In recent years, you’ve probably heard quite a bit about bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA. What is it? BPA is an industrial chemical found within polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins that has been used in the manufacture of various plastics and resins since the 1960s. Polycarbonate plastics often are used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles. They’re also used in other consumer goods. BPA also has been used for years as a color developer in the production of thermal labels and receipts.
Various research studies have shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that include BPA as a constituent material, as well as labels and receipts that utilize BPA. This research has raised widespread concern about exposure to BPA given its potential health effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. Specifically, research has shown its potential to mimic hormones and disrupt the developmental stages in animals. Research also suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure.
Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that BPA is safe at very low levels that exist in some foods. The FDA based that assessment on its review of hundreds of studies, and while FDA officials continue to review ongoing research on the subject, we at OMNI Systems have for years ensured that all our direct thermal labels and thermal transfer labels are 100 percent BPA-free.
Learn more about direct thermal labels from OMNI Systems.
Learn more about thermal transfer labels and ribbons from OMNI Systems.
If you are concerned about BPA, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following three steps to reduce your exposure:
- Use BPA-free products. Manufacturers have responded to BPA concerns by creating an increasing number of BPA-free products. Many BPA-free products are labeled as such—but if a product isn't labeled, know that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA.
- Cut back on cans. Reduce your use of canned foods since most cans are lined with BPA-containing resin.
- Avoid heating plastics. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (part of the National Institutes of Health), advises against microwaving polycarbonate plastics or putting them through a dishwasher cycle, because the plastic may break down over time and allow BPA to leach into foods. Additionally, use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers.
If you seek BPA-free thermal labels for your business, we urge you to consider OMNI Systems. As North America’s leading direct thermal label supplier, OMNI Systems uses only the highest quality raw materials to create the highest quality thermal transfer labels available anywhere—all at prices that will save you 15-40 percent and deliver an overall lower total cost of ownership by reducing print head wear. As mentioned earlier, all OMNI Systems labels are also BPA-free.
A dedicated OMNI Systems account representative can help you choose the right thermal label for your application. Additionally, we offer a variety of value-added services to help you optimize your label spend in ways you may or may not be aware of. Learn more about OMNI Systems’ best-in-class thermal labeling services.
OMNI Systems is comprised of labeling experts with an unrivaled understanding of the thermal media landscape. We can consult with you on audit and distribution strategies and create a solution to meet any thermal labeling need. We consult with many of the world’s top brands on their labeling strategies—we’ll apply the same know-how and insights to your business.
We hope this blog helps you understand BPA and the benefits of BPA-free labels. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how OMNI’s leadership in price, quality and service can help you save 15-40 percent on your label spend over current costs and make your job easier.
Do you have questions about thermal transfer labels, direct thermal labels, water-activated tape or other labeling needs? Please contact OMNI Systems at 216-377-5160 or email sales@omnisystem.com.
