What does BPA do in the Thermal till roll?
BPA is used in Thermal paper as a colour developer to transform the Leuco Dye from a faint light grey image to a black image.
How long Has it been used?
It has been used for over 30 years.
How much BPA is produced?
In 2002, approximately 2.8 million tons of bisphenol A (BPA) was produced globally
(Source: Chemical Market Associates, Inc. (CMAI)). Most BPA is used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins.
Why has it been banned?
BPA is being banned in the UK and EU from January 2020. In a study in 2013 by Professor Watson there was evidence that BPA or BPS exposure appeared to affect the timing of neurone development. It was commented that pregnant women and babies should pay special attention to avoid exposure to BPS.
Experts behind the findings have warned to handle receipts as little as possible and that the chemicals in BPA, found in almost all receipts, could be harmful.
Is there an alternative to BPA and BPS thermal paper?
BPS is not currently banned in the UK, although Switzerland is the first country to ban both BPS and BPA. BPS is still available in the UK but there is another alternative.
Phenol free thermal paper (neither BPA or BPS) isn’t much more expensive and is available from MHG Supplies. Many major supermarkets and known retail brands now use Phenol free thermal paper.