What is BPA (Bisphenol A)? Why should you choose BPA free products?

The fast-paced consumer trends and the increasing presence of plastic products have made BPA (Bisphenol A) and the chemicals in the plastic production process one of the most concerning topics. So, what is BPA, and how does it affect human health? And why should you choose products that do not contain BPA? Let Ricoh answer your questions through the article below.

1.What is BPA? Purpose of using BPA

BPA is an abbreviation for Bisphenol A, with the chemical formula (CH3)2C(C6H4OH)2. It was discovered by a Russian scientist in 1891 and has been applied since the 1950s, commonly used in plastic production and as a sealant. It is quite prevalent and often found in bottles, food containers, beverages, and water bottles, and plays a significant role in thermal paper printing.

BPA is used as the main component in the thermal-sensitive layer due to its low price and good functionality. This layer helps create images and colors when thermal paper contact with a heat source, such as the print head of a thermal printer. But why BPA is used in Thermal Paper?

•  High sensitivity: BPA is a substance with high sensitivity, meaning it reacts quickly to heat. When thermal paper meets a heat source, the BPA in the thermal-sensitive coating reacts and immediately develops colors. This helps create sharp and high-quality images during the printing process.
• Low cost: BPA is an inexpensive and easily accessible material. The combination of high sensitivity and low cost makes it an ideal choice for developing colors in the thermal printing industry.

2. BPA in food labels and packaging? How does BPA affect health?

BPA (Bisphenol A) and BPS (Bisphenol S) are chemicals commonly found in thermal labels, food packaging, and other plastic products. McGill University Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry associate professor Stéphane Bayen explains: “BPA is a chemical that can interfere with hormones in the human body and cause adverse health outcomes. These include cancers, diabetes, and damage to fertility and the development of infants. Now, there is growing evidence that BPS may have similar health effects.”

Bayen adds: “Considering the number of packaged food items sold with thermal labels, the actual dietary intake of BPS and other chemicals is likely to be high.”

3. How is BPA used in Vietnam?

Besides common plastic products like bottles, jars, food containers, and children's toys, BPA is also found in various items in Vietnam, including cash receipts, luggage tags, bus tickets, train tickets, and lottery tickets. Thermal paper receipts are identified as having the highest BPA content among paper types. Prolonged exposure to BPA can pose significant health risks to humans, contrary to the previous belief that it was harmless.

Countries like Japan, the United States, Canada, and several European nations have implemented mandatory regulations to use thermal paper that does not contain BPA. In Europe, the acceptable threshold for BPA is <0.02% (calculated on the paper's weight). However, most thermal papers circulating in the Vietnamese market contain BPA levels above 1%, which is 50 times higher than the regulations in developed countries.Therefore, committing to BPA-free production and packaging materials will become a sustainable trend in various industries in the future. Choosing products labeled as BPA Free is a smart and safe option for consumers to protect their health and their families from the potential hazards of BPA.

3. BPA Free and benefits when using products that meet this requirement?

BPA Free refers to products that do not contain Bisphenol A (BPA). These BPA Free products are manufactured to reduce the risk of exposure to BPA and protect human health.For thermal label products, ensuring that they are BPA Free requires manufacturers and developers to follow strict standards in selecting materials that are free from BPA. This is validated through commitments from related raw material suppliers or certifications recognized by third parties.BPA Free certification is granted by highly specialized authorities and is widely recognized. To achieve this certification, products undergo rigorous testing and confirmation of their BPA content by authorized international agencies or in the consumer markets.

All thermal paper produced by Ricoh are recognized as BPA Free (100% BPA Free) by SGS⁽¹⁾.

Using products that are BPA Free offers many health benefits, including:

• Preventing negative effects of BPA: Using BPA Free products helps avoid exposure to this chemical and reduces the risk of health-related issues, as well as hormonal and endocrine disruptions.
• Protecting the health of children: Young children and infants can be sensitive to BPA, so using BPA Free products is a safe way to protect their health and ensure they are not affected by harmful substances.
• Enhancing food safety: BPA can leach into food and beverages when in contact with products containing this chemical. Using BPA Free products ensures that food and drinks are safely preserved and not contaminated with harmful substances.
• Ensuring everyday safety: By using products certified as BPA Free, you can confidently use them every day without worrying about negative health impacts.

4. Conclusion:

The article has provided an overview of BPA and its negative effects. It encourages the use of BPA Free products as a smart and sustainable choice for the health of oneself and the family.Contributing to this common goal, Ricoh offers businesses and consumers safe and eco-friendly label solutions, always committed to providing BPA Free certifications. Click the button below to request a consultation with our expertise.

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^{(1) SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance SA) is a multinational company based in Switzerland. It is a leading expert in inspection, verification, testing, and certification worldwide. They specialize in testing the quality and safety of products to ensure they meet health and safety standards. Thus, the SGS certification is considered a basis for consumers to rely on when selecting quality goods that ensure their health.}