NCCO International As more states adopt new safety regulations and major retailers shift to safer alternatives, phenol-free receipt paper rolls are becoming an essential addition to every distributor’s POS product lineup. While traditional register rolls still have a place in many operations, it’s clear that demand is growing for options that prioritize health, safety, and sustainability, especially in light of upcoming legislation in states like Washington.
This blog highlights what distributors and brokers need to know now, and why preparing your customers for a phenol-free thermal paper solution is a smart move for compliance and customer care.
The Growing Need for Safe POS Thermal Paper Rolls
States are tightening regulations around chemicals like BPA and BPS, both commonly used in standard thermal paper. One of the most impactful new laws is Washington State’s WAC 173-337, which goes into effect on January 1, 2026 and will prohibit the sale of thermal paper containing more than 200 parts per million of bisphenols.
This follows similar regulatory efforts such as California’s Proposition 65, which already requires labeling for products containing BPS. California requires retailers to provide warnings to their customers if thermal receipts contain BPS, and many have already received violations, including fines, for not being aware of this.
Learn more about these regulations in our comprehensive guide: Navigating Prop 65 and Phenol-Free Regulations
Why Distributors Should Pay Attention
If you’re serving customers in Washington, or have clients operating across multiple states now, is the time to consider adding phenol-free POS thermal paper rolls to your offering.
This isn’t about replacing existing products. It’s about supplementing your current register roll inventory with a solution that helps your customers stay ahead of evolving regulations and meet growing consumer expectations.
In fact, several national retailers have already made the shift:
Walgreens has committed to phenol-free receipts across all 9,000+ U.S. locations, while Best Buy, Target, Whole Foods, REI, Costco, and TJX Companies have taken similar steps, according to Toxic-Free Future.
This momentum is not just retail-driven many national accounts in foodservice and hospitality are exploring phenol-free options right now.
What Makes NCCO’s Phenol-Free Register Rolls Different?
Our Phenol-Free Thermal Roll offers the high performance you expect from NCCO with a modern, responsible edge.
Key Features:
- No BPA, BPS, or other intentionally added phenols
- Compliant with current and upcoming legislation in WA, CA, NJ, NY, ME, and others
- No “Prop 65” warning for customers needed
- Made with sustainably sourced paper, FSC- and SFI-certified
- Bright-white prints with 10-year image life
- Manufactured in the USA for reliable supply chain access
Curious about BPA-free labeling and what to look for? Check out our guide to identifying BPA-Free Thermal Paper
Offer Safer Options to Your Customers
The bottom line: Distributors, brokers, and operators should be preparing now for a transition that’s already underway. Whether it’s for compliance in states like Washington or to meet expectations from national accounts and conscientious customers, having phenol-free receipt paper rolls in your product mix shows your operation is forward-thinking and customer-first.