Manufacturing process

First, let’s look at the production and manufacturing of thermal paper. As a special kind of paper, cash register paper requires the use of some special chemical raw materials and processes during its production and processing, such as the use of heat-sensitive chemical coatings. If these raw materials are not handled properly, there will be certain risks of environmental pollution. Currently, mainstream companies that produce thermal paper have adopted a series of environmental protection measures to ensure that their products meet environmental standards. For example, a German company called ‘Mitsubishi Hitec Paper’ launched a thermal paper “Direct Thermal Imagic (R) DigiTal” in 2010. The company guarantees that the product does not contain heavy metals, mercury and other carcinogens, and Production can be carried out at fully controlled levels, thus avoiding the release of harmful substances. In addition, some companies that produce cash register paper also use environmentally friendly materials such as recycled pulp or cotton fiber to produce cash register paper to reduce the impact on the environment.

Usage link

During the use stage, cash register paper has no obvious environmental pollution problems. However, some studies have shown that some thermal paper contains BPA (bisphenol A) and BPS (biphenyl ether S). These chemicals are endocrine disrupting substances in the human body, and long-term exposure may have an impact on health. Therefore, try to minimize contact when using it, and do not touch the printed words with your fingers.

Recycling link

There are still a number of technical, legal and economic barriers to recycling cash register paper. Due to its small size and mass, and to reduce the risk of leaks, many institutions mandate the destruction of cash register paper. If cash register paper is not handled in a standardized manner, it may be lost in the scene, causing waste and pollution of land and water resources.

Generally speaking, the environmental protection advantage of thermal paper mainly lies in the use of environmentally friendly technologies and materials in its production and manufacturing process, but its use and recycling still need to be further explored and improved. As consumers, we can increase our support and awareness of environmentally friendly products, choose to print less or no barcodes when shopping, reduce contact with thermal paper, recycle as much as possible, and contribute to environmental protection.