The U.S. produces 92 million metric tons of paper each year. We use paper to record just about everything. While digital records are fast becoming the more preferred option, there’s no denying that paper documents are the norm. It’s estimated there are about 4 trillion paper documents being used now, with a likely increase of about 22% per year.
One piece of paper that is part of everyday life is the humble shopping receipt. It’s a small product that doesn’t receive much attention, yet it is an important piece of business. Business owners especially need to pay attention to their receipts, specifically in choosing phenol free thermal paper rolls for their cash registers.
What’s Special About Phenol Free Thermal Paper?
Thermal papers are special fine coated papers that change color when exposed to heat. Thermal papers are most commonly used in cash registers and other automatic machines which provide a brief record of transactions. However, this type of paper is also used in plotters, with some specially layered types being used in instant cameras.
Businesses Need to Choose Phenol Free Thermal Paper.
Why does a business need to use phenol free thermal papers? A study that appeared in the July 2010 issue of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry discovered that the bisphenol-A found in the coating of thermal paper was being transferred to the skin of employees operating the cash register. Bisphenol-A is long-form for BPA.
An employee who works a 10-hour shift with stints at a cash register will be exposed to more BPA than an employee who has no contact with the register. While direct contact with the biphenol-A coated thermal paper can be washed off immediately, it is unlikely employees would have the opportunity to do so with regularity. These findings led to the passing of the “Safer Sales Slip Act” of 2014 in New York’s Suffolk County.
The Paper Roll Used For the Cash Register Must Have These Features.
The BPA coating on thermal paper was discovered to be unacceptable for long-term usage. Phenol free thermal paper is clearly the better choice for businesses caring about employees’ health. With the new products in the market place, there’s really no reason not to make the switch.
Thermal paper must have a coating to work properly. The coating doesn’t just respond to the application of heat. A well-coated paper will also reduce text fading, it also reduces the excess residue on the printer head, and focuses the heat on the coating instead of damaging the paper. Choosing a well-made phenol free thermal paper has a few other requirements.
Here Are a Few Other Considerations to Observe When Choosing a Good Thermal Paper.
Paper receipts can be fragile. Some businesses need to remember that thermal papers do not store well at temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. There are thermal papers on the market that are manufactured to withstand higher temperatures however, they need to be especially sought out. Speaking of weather conditions, dampness or excessive moisture is also not conducive to the longevity of thermal paper. There are some thermal paper rolls treated with polypropylene film.
The thickness of the paper, while often standard, needs to be considered. It is measured in mils, not millimeters. Finally, remember that simple black ink is the easiest to read and is often preferable to other color options that could be difficult to read.
The average business that increases business also increases paper output by about 25% annually. Paying attention to the details is often associated with good business sense. While the paper rolls for the cash register might be overlooked, it would be a mistake to do so. Choose a phenol free thermal paper of the proper thickness, that is well-suited to its environment, with clear black ink. It’s best not to overthink such a simple piece of record.