The Bank of England said on Wednesday it would keep using trace amounts of animal fat to make new plastic banknotes, as it would cost about 80 million pounds to switch back to paper and resolve vegetarians' and religious groups' concerns.
More than 130,000 people signed an online petition last year calling on the BoE to stop using animal products in banknotes, after it emerged that small amounts of tallow - which comes from cows and sheep - were used in its first plastic five pound note.
The central bank said it was testing alternatives such as palm or coconut oil, and plans to delay signing contracts for its first plastic 20 pound note, due in 2020, until it is clear whether a fully fat-free option is viable.
