The Surprising Benefits & Pitfalls of BPA-Free Thermal Paper Rolls

What is BPA? Why is there BPA in thermal paper? Does the BPA in thermal paper have significant health effects? What are the advantages of a BPA-free thermal paper roll? Next, this article will answer your questions about BPA.

What is BPA?

The full name of BPA is bisphenol A（Bisphenol A）, a chemical substance widely used in producing plastic products and resins. For example, beverage containers, plastic packaging, tableware, thermos cups, water pipes, etc. It is also often used in thermal paper, electronic products, auto parts, and other fields.

Why is there BPA in thermal paper?

BPA is traditionally used as a coating because it provides stability and heat resistance while providing a thermal image. These properties ensure thermal paper can safely change color without causing a fire when heated. It also means the receipt printer doesn't require ink, allowing for faster printing and fewer printer parts that can get damaged. The print quality of this type of receipt paper is generally higher than other options, with minimal bleeding and deep blacks for high legibility.

Does the BPA in thermal paper have significant health effects?

There is much debate about the health effects of BPA in receipt paper. Some people are understandably concerned about this chemical, as it is an endocrine disruptor that massively interferes with the function of the body's natural hormones. Infants most at risk for BPA exposure are more sensitive to the chemical. Many countries and regions have taken steps to regulate and restrict the use of BPA, especially in food and beverage containers. Some countries have banned the use of BPA in baby products.

However, some studies have shown that bisphenol A in thermal paper is not a risk factor for human cancer. According to a study published by Springer-Verlag, people who handled receipt paper for 10 hours a day were exposed to an average of 71 micrograms of BPA per day. This level is 42 times lower than the Tolerated Daily Intake (TDI), the estimated amount of BPA a person can be exposed to daily during a lifetime without posing a significant health risk. This study focused on people who use receipt paper extremely frequently, so most people's exposure to BPA from receipt paper is much lower. However, people who handle thermal paper throughout their workday are unlikely to be exposed to toxic levels of BPA.

What are the advantages of a BPA-free thermal paper roll?

1. BPA-free thermal paper does not contain bisphenol A and can avoid this toxic substance.
2. BPA-free thermal paper is usually made of renewable and degradable materials to protect the environment and save resource consumption.
3. BPA-free thermal paper has high safety performance and can provide safe contact materials when in contact with food, beverages, and other products.
4. BPA-free thermal paper can provide clear printing effects, and printed patterns and text can be stored longer.

BPA-free thermal paper can protect human health, reduce negative environmental impacts, and provide good printing results. It is a safer and more environmentally friendly option. Every business owner will have different preferences regarding receipt paper type. If concerns about BPA have you worried about your next purchase, talk to our experts about urea-based alternatives. On the other hand, if you're looking for a receipt printing solution that's cost-effective and less likely to cause serious health problems, then using a standard paper type may be your best option.

Contact our live chat experts if you have questions about receipt paper solutions. We'll be happy to provide you with the answers you need.