Our services
EUROPAFI – Laboratory expertise and pilot machines
With over 20 years of experience in assessing the quality of euro banknotes, including for foreign markets with particularly demanding circulation conditions, EUROPAFI offers the banknote industry state-of-the-art characterisation and quality testing procedures.
EUROPAFI has solid expertise in the characterisation of various types of products, ranging from standard banknote paper to the most innovative materials. It also specialises in conducting artificial ageing tests on banknotes, simulating the stresses encountered when they are put into circulation.
Laboratory and pilot equipment
Thanks to its high-performance analysis tools and pilot plants, EUROPAFI can assist you at every stage of your project development, from the selection of raw materials to the functional validation of the concept. This approach is part of a comprehensive project that integrates innovation, security and reliability.
With cutting-edge expertise in a wide range of fields, from the insertion of security threads to new inks, EUROPAFI is your partner for innovation and the implementation of tailored solutions.
- 1 laboratory manager,
- 3 technicians: production line support and pilot machine operation,
- 4 laboratory assistants: specialised in banknote characterisation, from banknote paper to the final product.
Technical capabilities and commissioning
The laboratory's technical capabilities allow for a wide range of tests and experimental manufacturing processes to be carried out :
- Standard physical and chemical tests,
- Advanced characterisation: DSC, SEM, FTIR,
- Pilot paper machine and associated equipment,
- Commissioning of prototypes and validation of innovative concepts.
Applications and feasibility studies
The services offered by EUROPAFI go beyond simple quality control. They cover :
- Testing of new banknote series,
- Quality control in compliance with ISO and euro standards,
- Validation of innovative concepts in security features,
- Feasibility studies associated with the development of new banknote products,
- Optimisation of the manufacturing process before moving to industrial scale.
Thanks to its pilot machines and holistic approach, EUROPAFI offers security printers and central banks a comprehensive service, from initial research to final validation, guaranteeing security, performance and innovation.
EUROPAFI – Combating counterfeiting
EUROPAFI's Counterfeit Research Centre (CRC) is an internationally recognised authority in the field of counterfeit prevention.
Established over 30 years ago, this centre of expertise covers all activities related to counterfeiting: from analysing counterfeit banknotes detected in circulation to testing the resistance of all banknotes to counterfeiting. All members of staff have solid experience in graphic arts, with expertise in both traditional and digital reproduction processes.
Counterfeit banknote : analysis and detection
Our counterfeit banknote analysis experts have in-depth knowledge of the reproduction techniques used in circulation. Their mission is to extract as much relevant information as possible in order to assist the forces of law in their investigations and contribute to the security of the currency.
Through the constant monitoring of the market and experimentation with new materials and equipment, 0our "in-house counterfeiters" are able to produce realistic counterfeits at amateur, semi-professional and professional levels. This technological advantage allows us to anticipate the methods used by counterfeiters.
Where is the paper for banknotes manufactured ?
Banknote paper is produced in specialised facilities that are subject to extremely strict security and quality standards. As a subsidiary of the Banque de France, EUROPAFI participates in this essential mission by ensuring that the paper meets durability and security requirements.
A state-of-the-art laboratory for innovation
The CRC has a wide range of printers, scanners and commercial presses, which are regularly updated, covering most reproduction technologies.
- Training and assistance for the forces of law
- Production of counterfeit banknotes using specifications for the calibration of banknote recycling machines,
- Monitoring counterfeiters' activities on the dark web and social media,
- Recommendations for optimal integration of security features.
Our staff are between 6 months to 2 years ahead of actual counterfeiters in identifying new reproduction techniques.
Banknote paper and security features
Banknote paper plays an essential role in the fight against counterfeiting. Its composition and characteristics allow for the integration of sophisticated security features that are difficult to reproduce. CRC experts assist banknote printers and monetary institutions in selecting and optimising these features.
What is banknote paper ?
Banknote paper differs from conventional paper in its composition and the security features incorporated into it. These specific characteristics make it unique and difficult to imitate, thus constituting an essential barrier against counterfeit products.
Our main activities
- Counterfeit resistance testing on complete banknotes/security products
- Resistance testing on individual security features,
- Recommendations for integration to optimise the effectiveness of security features,
- Assistance in setting up analysis centres (training in the identification of printing processes, technical classification methodology, etc.),
- Characterisation of counterfeit products to better understand the reproduction processes.