In December 2016, the European Commission decided to restrict BPA in thermal paper in the EU. This ban will take effect in February 2020, giving manufacturers, importers and users of thermal paper the time to phase it out and find an alternative.
Every thermal paper contains a colour developer as a key component in a chemical system designed to produce an image or record upon the application of heat. For many years Bisphenol A (BPA) was widely used as a colour developer but recently there have been many concerns raised regarding its toxicological properties and therefore its suitability for use in thermal paper. As a result of these concerns, many retail companies are now looking for alternatives to BPA in thermal paper.
Fortoak has positioned itself over the past 3 years since the restriction was announced to expand its partner suppliers from all areas within the UK, Europe, Middle East and the Far East. We currently operate with four partners within the UK, four partners within Europe, and 2 outside of Europe (The Middle East and the Far East).
Fortoak’s core business and the majority of its combined £15m turnover (based on its 2019 current run rate of trading) is sourced from outside of the European Union. This gives us access to all areas of the world’s supply of paper.
From the 2nd quarter of 2019, the majority of all Fortoak products will NOT contain BPA in advance of the January 2020 restriction in Europe.
Depending on the final outcome of Brexit – Fortoak will continue to promote BPA free products as part of its ongoing environmental policy for health and sustainable reasons.
Fortoak has also been working on more sustainable and environmental solutions to the BPA problem for 2018 and beyond – Naturoll thermal till rolls are 100% FREE of colour developers and colour formers that are usually found in thermal paper. No Chemicals means no harmful nasties(and no leuco dye supply chain issues). Please see www.naturoll.co.uk for more information and supply.