New Push for Paperless Receipt Printing

We recently discussed a proposed policy change to California laws that would list BPA as a reproductive toxin, but California is not the only state that's pushing to reduce the amount of bisphenol A with which people come in contact.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has started a campaign to encourage businesses in the state to move to paperless credit card processing, as the receipt paper commonly used in terminals is laden with BPA. To encourage businesses to make the change, the agency is offering a $1,000 grant for companies to use toward the purchase of paperless systems.

The presence and dangers of BPA in receipts have been known for years. In 2010, the Environmental Working Group did a study that uncovered that two-fifth of samples collected from major retailers and restaurants like McDonald's, CVS and even Whole Foods contained 0.8 to nearly 3 percent pure BPA. Many more samples had smaller amounts of BPA present in their paper fibers.

For eco-conscious companies in Minnesota and the rest of the country, moving to paperless POS systems can protect both customers and employees from toxins. In addition, ditching paper obviously cuts back on waste and can save companies money each month. Some credit card processing companies will even supply free paperless systems in exchange for business owners signing a multi-year service contract.

Companies that don't wish to change their systems can also start using BPA-free thermal paper, which is produced by a small number of manufacturers, including Appleton. Paperless Kitchen urges all companies to reexamine their current receipt printers and take steps to reduce BPA and paper consumption.




Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Back to the top