In short: Ecotherm white direct thermal labels are BPA-free and BPS-free, tested by SGS. An independent SGS laboratory test reported both BPA and BPS as not detected in the label material. Here is what those terms mean, why they come up with thermal labels, and how to check any supplier's claim.
What are BPA and BPS?
BPA (bisphenol A) and BPS (bisphenol S) are industrial chemicals in the bisphenol family. BPA is best known from plastics and can linings. Both also show up in a less obvious place: the heat-sensitive coating on some thermal paper.
Why thermal labels come up in BPA conversations
Direct thermal labels have no ink. The face of the label carries a coating that darkens where the printer's heated printhead touches it. That coating needs a chemical developer to react and form the image. For many years BPA was a common developer in thermal paper.
As buyers started asking for BPA-free paper, many manufacturers switched to BPS, a closely related chemical. That's why "BPA-free" on its own doesn't tell you the whole story: a BPA-free label can still use BPS. When we say Ecotherm white direct thermal labels are BPA-free and BPS-free, we mean neither chemical was detected in testing.
What "tested by SGS" means
SGS is an independent testing, inspection and certification company. Ecotherm submitted our white direct thermal label material to an SGS laboratory, which tested it for BPA and BPS. The June 2026 report lists both as not detected.
We name the lab on purpose: a claim you can trace to an independent lab means more than a claim a supplier makes about its own product. Business customers who need the report details for a vendor file or a purchasing review can ask us through our quote and contact page.
Which Ecotherm labels it covers
The BPA-free and BPS-free result applies to Ecotherm white direct thermal labels: the 75gsm matte white direct thermal stock used across our direct thermal label sizes, from 1" x 0.5" barcode labels to 4" x 6" shipping labels. If a product page doesn't say BPA-free and BPS-free, don't assume it does. Ask us.
The same stock has the same specs across sizes: permanent hot melt adhesive, a 60gsm white glassine liner, a service range of 5°F to 149°F, a 50°F minimum application temperature, and a 1-year shelf life stored at 73°F and 50% relative humidity.
Why businesses ask for BPA-free and BPS-free labels
Most of the questions we get about BPA and BPS come from purchasing teams, not from end users. A few common reasons:
- Supplier questionnaires. Many companies send vendors a materials questionnaire before approving a new product. A named lab result makes the bisphenol questions on those forms easy to answer.
- Retail and marketplace partners. Some retailers ask suppliers what packaging and labeling materials are made of. Labels go on every box, so they come up.
- Your own customers. If you sell to people who read every label, being able to say your shipping and product labels are BPA-free and BPS-free answers the question before it's asked.
- One fewer thing to research. When a label line is tested for both chemicals, you don't have to dig into each new size you add.
If your team needs something specific for a vendor file, tell us what the form asks for and we'll help.
Does BPA-free and BPS-free change how labels print?
No change is needed on your side. Ecotherm white direct thermal labels print on direct thermal printers the same way any direct thermal label does: no ribbon, ink or toner. Set your printer to direct thermal mode and the right label size. If you're not sure your printer uses direct thermal, check our printer compatibility page or read direct thermal vs thermal transfer labels.
How to check any supplier's BPA-free claim
- Ask which chemicals were tested. "BPA-free" alone may mean the paper uses BPS instead. Ask about both.
- Ask who tested it. An independent lab is stronger evidence than a supplier's own statement.
- Ask when. Paper sources change. A test date tells you the result reflects current stock.
- Ask what it covers. A result for one paper doesn't cover every color, size or product line a supplier sells.
Labels vs receipt paper
Thermal receipt rolls and thermal labels use similar printing technology, but they are different products. Ecotherm makes direct thermal labels, not receipt paper. This article and our SGS result are about labels only.
FAQ
Are Ecotherm labels BPA-free?
Yes. Ecotherm white direct thermal labels are BPA-free and BPS-free, tested by SGS.
Is BPA-free the same as BPS-free?
No. BPS is a common replacement for BPA in thermal paper, so a BPA-free label can still contain BPS. Ecotherm white direct thermal labels were tested for both.
Does this apply to every Ecotherm label?
It applies to white direct thermal labels. If you need a different color or a custom product, ask us before you order.
Can I get the test details?
Yes. Business customers can request them through our quote and contact page.
Do I need a special printer?
No. Any direct thermal printer that takes the label size will print Ecotherm labels. See printer compatibility.