Domtar to Exclusively Offer Phenol Additive-Free Receipt Paper in California Following CEH Litigation
Domtar, identified as the sole producer of thermal paper to the United States, has been legally committed to exclusively offering phenol additive-free receipt paper in California. This commitment stems from legally binding settlements reached by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) with 163 retailers, manufacturers, and distributors of receipt paper. These settlements address the exposure of consumers to Bisphenol S (BPS), a hormone-disrupting chemical found in thermal paper receipts. BPS is known to mimic estrogen and can negatively impact metabolism, growth, development, and reproduction. Independent testing conducted by CEH confirmed that touching a BPS-laden receipt for just 10 seconds can result in significant exposure, necessitating clear warnings to consumers. The 163 companies involved in the settlements represent 7% of the U.S. retail market, signaling a significant shift towards safer practices in industries that issue paper receipts.