BPA and BPS in Thermal Receipt Paper: What You Need to Know

In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the unexplored areas of BPA, BPS, and thermal paper, tracing their origins, examining their impacts, and exploring potential replacements.

What are BPA, BPS, and Phenol-Free in Thermal Paper?

What is BPA?

Bisphenol A Source: wikipedia.org

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical primarily used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It has been employed since the 1950s and is found in a variety of consumer products, including water bottles, food containers, and metal cans.

BPA works as a color developer in thermal paper Source: ecocenter.org

In thermal paper, BPA functions as a color developer that reacts with colorless dyes when heat is applied, causing them to turn dark and produce the printed image. BPA is favored for this application because it is an effective developer and relatively inexpensive.

However, BPA can be absorbed into the body through the skin. The chemicals have been shown to be hazardous to reproductive systems in humans and animals and are linked with obesity and attention disorders. For example, workers who frequently handle thermal receipts, such as cashiers, may be at higher risk of BPA exposure through skin absorption. Young children may also be exposed to BPA through hand-to-mouth behaviors after handling receipts.

What is BPS?

Bisphenol S Source: wikipedia.org

Bisphenol S (BPS) can be considered a brother of BPA. It is a chemical compound structurally similar to Bisphenol A (BPA) and is increasingly being used as a substitute for BPA in various applications, including thermal paper for receipts and other printed materials.

BPS has been adopted as a replacement for BPA in thermal paper due to concerns over the potential health effects of BPA. However, studies have shown that BPS may also exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties and potentially harmful effects on reproductive systems, brain development, and immune function, similar to BPA.

What is Phenol-Free?

Phenol-free thermal paper, also called non-phenol paper, as the name suggests, is produced without BPA, BPS, BPF, or any other phenol substances in its coating formula. Instead of using traditional bisphenols as color developers, this type of phenol-free paper uses replacement color developers that can still produce black images when exposed to heat, but with much better safety.

What Are The Differences Between BPA-, BPS-, and Phenol-Free Thermal Paper?

You may find various thermal paper products labeled BPA-free, BPS-free, or phenol-free on the market. Are you confused about them? Below are the quick distinctions.

• BPA-Free Thermal Paper: Removes Bisphenol A, but manufacturers may replace it with Bisphenol S (BPS) or BPF in the coating formulation.
• BPS-Free Thermal Paper: Bisphenol S is absent, but manufacturers may still use BPA, BPF, or other phenol-based compounds as color developers.
• Phenol-Free Thermal Paper: Completely eliminates all phenol and bisphenol compounds (including BPA, BPS, and BPF), offering the highest level of safety for humans and recycling streams.

What Are the Health Risks of BPA and BPS in Thermal Paper?

Both BPA and BPS are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormonal systems. Here are some of the key health risks associated with exposure to BPA and BPS, particularly through thermal paper:

1. Hormonal Disruption: BPA and BPS can mimic estrogen, a hormone that regulates many processes in the body. This mimicry can lead to imbalances and disruptions in hormone-dependent processes, affecting reproductive health and development.
2. Developmental Effects: In utero exposure to BPA can affect fetal development, potentially leading to behavioral changes, altered brain development, and increased risk of developmental disorders. Although less studied than BPA, BPS is believed to have similar effects on reproductive health and fetal development, potentially leading to issues such as altered reproductive organ development and reduced fertility.
3. Cancer Risk: There is some evidence to suggest that BPA exposure may increase the risk of certain cancers, particularly breast and prostate cancer, due to its estrogen-like activity.
4. Environmental Impact: BPA and BPS from thermal paper can leach into water bodies and soil through landfill runoff, wastewater, and improper disposal of receipts and paper products. They are relatively persistent in the environment and do not readily degrade. This persistence increases the likelihood of long-term environmental contamination.

The Regulations and Laws on BPA & BPS in Thermal Paper

To address these health concerns, many countries and regions have implemented or proposed regulations and laws to phase out or restrict the use of BPA, BPS, and other phenol substances in thermal paper.

In the United States, several states, including Connecticut, Minnesota, and Washington, have enacted laws prohibiting the sale and distribution of BPA-containing thermal paper, with phase-out dates ranging from 2023 to 2026. In California, Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, which includes BPA.

In the EU, under the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation, the EU has enforced a ban on BPA in thermal paper since January 2020, limiting BPA content to 0.02% by weight, effectively banning its use.

How Can You Avoid BPA and BPS in Thermal Paper?

To protect yourself from potential exposure to BPA in thermal paper, on a broader scale, consider these actions:

1. Opt for Digital Receipts: Decline paper receipts for transactions that don’t require them. Opt for digital receipts when possible, or choose to receive receipts via email or text message instead of paper receipts. Take photos or use mobile apps that can store digital copies of receipts, helping to avoid the need for physical copies altogether.
2. Minimize Contact: Reduce unnecessary handling of thermal paper receipts.
3. Handle with Care: When handling thermal paper, avoid prolonged contact and try not to touch your mouth, nose, or food immediately afterward. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling receipts, especially before eating.
4. Use Gloves: If you work in an industry where handling thermal paper is unavoidable, consider wearing gloves to minimize direct skin contact.
5. Choose Phenol-Free Options: Look for thermal paper products labeled as BPA-free and BPS-free. While this labeling isn’t common, some manufacturers may provide this information on their packaging or websites.
6. Be Informed: Stay informed about the latest research on BPA and thermal paper. Keep an eye out for any new developments or regulations regarding BPA use in consumer products.

By adopting these strategies, you can significantly reduce your exposure to BPA and BPS from thermal paper, contributing to better personal health and environmental safety.

How Can You Tell if Thermal Paper Is BPA- or BPS-Free?

Determining whether thermal paper is BPA- or BPS-free can be challenging because the chemical composition is not always clearly labeled. However, here are some tips to help you determine whether thermal paper likely contains BPA or BPS.

Thermal paper heat exposure test

1. Heat Exposure Test

Use a lighter, candle, or similar heat source and hold the thermal paper over it for 2-3 seconds. Thermal paper containing BPA usually turns black when exposed to heat, while BPA-free thermal paper typically turns blackish-green. While this method is less reliable and can damage the paper, it can sometimes provide a quick indication.

2. Contact the Manufacturer

The most reliable method is to check the information provided by the thermal paper manufacturer or supplier. You can even ask for a thermal paper certificate or a specification sheet from them.

3. Check the Packaging or Label

Some manufacturers may label their thermal paper as “BPA-free,” “Phenol-free,” or “free from BPA and BPS,” or use similar wording on the packaging. Look for any statements or symbols on the packaging that indicate the paper does not contain BPA or BPS.

4. Lab Test

This is the most reliable and recommended way to check if thermal paper contains BPA and BPS. You can send your thermal paper samples to a lab test service, such as SGS. They can conduct a test on your samples to detect whether BPA or BPS is contained within.

5. Industry Trends

Be aware of the trends in the industry and region. For example, in the European Union, there are regulations limiting the use of BPA in thermal paper, making it more likely that thermal paper used in these countries is BPA-free. Awareness of such regulations can give you an indication of the likelihood of BPA presence in thermal paper.

Make the Switch to Panda Paper Roll’s Safer Thermal Paper

At Panda Paper Roll, we are committed to producing high-quality thermal paper that prioritizes both human health and environmental sustainability. Utilizing advanced coating technology, we manufacture thermal paper without the use of BPA or BPS. Our innovative approach ensures that we deliver superior thermal paper while maintaining our responsibility to protect the environment.

Panda Paper Roll stands at the forefront of the industry, balancing excellence in product performance with a dedication to safety and ecological preservation. If you are looking to order Panda Paper Roll’s safety thermal paper products, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

FAQs about BPA and BPS in Thermal Paper

1. What are BPA and BPS in thermal paper?
BPA (bisphenol A) and BPS (bisphenol S) are synthetic chemicals used in the production of plastics as well as thermal paper products. They work as color developers in thermal paper, reacting with dyes to produce a dark image or text.
2. “BPA-Free,” “BPS-Free,” and “Phenol-Free” thermal paper: What Are the Differences?
“BPA-free” thermal paper doesn’t contain BPA, but it still contains BPS in the composition to work as the color developer. “BPS-free” thermal paper doesn’t contain BPS in the ingredients, but may contain BPA in the coating formula. While “Phenol-free” thermal paper typically contains neither BPA nor BPS, it uses alternative, non-phenol chemicals to work as the color developer.
3. What are the ways to avoid BPA and BPS in thermal paper as a consumer?
As an end user, you can consider using electronic transactions to reduce exposure to bisphenols from thermal receipt paper. Keep receipts separate from food items, and wash your hands afterward if you touch receipts. Choose products labeled as “BPA-free” or “phenol-free.”
4. How do I know the thermal paper I am using is BPA-free?
You can not see the difference between normal thermal paper and BPA-free thermal paper with your naked eyes. But you can still check the product label, manufacturing process, coating ingredients, or request that your supplier guarantee that the paper is BPA-free. Third-party test laboratories like SGS can also help test the composition of BPA in thermal paper samples.