal concerns | It is unclear if the cows used for tallow were slaughtered according to halal practices. |
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What You'll Learn
Australian banknotes contain animal fat
The use of tallow in Australian banknotes was revealed in 2016, following the announcement of the new five-pound note in the United Kingdom, which also contained traces of animal fat. The Bank of England confirmed that the polymer plastic used in the notes, supplied by Innovia Films, included tallow. Innovia Films also supplies material for polymer money in other countries, including Australia.
Patricia Potts, a spokeswoman for Innovia Films, stated that the presence of tallow was unintentional, and the company would never "knowingly add any animal ingredients into our products." She also noted that they were working to eliminate the use of tallow but that it would take time. The Reserve Bank of Australia similarly acknowledged the use of "miniscule" amounts of tallow in the printing of Australian banknotes.
The revelation sparked petitions and protests, particularly in the UK, where over 100,000 people signed a petition calling for the removal of animal products from the new polymer notes. While some Australian vegans and religious groups shared similar concerns, most Australian animal rights organizations, such as Vegans Australia and Vegan Society NSW, prioritized focusing on broader issues of animal exploitation. PETA Australia's Associate Director of Campaigns, Ashley Fruno, emphasized the importance of voting with wallets and supporting industries that are kind to animals and the environment.
The presence of animal fat in Australian banknotes highlights a global shift from paper to polymer cash. Central banks have adopted polymer currency due to its durability, resistance to dirt, and enhanced security features that deter counterfeiting. However, the use of animal-derived products in the production of money has become a contentious issue for certain individuals and communities, leading to discussions about alternative plant-based options.
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Tallow is a common product used in household goods
Australian currency contains traces of tallow, a substance derived from animal fat. Tallow is a waxy white fat typically made from the kidneys and loins of cows, sheep, and horses. It is used in a variety of household goods, including soaps and candles.
Tallow is a common product with a wide range of applications. It is often used in cooking due to its high smoke point, which prevents it from breaking down into harmful compounds at high temperatures. It is ideal for frying, roasting, and sautéing, and it adds a rich flavor to meat, eggs, potatoes, and baked goods. Tallow is also used as a base for making candles and soaps and is an ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products, such as deodorant, lotion, and lipstick. Its composition is similar to the natural fats found in human skin, making it an effective moisturizer and emollient.
In addition to its use in household goods, tallow has industrial applications. It is used as a lubricant, in the textile industry, as biofuel, and even as aviation fuel. Tallow is also used in animal feed, as a flux for soldering, and in printmaking.
The use of tallow in Australian currency has sparked controversy, particularly among vegans, vegetarians, and certain religious groups who find it unacceptable. Petitions have been signed, calling for the removal of animal products from the production of currency. However, central banks have been switching to polymer cash because it is more durable, resistant to dirt, and allows for enhanced security features.
While the presence of tallow in Australian money has been a concern for some, it is important to note that the amount of tallow in each note is very small. The focus has been on ensuring that the tallow used does not go to waste and is sourced ethically, promoting a healthier ecosystem and supporting animal welfare.
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The use of animal products concerns religious groups
Australian banknotes contain animal fat in the form of tallow, a substance derived from animal fat, typically made from the kidneys and loins of cows, sheep, and horses. This revelation has sparked concerns among religious groups, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and certain minority religious groups.
The use of animal products in currency is seen as unacceptable and disrespectful to these religious communities. For Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, the presence of animal fat in money is particularly concerning as it goes against their dietary restrictions and religious beliefs that forbid the consumption of beef and certain animal products. Some members of these religious groups have even threatened to boycott using the notes or resort to using coins and credit cards to avoid handling money with animal fat.
The issue is further exacerbated by the fact that banknotes are often used as offerings or donations in religious temples, making it a sensitive matter for these communities. Additionally, there are concerns about whether the animals used for tallow were slaughtered in accordance with halal practices, as some Senate crossbenchers in Australia have expressed interest in halal certification. Innovia Films, the company that supplies the polymer plastic used in currency, has declined to comment on the source of tallow and whether halal practices were followed.
While there have been petitions and protests in the United Kingdom calling for the removal of animal products from currency, with over 100,000 signatures, similar protests in Australia have been less prominent. Australian animal rights groups and vegans have generally focused on broader issues, such as not killing animals and voting with their wallets to support industries that are kind to animals and the environment. However, the use of animal products in Australian currency remains a concern for religious groups, even if it is a relatively small amount of tallow in each note.
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The Bank of England faced protests over animal fat in £5 notes
In 2016, the Bank of England faced protests over the inclusion of animal fat in its new £5 notes. The new notes, made from polymer, were found to contain traces of tallow, a substance derived from animal fat. This revelation sparked immediate backlash from vegetarians and vegans, with some calling on the central bank to stop using animal products in its currency. An online petition, started by Doug Maw, quickly garnered over 90,000 signatures. The petition highlighted that the use of animal fat was unacceptable to millions of people in the UK, including vegans, vegetarians, and those following certain religious beliefs, such as Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains.
The presence of tallow in the £5 notes came to light after the Bank of England responded to a tweet enquiring about the use of tallow in the new notes. In their response, the Bank confirmed that there was a trace of tallow in the polymer pallets used in the base substrate of the notes. This admission led to widespread criticism and sparked discussions about the use of animal products in currency.
The supplier of the polymer plastic used in the £5 notes, Innovia Films, also supplied material to 23 other countries, including Canada and Australia. A spokeswoman for Innovia Films, Patricia Potts, confirmed that tallow was used to make the material more anti-static. However, she stated that the company would never knowingly add any animal ingredients to their products.
The Bank of England's decision to continue using polymer in its currency faced further criticism from vegan groups, who branded it as "disgraceful." The Bank launched a public consultation to consider alternatives, such as palm oil, but ultimately decided to stick to polymer due to the cost and environmental concerns associated with switching to palm oil. The central bank concluded that the use of polymer banknotes offered more robust security features and longer durability compared to paper cash.
The controversy over the use of animal fat in the £5 notes highlighted the intersection of currency, ethics, and cultural beliefs. It prompted similar inquiries in other countries, including Australia, where it was confirmed that their bills also contained animal fat, sparking discussions about the viability of alternative options.
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Australian vegans say UK banknote protests are off the mark
Australian currency has contained animal fat for over 20 years, but the issue has not sparked much protest in the country. In 2016, it was revealed that new £5 notes in the UK also contained animal fat in the form of tallow, prompting an outcry from UK vegans, vegetarians, and religious groups. Over 100,000 people signed a petition calling for the Bank of England to remove the animal product from the new notes.
While some Australian vegans and vegetarians shared similar concerns, most Australian animal rights groups did not support any protest. They considered it a fringe issue and preferred to focus on broader goals, such as working towards a world where animals are not exploited. PETA Australia's Associate Director of Campaigns, Ashley Fruno, advised people to "vote with their wallets" and support only industries that are kind to animals and the environment.
The use of animal products in Australian currency has also raised concerns among religious groups, including Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist Australians. The presence of animal products in banknotes is especially sensitive given that notes are used as offerings or donations in religious temples. However, some have noted that, for most people, the presence of animal products in currency is not a significant concern, and they will continue to use it as they have no other option.
The polymer plastic used in Australian and UK banknotes is supplied by Innovia Films, which confirmed that a supplier used tallow to make the material more anti-static. Innovia Films supplies material to 23 other countries, and while it is not confirmed, a representative said it would be a "fair assessment" that these countries' notes also contain animal fat. Tallow is commonly used in the plastics industry as a "slipping agent" to make products more slippery.
While there may be a small amount of tallow in each banknote, Australian vegans argue that the UK protests are off the mark. They believe that the best way to help animals is to avoid supporting industries that harm them and the environment, rather than focusing on the presence of animal byproducts in currency.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australian money contains animal fat in the form of tallow, a substance often made from beef and mutton byproducts.
The amount of animal fat in Australian money is minimal, with the animal part making up less than one percent of the total weight.
Animal fat is used in the plastics industry as a "slipping agent", helping to make the notes more slippery and durable.
