The receipts we get daily, from grocery shopping to dining out, are often printed on thermal paper. This type of paper is typically coated with chemicals like Bisphenol-A (BPA) or Bisphenol-S (BPS) to enable heat-activated printing. BPA and BPS act as developers in this process.
Studies have shown that BPA can be absorbed through the skin and may be detrimental to reproductive health in both humans and animals. It has also been linked to conditions like obesity and attention disorders. It’s worth noting that the concentration of BPA in a single thermal receipt can be significantly higher, sometimes 250 to 1,000 times greater, than in a can of food. Research analyzing thermal paper from hospitality businesses revealed concerning levels of BPA, ranging from 54 to 79 micrograms per square centimeter in half of the samples tested.
While BPA is also found in items like polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, many manufacturers are moving away from it, offering “BPA-free” alternatives for products like water bottles.
The Risks of Handling Thermal Paper Receipts
Exposure to BPA from Thermal Printing Paper is a real concern, especially for those who handle receipts frequently. Studies indicate that cashiers often have higher BPA levels compared to individuals in other professions. This regular handling can pose a particular risk to pregnant women, nursing mothers, women of childbearing age, and adolescents.
How can you identify thermal paper? It’s usually thin, feels slick, has a sheen, and easily marks when scratched. This is different from plain bond paper, which absorbs ink and does not use chemical developers.
For businesses aiming to minimize health risks for both employees and customers, several proactive steps can be taken.
Transition to Paperless Receipts
Eliminating thermal paper is the most effective way to reduce BPA exposure. While some thermal receipt paper is marketed as “BPA-free,” it often contains BPS, a chemical with similar harmful effects. Switching to digital receipts, sent via text or email, is the safest alternative. Businesses might consider offering dedicated checkout lanes for customers who opt for e-receipts to encourage this shift.
Opt for Alternative Receipt Paper Options
If paper receipts are necessary, consider using “phenol-free” paper. These options are healthier and more environmentally friendly. Alternatives that are BPA and BPS-free and competitively priced include paper using ascorbic acid (vitamin C), urea-based Pergafast 201, or developer-free technology like Blue4est. Blue4est paper uses a special coating that reveals a dark layer when heated.
Several companies now provide phenol-free alternatives for businesses looking to make a change.
Reduce Receipt Distribution
Train staff to ask customers, “Do you need your receipt?” If declined, don’t print it. This simple question can reduce paper usage by approximately 30%. If thermal printing paper receipts are used:
- Only print receipts when requested by the customer.
- Set a minimum transaction amount (e.g., over $25 or $50) for automatic receipt printing.
- Avoid printing merchant copies if the transaction is already digitally recorded, which can cut paper use by 50%.
Minimize Physical Contact with Receipts
When thermal paper receipts are unavoidable, provide staff with protective food-grade silicone fingertip covers or gloves for handling receipts, changing paper rolls, and cleaning machines. Instruct staff to:
- Handle receipts minimally, using only two fingers and avoiding crumpling.
- Fold single-sided receipts inward before handing them to customers, as the printed side often has a higher chemical concentration.
- Avoid hand-to-mouth contact after handling receipts. Wash hands thoroughly during breaks, after handling paper rolls or machines, and before eating or preparing food.
- Keep receipts dry and avoid handling them after using alcohol-based sanitizers or when hands are wet or greasy.
- Never give receipts to babies or toddlers.
- Allow customers to tear off their own receipts.
- Prevent direct contact between thermal orders or receipts and food.
Protect Vulnerable Populations
Prioritize minimizing BPA and BPS exposure for pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, toddlers, young children, and women of childbearing age. Discuss strategies with pregnant or nursing cashiers to reduce their exposure, possibly including alternative job duties.
Avoid Recycling Thermal Paper
It’s not recommended to recycle or compost thermal receipt paper. BPA and other chemicals in thermal paper can contaminate wastewater from recycling facilities and potentially affect other recycled paper products. Some municipalities even classify thermal paper as a contaminant in recycling streams.
Business Success Stories in Reducing Thermal Paper Use
Several businesses in Minnesota have successfully reduced or eliminated BPA exposure for their employees and customers by minimizing thermal printing paper usage:
- Dangerous Man Brewing in Minneapolis eliminated paper receipts using a new paperless point-of-sale system. In six months, they processed over 18,000 credit card transactions without paper, saving approximately 43 pounds of paper, $276 in receipt paper costs, and preventing up to half a pound of BPA release annually. They also streamlined tip management with the automated system.
- Claddagh Coffee in St. Paul switched to paperless receipts, leading to cost savings. They report that only about 10% of customers now request paper receipts.
- Birchwood Cafe in Minneapolis adjusted their system to reduce automatic receipt printing for credit card transactions. This resulted in a reduction of 130 paper rolls per year, saving $195 and achieving an 8% decrease in paper use.
- The Coffee Shop Northeast in Minneapolis utilized a grant to implement ShopKeep, an online point-of-sale system. This transition saved them money by reducing thermal paper consumption and eliminating the need to lease a credit card machine.
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