Thermal paper containing BPA is used in almost all areas: from supermarket receipts and train, bus or cinema tickets to shipping and logistics. When direct heat is applied to image the thermal paper, some of the bisphenol A (BPA) contained within is released through the direct thermal printing process. Although the amount is very small and does not pose an immediate health risk, constant exposure can have negative effects. That is why the European Union passed the Regulation 2016/2235 amending Annex XVII to the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). The new restriction means that thermal paper with a BPA concentration greater than 0.02 percent by weight will not be allowed to enter the market after 2 January 2020.
HERMA’s assortment already includes BPA-free thermal labels as well as 100% phenol-free materials. Label printers and users can now switch to these products without delay.
The developer used in these materials is non-phenolic and as such differs chemically from all other colour developers used in thermal paper.
HERMA plans to phase out all BPA materials by the middle of the year.
“From 2020, no thermal papers containing BPA will be allowed on the European market. As a label manufacturer, it is important for us to ensure that we are ready for the new regulations ahead of time. We are already overhauling our entire production and adapting our raw materials to comply with the new standards. Because our customers will also be directly affected by the new regulations, we need to be able to react as fast as possible to ensure that they are as prepared as they can be for the future,” says Jürgen Keller, sales director for industrial labels at HERMA. “We urge our customers to start preparing now for the new laws and switch to BPA-free thermal labels. That way they can modify their ordering processes with us as soon as possible and prepare themselves as best they can for the approaching ban on BPA in thermal paper. Our BPA-free assortment comprises legally compliant thermal paper with maximum safety.”
