Top 10 Companies in the Phenol-Free Thermal Paper Industry (2025): Market Leaders Driving Sustainable Packaging and Printing

In Business Insights
November 08, 2025

The Global Phenol-Free Thermal Paper Market was valued at USD 3.71 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.28 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust expansion is fueled by stringent global regulations on Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS), rising consumer demand for safer packaging materials, and the accelerating adoption of Sustainable and Non-Toxic Printing Solutions across retail, healthcare, and logistics sectors.

As the industry pivots decisively toward health-conscious and environmentally responsible paper products, the focus shifts to the key manufacturers pioneering BPA/BPS-free thermal paper technologies. In this comprehensive analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Phenol-Free Thermal Paper Industry—a blend of established paper giants, specialty chemical innovators, and sustainability leaders shaping the future of safe thermal printing.


🔟 1. Oji Paper

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: BPA-Free and BPS-Free Thermal Paper Rolls

Oji Paper is a global paper manufacturing powerhouse and a pioneer in developing phenol-free thermal paper technologies. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of thermal papers for POS receipts, tickets, and labels, serving clients worldwide with a strong emphasis on product safety and environmental compliance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investment in proprietary phenol-free developer technologies

  • Commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050

  • Global supply chain optimization for eco-friendly paper production

Download FREE Sample Report:
Phenol-Free Thermal Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Koehler Paper Group

Headquarters: Kehl, Germany
Key Offering: Koehler Nexxus RC & Blue4est Thermal Papers

Koehler is a leading European manufacturer renowned for its innovative and sustainable thermal paper solutions. The company’s Nexxus RC and Blue4est lines are entirely free of phenol-based developers, offering high-performance, recyclable thermal paper for a wide range of applications from retail to healthcare.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneer of recyclable and compostable thermal paper grades

  • Significant investment in renewable energy for paper production


8️⃣ 3. Appvion Operations, Inc.

Headquarters: Appleton, Wisconsin, USA
Key Offering: Appvion Secure® and EchoTherm® Thermal Papers

Appvion is a prominent North American producer of specialty coated papers, including a full line of phenol-free thermal papers. The company’s products are designed for high-speed printing, durability, and archival quality, catering to demanding applications in finance, gaming, and transportation.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of thermal papers using alternative, safer developers

  • Focus on water-based coating technologies to reduce environmental impact


7️⃣ 4. Mitsubishi HiTec Paper

Headquarters: Bielefeld, Germany
Key Offering: Thermal Paper for POS, Labels, and Tickets

Mitsubishi HiTec Paper is a leading specialist in high-tech paper products, offering a diverse range of phenol-free thermal papers. The company is known for its product reliability and technical expertise, serving global markets with a focus on innovation and customer-specific solutions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Active R&D in novel, non-phenol thermal coating formulations

  • Commitment to sustainable forestry and responsible sourcing

Download FREE Sample Report:
Phenol-Free Thermal Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Ricoh Company, Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Ricoh Thermal Paper and BPA-Free Media

Ricoh, a global technology leader, produces high-quality phenol-free thermal paper tailored for its extensive range of printing and imaging systems. The company integrates its paper development with its digital solutions, ensuring optimal performance and user safety across various business environments.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Comprehensive product lifecycle management for reduced environmental footprint

  • Promotion of circular economy principles in consumables production


5️⃣ 6. Hansol Paper Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Hansol BPA/BPS-Free Thermal Paper

Hansol Paper is a major paper manufacturer in Asia, with a growing portfolio of safe thermal paper products. The company supplies phenol-free thermal papers to the booming retail and logistics sectors in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing product quality and regulatory adherence.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expansion of phenol-free production capacity to meet regional demand

  • Investment in eco-friendly manufacturing processes


4️⃣ 7. Jujo Thermal Paper

Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Key Offering: Jujo BPA-Free Thermal Paper Solutions

Jujo Thermal Paper, part of the Jujo Thermal group, specializes in thermal paper products for the European and global markets. The company is committed to phasing out phenol-based developers, offering a range of thermal papers that comply with the strictest international safety standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Proactive transition to full phenol-free product lines

  • Focus on energy efficiency in coating and paper processing


3️⃣ 8. Cannwell Thermal Paper

Headquarters: Miami, Florida, USA
Key Offering: Cannwell POS & Label Thermal Paper

Cannwell Thermal Paper is a key North American supplier specializing in BPA-free thermal paper rolls for point-of-sale and labeling applications. The company focuses on providing safe, reliable, and high-contrast thermal paper to a diverse client base across the continent.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Specialization in compliant thermal papers for the US market

  • Commitment to sourcing sustainable base papers


2️⃣ 9. Jianghe Paper Industry Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Weifang, Shandong, China
Key Offering: Thermal Paper for Domestic and Export Markets

Jianghe Paper is a significant Chinese manufacturer of thermal paper, increasingly focusing on phenol-free variants to comply with international export regulations. The company plays a crucial role in the supply chain, providing cost-effective thermal paper solutions to a global customer base.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Technological upgrades to produce advanced phenol-free thermal paper

  • Adherence to evolving global chemical safety standards


1️⃣ 10. LECTA Group

Headquarters: Barcelona, Spain
Key Offering: Ensign Thermal Papers (BPA/BPS-Free Options)

LECTA is a leading European producer of specialty papers, including its renowned Ensign thermal paper brand. The company offers a selection of BPA/BPS-free thermal papers, combining high printing performance with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and user safety.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of thermal papers with reduced environmental impact

  • Certification of products under international eco-labels and safety standards

Get Full Report Here:
Phenol-Free Thermal Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Phenol-Free Thermal Paper Is Secure and Sustainable

The phenol-free thermal paper market is experiencing a fundamental transformation. While traditional thermal papers still hold a significant market share, the industry is rapidly investing in safer chemical alternatives, advanced coating technologies, and sustainable production methods to meet regulatory demands and consumer expectations.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated regulatory phase-outs of BPA and BPS in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific

  • Growing consumer awareness and preference for BPA/BPS-free products in retail and food contact applications

  • Innovation in alternative developers such as Pergafast 201 and D-8, ensuring print quality and stability

  • Increased demand from the healthcare sector for safe labeling and patient record-keeping materials

Get Full Report Here:
Phenol-Free Thermal Paper Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only supplying essential materials for global commerce—they are leading the health and safety transition in the paper and printing industries.