It’s no secret that sustainable business practices have become a must for companies in almost every industry. A more eco-friendly approach to how companies use resources is particularly important to paper manufacturers or those that work with paper products, especially as more customers in the B2B space are looking to partner with producers that closely align with sustainability practices. 

The challenge is understanding the terminology that’s associated with more sustainable paper or film products, namely the term “phenol-free”. With this in mind, the Appvion team looks at what phenol-free direct thermal paper is, how it works, and how choosing phenol-free thermal paper can help brands produce high-performance shipping labels and barcodes that also help reduce their environmental impact. 

What does phenol-free mean?

The traditional production of thermal paper required the use of chemical compounds in order to create the smooth, even surface that’s necessary for any kind of high-quality print application. These substances can include environmentally harmful chemicals, and these compounds can make it difficult to recycle the thermal paper once it has reached the end of its useful or recommended service life. 

Phenol-free direct thermal paper is manufactured without the use of Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol S (BPS), or other phenol-based thermal developers. Direct thermal paper that is labeled BPA-free can still include the use of BPS, and direct thermal paper labeled as BPS-free may include phenolic developers without offering the requisite performance. 

How does phenol-free direct thermal work?

Phenol-free direct thermal paper is a specialty coated substrate that is compatible with the heat-sensitive technology used in direct thermal printing. Phenol-free direct thermal paper is designed for the same performance and functionality as thermal paper, but phenol-free paper utilizes natural, more eco-friendly developers.

Thermal paper uses high temperatures to create a chemical reaction with the coating on the surface of the sheet that then creates text or images on the paper. The use of heat to print direct thermal paper is one of the key differences between direct thermal and regular paper (bond paper), which prints via ink either absorbing into or resting atop the fibers of the substrate. 

While direct thermal paper may not be quite as durable when exposed to environmental elements like heat or moisture, it does print supremely clear, crisp text or images, which is part of the reason why it’s used for commercial applications like logistics labels and shipping labels. 

What’s more, the use of heat transfer technology with direct thermal paper rapidly accelerates the print process to help increase speed-to-market and drastically reduce production and delivery timetables. 

What are the benefits of using phenol-free direct thermal paper?

Aside from the environmental benefits, there are a variety of advantages for brands in choosing phenol-free direct thermal paper, particularly in creating high-quality logistics, shipping, and retail labels with exceptional scannability. 

First and foremost, phenol-free direct thermal paper creates sharp, high-contrast labels and barcodes that are ideal for use in high-speed package handling and sorting facilities. This helps reduce the likelihood of breakdowns in the package handling process, thus increasing the rate at which parcels can be processed and shipped.

The coated composition of phenol-free direct thermal paper ensures a smooth, even printing surface for consistent and high-quality label production. The creation of high-definition, crisp labels also helps ensure critical shipping information is legible to the human eye, and this can add an additional layer of efficiency in package handling and delivery workflows.

Appvion’s new Résiste 165 E direct thermal paper is a phenol-free solution that uses Appvion’s innovative formulation to provide improved resistance to heat, water, and alcohol, ensuring longevity and durability. Its resistance to fading guarantees that crucial information remains clear and legible throughout the entire lifecycle of the label.

Plus, Résiste 165 E allows for efficient label production, catering to the high-speed demands of package delivery and logistics operations. This efficiency translates to reduced energy requirements for printing high-contrast images, contributing to increased cost savings and environmental sustainability. 

With the new Résiste 165 E, printers can produce high-quality shipping and delivery labels quickly with an eye toward sustainability and process efficiency. 

This article originally appeared on the Appvion website.