What is BPA/BPS?

Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S (BPA and BPS) are industrial chemicals that are commonly used in the manufacture of plastics. Bisphenols are present in everyday household items like food containers and plastic water bottles, and research has shown that these chemicals can leach from the plastic into food and beverages stored inside.

These same chemicals are also used in the production of thermal receipt paper, and it's estimated that over half of the receipts in Europe contain either BPA or BPS. When we touch receipts, the chemical coating is absorbed into our bodies in seconds and studies have suggested it may act as an endocrine disruptor, causing developmental and reproductive issues. In addition to this, the presence of BPA and BPS in receipts means that they are unable to be recycled because these chemicals leach into wastewater during the recycling process and contaminate other newly created paper items like tissues and toilet paper. There's also evidence that these chemicals make their way into the natural environment, contaminating water and soil and causing hormone disruptions in natural wildlife.