BBC News:

Plastic banknotes that can survive a spin in the washing machine are to be brought into circulation by the Bank of England in 2016.

The Bank argues that the polymer notes stay cleaner and are more secure than cotton paper notes, which have been used for more than 100 years.

The polymer notes are cheaper to make, and said to be more durable:

The Bank has said that these notes last for 2.5 times longer than paper banknotes. They will survive a spin in the washing machine, but will still melt under extreme heat such as an iron.

Presumably, they will hold up to the high heat of a clothes dryer.

The first example of the new currency will be a £5 note featuring Sir Winston Churchill. Next up, a £10 note featuring Jane Austen. The folks who make ATMs will have some retooling to do.

Related: An illustrated history of American money design.