The Pros and Cons of BPA-Free Thermal Paper

First, let's understand the structure of thermal paper. Thermal paper is typically composed of multiple layers. The base layer, which determines the paper's strength, sits at the bottom. Above it is the thermal insulation layer, which acts as a barrier against impurities and heat. Next comes the thermal coating—the crucial layer responsible for producing images and text when heated. The topmost layer is the protective coating, designed to enhance durability and provide resistance to oil, water, and scratches, though the effectiveness of this layer may vary.

The focus here is on the thermal coating layer:

1. BPA Thermal Coating (Conventional):
Contains bisphenol A (BPA) and is commonly used in products like cash register receipts. It offers fast color development and high sensitivity. While it is the most affordable option, it is unsuitable for frequent skin contact or food-related applications.

2. Conventional BPA-Free Thermal Coating:
Typically uses alternatives like BPS or phenol-free substitutes. It is environmentally friendly and safe, though color development is slightly slower compared to conventional coatings. While priced higher, it offers safer contact and better compliance, making it suitable for humid environments, food service, and takeout applications.

3. Fully Bisphenol-Free Thermal Paper:
This is a newer type of thermal paper that relies on physical color development. Its higher cost is justified by the complete absence of bisphenol-based coatings, making it the most environmentally friendly option.

Advantages:

Free of bisphenol A, making it safer than conventional products. It effectively reduces long-term health risks associated with frequent contact with thermal paper rolls, making it ideal for high-frequency use in settings like retail, food service, and healthcare. Additionally, it meets regulatory requirements for markets such as the EU, Singapore, and Japan.

Disadvantages:

Compared to conventional thermal paper, the cost of coatings results in higher product prices. The storage stability under strong light varies among different types of BPA-free thermal papers. It is also important to note that "BPA-free" only means the absence of bisphenol A—other substances like BPS may still be present.