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BPA Bans Sweep Across Nations: Where Does Australia Stand?
Posted by Ari Munkhbaatar
Bisphenol A (BPA) has been widely used for decades as a “colour-developer” in thermal paper, such as receipts, tickets, and labels. BPA changes color when heat is applied, making it ideal for thermal printing. However, in this application, BPA is not chemically bound to the paper—it is added as a free chemical—so it can be transferred to the skin during handling, raising potential health concerns.
Global Actions Against BPA
Many countries have restricted or banned BPA in thermal paper due to its potential health risks:
- European Union: Under the REACH Regulation, BPA in thermal paper is restricted. From 2 January 2020, thermal paper containing BPA at concentrations ≥ 0.02% by weight cannot be placed on the EU market.
- Switzerland: Both BPA and BPS are banned in thermal paper at concentrations ≥ 0.02% by weight. This decision was made in 2019 and enforced from 1 June 2020.
- Japan: BPA in thermal receipt paper was phased out as early as 2001.
- Belgium: National action to ban BPA-based thermal papers began in 2011.
- South Korea: BPA in thermal paper is limited to <0.02% since August 2021.
- United States: No federal ban exists, but several states have legislation. Connecticut banned BPA-containing receipts between 2013 and 2015. Washington State plans to prohibit thermal paper containing bisphenols (BPA & BPS) by 1 January 2026.
Australia’s Approach
Australia regulates BPA to a limited degree. Measures include voluntary phase-outs in baby bottles, ongoing monitoring, and assessments. Current data suggest that BPA exposure in Australia is low and does not pose significant public health concerns. FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) notes that dietary exposure is low and likely safe.
However, critics argue that Australia’s approach is less strict than some other countries, particularly regarding BPA analogues and the full phase-out of BPA in high-risk uses.
Retailers in Australia have responded proactively:
- Woolworths: Has been BPA-free for seven years and offers digital eReceipts through its Everyday Rewards program, with more than seven million digital receipts issued daily since June 2021.
- Coles: States that its receipts are BPA-free.
BPA Alternatives: BPS
The most common replacement for BPA is bisphenol S (BPS). While BPS is chemically similar to BPA and functions well as a thermal paper developer, it is far less studied. Some experts, including Professor Jones, argue that switching from BPA to BPS may not eliminate potential health risks.
“For me, I would rather be exposed to BPA than BPS because we don’t know as much about BPS,” Professor Jones said.
Many businesses promoting “BPA-free” receipts may actually use BPS, which some view as misleading and a form of “greenwashing.”
Understanding BPA and BPS
- BPA (Bisphenol A): One of the highest-volume chemicals globally, with 15 billion pounds produced annually. BPA is an endocrine disruptor and can interfere with hormones, potentially contributing to fertility issues, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Beyond thermal paper, BPA is used in polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, dental composites, and PVC products. In thermal paper, BPA is applied as a free chemical, which can transfer easily to skin and other surfaces.
- BPS (Bisphenol S): Used in polyethersulfone (PES) plastics and textiles, BPS is a common BPA alternative in thermal papers and coatings. While polymers containing BPS are not expected to release the chemical readily, small amounts may migrate into food or beverages, especially under hot or alkaline conditions. The health effects of BPS are less well studied, and some experts caution against assuming it is completely safe.
Where Australia Stands
Australia currently maintains moderate regulations compared to Europe and parts of Asia. BPA exposure is considered low, and many retailers are voluntarily moving toward BPA-free or digital receipts. However, challenges remain:
- Full phase-out of BPA in thermal paper is not mandatory.
- Alternatives like BPS may carry unknown risks.
- Public awareness and consistent labeling of “BPA-free” products can be misleading.
Australia’s approach reflects a balance between risk management, public health, and practicality. While not as aggressive as some global bans, it emphasizes monitoring, voluntary action by retailers, and consumer choice, such as the increasing adoption of digital receipts.
Sources:
www.industrialchemicals.gov.au
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0110509
