Segments That Matter

One interesting aspect of this market is its segmentation.

• By Width: The 3.125” (80 mm) rolls are the most widely used, especially in retail POS machines and lottery systems. If you’ve swiped your card at a store and received a wide receipt, chances are it came from this size category.
• By Technology:   Direct thermal printing   holds the lion’s share. It’s cost-effective, portable, and efficient—qualities that make it a favorite in retail and logistics industries.
• By Application: The   POS segment   dominates the market, as every retail counter, restaurant, and shopping center needs quick, reliable printing. At the same time, the   tags and labels segment   is gaining traction, accounting for nearly a quarter of the market in 2019, thanks to the logistics and e-commerce boom.

The BPA Dilemma

It’s not all smooth sailing for the thermal paper industry. A key challenge lies in the use of   BPA (Bisphenol-A), a chemical developer traditionally used in thermal coatings. BPA has been under scrutiny for potential health risks, including endocrine disruption. Regulatory bodies in Europe and North America are tightening rules, urging manufacturers to find safer alternatives.

This shift is sparking innovation. Alternatives like   BPS (Bisphenol-S)   and   Pergafast-201   are being developed and adopted, signaling a move toward   sustainable and safer thermal paper solutions. While this transition comes with costs, it also presents opportunities for companies to differentiate themselves in an increasingly eco-conscious market.

Read More :   https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/thermal-paper-market-102811

Why Thermal Paper Isn’t Going Anywhere

Some might wonder if thermal paper will survive in an increasingly digital world. After all, don’t digital wallets, e-receipts, and paperless billing threaten its existence? The answer is nuanced. While digital options are growing, the need for   physical receipts, labels, and documentation   remains strong across many industries.

Think about logistics—shipping labels and barcodes aren’t going away anytime soon. Retail and foodservice sectors still rely heavily on printed receipts. Healthcare and pharmaceuticals demand reliable printed labels for medications, diagnostics, and patient tracking. In short, while the format may evolve, the   core demand for thermal paper is here to stay.

The Regional Leaders

When it comes to regional dominance,   Europe   leads the thermal paper market. Back in 2019, it accounted for about   42.03% of the global share, thanks to its strong retail infrastructure, widespread adoption of POS technology, and growing need for reliable labels in healthcare and logistics.

The   United States   also plays a big role, with its market projected to cross   USD 1.01 billion by 2027. Here, the massive volume of ATM withdrawals, paired with a culture of digital billing and retail receipts, keeps the demand for thermal paper high.

But the story doesn’t end there.   Asia-Pacific   is fast becoming a powerhouse in this sector. Countries like   China and India   are seeing explosive growth in online shopping, cashless transactions, and logistics services. As e-commerce giants expand, the need for shipping labels, order receipts, and retail billing systems is skyrocketing. Meanwhile,   Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa   are gradually expanding as well, driven by rising trade, transport networks, and retail activity.

Key Industry Developments:

• July 2019   – Lecta announced that all the thermal paper it supplies in the European Union will be BPA-free, to comply with the prohibition announced by the EU from January 2020.
• February 2020   – Domtar Corporation announced the acquisition of the POS paper business of Appvion Operations, Inc. The transaction includes acquirement of the coater and related equipment located at Appvion’s Ohio based facility. Domtar seeks to make a globally competitive POS paper business and open new avenues for the growth of the company via this acquisition.

Looking Ahead

The thermal paper market may not be flashy, but it’s resilient, innovative, and quietly expanding. Its growth is anchored in daily essentials—receipts, labels, and tickets—that keep businesses and consumers connected. As industries expand and commerce continues to evolve, thermal paper will remain a key enabler of smooth transactions and efficient logistics. The next time you collect a receipt, tag, or label, remember—it’s not just a slip of paper. It’s part of a global market that’s growing faster than most of us realize.