Thermal Paper Market Size

Thermal Paper Market Size

Thermal Paper Market size exceeded USD 2.6 billion, globally in 2018 and is estimated to grow at over 10% CAGR between 2019 and 2025. Direct thermal technology has secured prominence in the printing business with a 48% share in 2018.

Thermal paper acts as a recording media to be printed through a thermal printer via heat. Images are created through the direct transfer of thermal energy on to this paper. The demand for thermal papers will increase with their growing use in making lottery and gaming tickets. 

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Thermal paper is a type of specialty paper, manufactured through chemically active coating on one or both sides which aids in inkless printing. These coatings are a mixture of chemicals which reacts at high temperatures to form an image. The product is primarily used in direct thermal printers which consists of arrays of small heating elements that heat and cool alternately during printing. Since the thermal paper flips among the print head and the platen roll, alternating heating and cooling elements in the head form images on surface material.

Thermal papers with weight of 70 g/m2 or less are primarily used for printing point of sale (POS) receipts at ATMs, gas stations, cash registers, credit card machines and similar services. POS machines are used for transactions at hospitals, warehouses, retail and entertainment industries to expedite the checkout process and results in customer satisfaction. Point-of-sale (POS) billing operations accompanied by the expansion of the retail sector and increasing network of hypermarkets and small stores.

Widespread availability of a variety of application-specific specialty papers include label, release liners, carbonless, décor and kraft. Enhanced moisture retention, increased pH levels and hygiene makes it a suitable packaging material in food and beverage sector, cosmetics and logistics. Other than protection and transportation, this product is used for marketing activities since it promotes visual impressions conveyed by a package.

Rising prevalence of stringent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) which seek to limit BPA levels in thermal paper is anticipated to restrain the thermal paper market growth to some extent. Thermal paper base contains at least one coating which contains high levels of toxic chemical Bisphenol (BPA). In 2016, European Union adopted strict measures to regulate BISPHENOL A (BPA) under ANNEX XVII OF REACH. The regulation lays stress on the dossier submitted by French government which highlights increased risk of exposure to BPA among consumers, workers (primarily cashiers), and unborn children.