SPS managing director Jim Crowther said Curtis' move into administration was a "production blip" and would not impact on production.

However, he said he did not know if the future production of the paper would stay with a manufacturer in the UK.

He added that the grade has had interest from a major high street retailer and the company had received an order in Europe for a print run of 1m.

Based in County Durham, the specialist trade printer said the paper uses holograms, microscopic writing and invisible ink. It also includes patented technology.

The paper is said to prevent fraudsters from creating counterfeit documents.

SPS was set up in 1982 and specialises in the research, development and manufacture of advanced security print that aims to deter and prevent counterfeit and alteration fraud.