Published: June 29, 2026 | Category: Thermal Paper Regulations

Introduction: The Regulatory Tides Are Turning

For decades, thermal paper manufacturers have relied on bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) as color developers. But as the scientific evidence of their health risks has mounted, regulators around the world have begun to act. The result? A rapidly changing compliance landscape that every business using thermal paper—from retail chains to restaurants to logistics companies—must navigate carefully.

The message is clear: the era of BPA and BPS in thermal paper is ending. Businesses that fail to transition to phenol-free alternatives risk not only regulatory penalties but also damage to their reputation and customer trust.

The EU Ban: A Landmark Decision

In December 2024, the European Union adopted a ban on the use of BPA in food contact materials (FCMs), which took effect in January 2025. The ban includes an 18-month phase-out period for industry compliance, meaning that by mid-2026, BPA-containing thermal paper will no longer be permitted in the EU market.

This is not just a European issue. The EU's regulatory decisions often set global standards, as multinational companies seek to maintain a single supply chain that complies with the strictest regulations. Any business that exports to or operates within the EU must ensure their thermal paper products are BPA-free.

The United States: A Patchwork of State Regulations

While there is currently no full federal ban on BPA or BPS in thermal paper in the United States, state-level regulations are creating a de facto national standard.

Washington State: The Strictest Standard

Washington State has implemented one of the most comprehensive bans in the country. Under WAC 173-337, thermal paper containing bisphenol is prohibited for sale, manufacture, and distribution in the state. This applies to any bisphenols, including both BPA and BPS. The regulation became effective January 1, 2026, meaning businesses subject to the rule must now be fully compliant.

California: Proposition 65 and Beyond

California's Proposition 65—the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act—has long required warnings for products containing chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. In December 2023, BPS was added to the Prop 65 list. This means that any thermal paper containing BPS sold in California now requires a warning label—a significant disincentive for businesses to continue using BPS-coated paper.

Major manufacturers are already responding. UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of self-adhesive paper and film products, has announced that all manufacturing of their Direct Thermal laminate products in North America will no longer rely on BPA or BPS developers, meeting the deadlines of California's Proposition 65 requirements.

The Global Trend: More Bans on the Horizon

The EU and US state bans are just the beginning. Other jurisdictions are following suit:

• Canada has classified BPA as a toxic substance and is considering further restrictions on its use in thermal paper.
• Japan and South Korea have implemented voluntary industry guidelines to reduce BPA in thermal paper.
• Multiple European countries are advocating for a full EU-wide ban on all bisphenols in thermal paper, not just BPA.

The momentum is unmistakable: phenol-free thermal paper is not a niche product—it is the future of the industry.

What "Phenol-Free" Really Means

Not all "BPA-free" claims are created equal. Some manufacturers simply replace BPA with BPS or other bisphenol analogs—a practice known as "regrettable substitution" that does not actually address the underlying health concern.

True phenol-free thermal paper means that no phenols are detectable across the entire formulation and finished product, based on highly sensitive testing. For Casperg Paper's thermal paper products, "phenol-free" means phenols are undetectable at a 100 ppb detection limit—not just BPA or BPS, but all phenolic compounds.

This is the standard that truly protects human health. Certification matters. The Ineris "BPA Free - No Phenols Added" certification, for example, is based on a rigorous verification process that includes the evaluation of technical documentation and an audit of the manufacturing process. Casperg Paper has renewed this certification for our entire range of phenol-free thermal papers, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to safety.

The Business Case for Phenol-Free Transition

For many business owners, the question is not whether to switch to phenol-free thermal paper, but when and how. Here's why making the transition now—with Casperg Paper as your partner—is the smartest business decision:

• Avoid regulatory penalties: Non-compliance with state or national bans can result in fines, product seizures, and legal liability. Our products are fully compliant with Washington State WAC 173-337 and CA Prop 65.
• Protect your workforce: Cashiers and other employees who handle receipts daily are at the highest risk of BPA exposure. Switching to Casperg Paper's phenol-free paper is a tangible demonstration of your commitment to employee health and safety.
• Enhance your brand reputation: Consumers are increasingly aware of the hidden chemicals in everyday products. Businesses that proactively eliminate toxic chemicals earn customer trust and loyalty.
• Future-proof your supply chain: With more regulations on the horizon, switching now avoids the disruption of a last-minute scramble.

How to Choose the Right Phenol-Free Thermal Paper Supplier

When evaluating thermal paper suppliers for phenol-free compliance, use this checklist. Casperg Paper meets every criterion:

✅ A supplier that provides detailed certification documentation and transparent testing data—like Casperg Paper—is already more reliable than one that only makes unverified claims.

Innovations in Phenol-Free Technology

The transition away from bisphenols has spurred significant innovation in thermal paper chemistry. Recent research has demonstrated that safer thermal paper formulations can be made directly from non-edible biomass using simple processing steps. These plant-based alternatives show improved resistance to fading under light exposure and during long-term storage, positioning them as safer and more sustainable options for receipt paper.

According to researchers, thermal paper does not have to rely on bisphenols to work effectively. By combining plant-derived molecules with relatively simple processing steps, manufacturers can produce receipts and labels that perform as expected—without inadvertently increasing everyday chemical exposure.

This is not just a scientific curiosity. The global thermal paper market was valued at around $4 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to about $6 billion by 2030. The shift to phenol-free alternatives represents a major market transformation that forward-thinking suppliers like Casperg Paper are already leading.

Conclusion: Compliance Is Not Optional—It's Inevitable

The regulatory landscape for thermal paper is changing rapidly. With the EU ban in effect, Washington State's prohibition now active, and California's Proposition 65 requiring warnings for BPS-containing products, the message to businesses is unmistakable: phenol-free thermal paper is the new standard.

Businesses that delay the transition risk regulatory penalties, supply chain disruptions, and damage to their reputation. Those who act now—choosing certified phenol-free thermal paper from Casperg Paper—will not only ensure compliance but also demonstrate their commitment to employee health, customer safety, and environmental sustainability.

The receipts of the future are phenol-free. Is your business ready? Let Casperg Paper be your trusted partner in this essential transition.

Ensure your business is compliant with the latest phenol-free regulations. Contact Casperg Paper today for certified phenol-free thermal paper solutions that meet all current and upcoming standards.