NCCO International In today’s health-conscious and compliance-driven marketplace, choosing the right materials for your business matters more than ever. This is especially when it comes to thermal receipt paper.
Used in point-of-sale (POS) systems across the foodservice and retail industries, thermal paper is treated with chemicals that allow printing without ink. Many traditional thermal papers contain Bisphenol A (BPA), which is a chemical that has raised serious health concerns.
With growing awareness around safer, more sustainable printing materials, many businesses are now making the switch to BPA-free thermal paper rolls to support food safety initiatives, meet customer expectations, and align with regulations like California Proposition 65.
Here’s how you can confidently determine whether your thermal paper is BPA-free and why it’s so important.
How to Tell If Thermal Paper Products are BPA-Free
1. Check the Packaging for BPA-Free or Phenol-Free Claims
Start by inspecting the product label or box. Reputable brands will clearly state if the thermal paper is BPA-free, phenol-free, or BPS-free. Look for phrases like:
- “BPA-Free Receipt Paper”
- “Phenol-Free Thermal Paper”
- “Free from BPA and BPS”
If the packaging does not provide this information, it’s a red flag. Transparent manufacturers make this claim prominent because it’s a key differentiator in today’s safety-first environment.
2. Ask for a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
If you’re unsure about the chemical makeup of your thermal paper, request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from your supplier. This document should detail the substances used in the coating. BPA will appear on the MSDS if present, as it is considered a chemical of concern.
You can also ask your supplier directly: “Is this thermal paper BPA-free or phenol-free?” A reliable vendor should be able to provide a straightforward, well-documented answer.
3. Understand the Difference Between BPA-Free and Phenol-Free
It’s important to note that BPA-free doesn’t always mean completely free of phenols. Some manufacturers replace BPA with Bisphenol S (BPS), which is still a phenol compound. If you’re looking to avoid phenols altogether, look for products labeled phenol-free, meaning they contain neither BPA nor BPS.
Phenol-free thermal paper is a great choice for businesses prioritizing the highest safety standards – especially those in foodservice where paper often comes in contact with gloves, hands, or food packaging.
Take a look at NCCO’s phenol-free paper options here
4. Buy from Transparent, Reputable Suppliers
The easiest and most reliable way to ensure you’re using safe thermal paper is to source it from vendors known for their transparency and commitment to safety. Look for companies that make clear claims about BPA and phenol content, and that provide up-to-date documentation on request.
For example, NCCO offers a wide range of BPA-free thermal paper rolls, including phenol-free options. All NCCO thermal paper is BPA-free by default, helping you stay compliant and customer-conscious.
Learn more about phenol regulations and trends
US Compliance Considerations
Though the FDA does not currently ban BPA in thermal paper, many businesses have proactively moved away from it to reduce risk and align with safer practices. California’s Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings for products containing chemicals like BPA that are known to cause cancer or reproductive harm, putting additional compliance pressure on retailers and foodservice operators.
Even without a federal ban, more consumers and businesses are demanding safer alternatives, making this a smart shift for both legal and brand reasons.
Thermal Paper Options
Identifying BPA-free thermal paper doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Check for BPA-free or phenol-free labeling
- Ask for an MSDS from your supplier
- Know the difference between BPA-free and truly phenol-free
- Use visual/touch clues as a supplement, not a primary method
- Choose trusted suppliers
Investing in BPA-free or phenol-free thermal paper positions your business as a responsible, forward-thinking operation in a compliance-conscious marketplace.