Polymer substrates play an increasingly important role in the production of ID documents. However, using polymer also throws up a number of complications. How, for example, can polymer be combined with conventional security features? What, for that matter, are the data storage and personalisation options? To address these issues, a unique seminar was held in Lisbon between 9 and 11 March 2005. René van Eert reports on the importance of gathering information through bilateral networking. He also points to a possible area for cooperation between the private and public sectors.