As regulations surrounding thermal receipt paper continue to evolve, businesses across the country are being asked to pay closer attention to the materials used in the type of paper rolls they purchase every day.
Recent legislation in Washington State, along with California's ongoing Proposition 65 requirements, is accelerating the industry's shift away from thermal paper containing Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS). For businesses that rely on receipt printers, understanding these changes is becoming increasingly important for maintaining compliance and avoiding supply disruptions.
In this article, we'll explain what these regulations mean, how they affect thermal paper suppliers and businesses, and how PaperRolls-N-More has taken proactive steps to provide compliant alternatives.
Understanding BPA, BPS, and Non-Phenol Thermal Paper
Thermal receipt paper uses a heat-sensitive coating to produce printed images without the need for ink or ribbons. Historically, many thermal papers relied on chemical developers such as BPA (Bisphenol A) or BPS (Bisphenol S) as part of that coating.
Over the past several years, concerns regarding potential health and environmental impacts have led regulators and manufacturers to seek alternatives.
As a result, many businesses have already transitioned away from BPA-containing products. The next major shift involves moving away from BPS-containing thermal papers and adopting non-phenol thermal paper products that do not use BPA, BPS, or other phenol-based developers.
Washington State's Thermal Paper Ban
Under Washington State's Safer Products for Washington initiative, thermal receipt paper containing intentionally added bisphenols will no longer be permitted for sale, manufacture, or distribution within the state as of January 1, 2026.
This regulation impacts thermal paper products containing BPA, BPS, and other restricted bisphenol compounds.
For businesses operating in Washington, this means that traditional thermal receipt paper products containing restricted bisphenols must be replaced with compliant non-phenol alternatives.
The regulation affects a wide range of industries, including:
- Restaurants and food service
- Retail stores
- Grocery and convenience stores
- Hospitality businesses
- Healthcare facilities
- Gas stations and travel centers
- Financial institutions
Any business using thermal receipt printers should review its current paper inventory and purchasing practices to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
California Proposition 65 Requirements
While California has not implemented the same statewide thermal paper ban as Washington, businesses selling products in California must comply with Proposition 65 regulations.
California Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings when products expose consumers to certain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. BPA is included on the Proposition 65 chemical list.
As a result, thermal paper products containing listed chemicals may require warning labels and disclosures when sold in California.
For suppliers and distributors, this creates additional compliance considerations related to product labeling, online product listings, and customer communications.
Many businesses are choosing to move toward BPA-free, BPS-free, and phenol-free alternatives to simplify compliance requirements and align with evolving customer expectations.
How These Regulations Are Affecting the Thermal Paper Industry
The thermal paper industry has been steadily moving toward safer and more sustainable formulations for several years.
Manufacturers are increasingly investing in:
- BPA-free thermal paper
- BPS-free thermal paper
- Non-phenol thermal paper technologies
- Alternative coating chemistries
- Environmentally conscious paper solutions
As more states consider similar legislation, many businesses are choosing to standardize on compliant products now rather than wait for additional restrictions to take effect.
Early adoption helps reduce future disruptions while simplifying purchasing decisions across multiple locations and states.
Important Notice for Washington Customers
To comply with Washington State regulations, PaperRolls-N-More can no longer ship thermal paper products containing restricted bisphenols into Washington State.
Customers shipping to Washington should ensure they are purchasing compliant non-phenol thermal paper products that meet current state requirements.
Our team is available to help identify compatible replacement products and answer questions regarding printer compatibility.
Important Information for California Customers
Businesses shipping thermal paper products into California should be aware of Proposition 65 requirements and product labeling obligations.
Depending on the product formulation, warning labels and disclosures may be required for certain thermal paper products sold or distributed within California.
Customers seeking to minimize compliance concerns often choose BPA-free, BPS-free, and non-phenol alternatives whenever possible.
At PaperRolls-N-More, we've been closely monitoring these regulatory changes and preparing for the industry's transition.
Rather than waiting until regulations force customers to make changes, we proactively developed our own line of non-phenol thermal paper products.
Our non-phenol thermal paper is manufactured without:
? BPA (Bisphenol A)
? BPS (Bisphenol S)
? Other phenol-based developers
These products deliver the same dependable print quality, image durability, and printer compatibility businesses expect while helping customers navigate evolving regulatory requirements.
Whether you're operating a single retail location or managing a multi-location business across several states, our non-phenol product line offers a practical path toward compliance.
Featured Non-Phenol Thermal Paper Products
- BPA-Free
- BPS-Free
- Non-Phenol
- Ideal for high-volume POS systems
- BPA-Free
- BPS-Free
- Non-Phenol
- Compatible with mobile and compact POS terminals
- BPA-Free
- BPS-Free
- Non-Phenol
- Designed for specialty, kiosk, or fuel pump applications
Preparing for the Future
The move toward non-phenol thermal paper is more than a regulatory trend—it's becoming the new standard across the industry.
Businesses that transition now can avoid last-minute supply challenges, simplify compliance efforts, and ensure uninterrupted operations as regulations continue to evolve.
If you're unsure whether your current receipt paper is affected, our team can help identify your existing products and recommend compliant alternatives that work with your printers.
Need Help Finding a Compliant Thermal Paper Roll?
PaperRolls-N-More
offers a growing selection of BPA-free, BPS-free, and non-phenol thermal paper rolls designed to meet the needs of restaurants, retailers, healthcare providers, hospitality businesses, fuel stations, and more. Check out our Phenol Free Paper product category page.
Contact our team today at (480) 929-900 for assistance finding the right compliant paper roll for your POS system and stay ahead of changing regulations.