Although there are different types of receipt paper, thermal paper rolls are widely used by businesses in various fields. Thermal receipt paper rolls and printers are preferred to others forms of receipt paper rolls.
Unlike regular receipt paper, thermal paper rolls require heat to function. They are cheaper to use because no ink cartridge is needed.
Its unique characteristics are because certain chemicals are used in its manufacturing process. Among the chemicals used in the production of thermal paper rolls is BPA.
One major safety concern is whether chemicals like BPA can be harmful to the human body and if so, are there any alternatives? We will take a deeper look at BPA, why it is used in thermal receipt paper rolls, and what can be used in its place.
Table of Contents
What is BPA and Why Is It Harmful?
BPA refers to Bisphenol-A. It is a chemical that is used in the production of certain plastic containers like water bottles. It is also used to make various types of receipt paper. It is used as a color developer.
When your thermal receipt printer prints images on the receipt, it is because BPA reacts with a leuco dye. Research has shown that BPA can put you at risk of getting breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, among other serious medical conditions.
A Better Alternative
If you already use thermal printers, chances are that you handle receipt papers for most of the day. BPA can easily be absorbed into your skin.
Fortunately, BPA-free thermal paper rolls are available. I will take you through everything you need to know about BPA-free paper rolls. We will also take a look at some pros and cons.
One of the major concerns that arise is whether BPA-free thermal paper rolls have the same quality as thermal paper rolls that contain BPA since BPA forms an integral part of the manufacturing process.
However, materials like BPS and urea can be used as a substitute for BPA.
Pros
It Limits Health Risks
When you handle thermal paper rolls that have BPA, increased levels of chemicals are introduced into your body through your skin.
This is because the chemical rubs off easily even if the paper was handled for a short period. According to research, BPA has been found in over 90% of adults and children.
This is quite alarming, considering the health risks of BPA. Apart from the health conditions mentioned earlier, BPA can cause other medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, premature delivery, and low libido in men.
It Is Eco-Friendly
The fight for sustainable development gets stronger each day. Most businesses are going green. It is not too late to join the fight. By investing in BPA-free thermal paper rolls, you contribute to making the environment safer.
Apart from humans, BPA is also harmful to animals. Research has shown that it increases abnormalities, altars behavior, and the cardiovascular system of aquatic animals negatively. Imagine the amount of thermal paper that ends up as waste each day.
If they are not disposed of properly, an alarming percentage might end up in water bodies. All these chemicals will be washed away and will be harmful to marine life.
Cons
It Is a Bit Expensive
Although Bisphenol S (BPS) has been discovered to be a better alternative to BPA if used prematurely, it can be harmful to both humans and animals.
Urea can be used in place of both BPA and BPS. However, thermal papers that are manufactured with urea are a bit expensive.
If you are a small business owner, this might be a bother since apart from making a profit, you are also concerned with cutting down costs. You can always buy thermal paper with BPS, the only struggle will be determining if the BPS was not used in its premature state.
Alternatives Might Also Be Harmful
Although BPS is an alternative material for BPA, concerns have been raised as to whether it is a safe replacement.
If BPS is not properly used in the manufacturing of thermal paper rolls, it can produce the same negative effects as BPA. It can also cause health issues such as impaired psychomotor development in children and obesity.
How to Identify BPA-Free Thermal Paper Rolls
Thermal paper cannot be identified by simply looking at it. All thermal receipt paper look the same. However, there is a simple test you can perform. Scratch the printed side of the paper. If it contains BPA, you will see a dark mark.
How To Be Sure Your Thermal Paper Rolls are BPA-Free.
Although you can identify if your thermal paper rolls are BPA-free by using the test mentioned, it is not effective since you buy thermal paper rolls in bulk.
You might not get the opportunity to test the paper before making a purchase. These are some other ways to be sure that the thermal paper rolls you are buying are BPA-free.
One of the simplest ways is to talk to your colleagues who also own businesses. Find out if they use BPA-free thermal paper rolls. If they do, find out where they get their receipt paper from.
Another easy way is searching for manufacturers of BPA-free thermal rolls online. If they have websites, it is an added advantage. You will have access to every piece of information you need.
Don’t forget to check reviews. Look at what others are saying about that manufacturer. Customer reviews will add up to the information you have already gathered and can help you make an informed decision.
As a business owner, the health and safety of your employers and customers should be a major concern.
Using BPA-free thermal paper rolls does not only limit the risk of contracting certain diseases but also shows that you are concerned about your environment. BPA-free thermal rolls are of good quality, hence you get your money’s worth.
It will be almost impossible to do away with thermal receipt paper rolls completely because of the dangers they present. When buying receipt paper rolls, BPA-free thermal paper should always be your first choice.
