Thermal Paper Market - By Type (Top Coated, Non-Top Coated), By Technology (Direct Thermal, Thermal transfer), By Application (POS Receipts, Lottery & gaming Tickets, Labels & tags), By End-Use Industry & Forecast, 2024-2032

Thermal Paper Market Size

Thermal paper Market size achieved USD 4.45 billion in 2023 and will grow at 10.9% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Thermal paper acts as a recording media to be printed through a thermal printer via heat. Images are created through the direct transfer of thermal energy onto this paper. The demand for thermal papers will increase with their growing use in making lottery and gaming tickets.
 

Thermal papers with weight of 70 g/m2 or less are primarily used for printing point of sale (POS) receipts at ATMs, gas stations, cash registers, credit card machines and similar services. POS machines are used for transactions at hospitals, warehouses, retail and entertainment industries to expedite the checkout process and result in customer satisfaction. Point-of-sale (POS) billing operations accompanied by the expansion of the retail sector and increasing network of hypermarkets and small stores.
 

Widespread availability of a variety of application-specific specialty papers include label, release liners, carbonless, décor and kraft. Enhanced moisture retention, increased pH levels and hygiene make it a suitable packaging material in food and beverage sector, cosmetics and logistics. Other than protection and transportation, this product is used for marketing activities since it promotes visual impressions conveyed by a package.
 

The rising demand for point-of-sale (POS) thermal receipts is a major contributor, fueled by the expanding retail and hospitality sectors. As businesses increasingly adopt digital and automated systems, the need for reliable, high-quality thermal paper for receipts has surged. Additionally, the rapid expansion of the food and beverage industry has amplified the demand for packaging solutions, which often utilize thermal paper for labeling and promotional purposes. Furthermore, the growth in packaging and printing industries, with their continuous innovations and increased production volumes, further stimulates the thermal paper market. Collectively, these drivers underscore the dynamic expansion of the thermal paper sector, reflecting broader trends in retail, food services, and industrial applications.
 

The market is facing potential constraints due to stringent regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) aimed at reducing Bisphenol A (BPA) levels. BPA, a toxic chemical commonly found in the coatings of thermal paper, has raised significant health concerns. In 2023, the European Union implemented rigorous regulations under ANNEX XVII OF REACH to address these concerns. The regulation, prompted by a dossier from the French government, emphasizes the increased risk of BPA exposure to consumers, cashiers, and unborn children. As these regulations become more stringent, they are expected to moderate the growth of the thermal paper industry by limiting the use of BPA-containing products and pushing for safer alternatives.
 

Thermal Paper Market Trends

The thermal paper industry is experiencing transformative technological advancements that are reshaping its landscape. Innovations in thermal paper technology include the development of BPA-free alternatives, driven by stringent regulatory standards and growing consumer awareness. Enhanced formulations and coatings are being introduced to improve print quality, durability, and environmental sustainability. The integration of advanced imaging technologies, such as high-resolution thermal printing, is elevating the functionality and versatility of thermal papers in various applications.
 

Additionally, smart technologies are being incorporated, allowing for features like embedded QR codes and security measures to combat counterfeiting. These advancements not only address environmental and health concerns but also cater to evolving industry demands, such as enhanced data security and improved operational efficiency. Collectively, these technological trends are positioning the market for sustainable growth and innovation in the coming years.
 

Thermal Paper Market Analysis

The Top coated segment will capture USD 7.51 billion and demonstrate a 10.5% CAGR till 2032.  Thermal printing process requires smooth and maximum contact between print head and paper dye so that the top-coated sheet contacts the print head and produce brighter & unfaded image.
 

Positive application outlook across packaging, printing and logistics industries will create lucrative opportunities for thermal paper industry participants to enhance their sales. Transactional documents require graphics and logos for service records, accounting, warranty documents, product order forms, customer order history, accident reports, and price quotes.
 

Transactional documents need to be durable, legible and exhibit professional appearance even in adverse environmental and rough handling situations. With the rapid adoption of top coated thermal papers, the images produced remain readable for 20 to 25 years under proper storage conditions.
 

The Direct thermal segment held a 48.5% market share in 2023, amounting to USD 2.16 billion, and is projected to grow at a 10.9% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Direct thermal technology has witnessed a substantial increase in its adoption for shipping labels, compliance labels, receipts, kiosk tickets, visitor tags and parking tickets coupons. Widespread acceptance in the printing and packaging industry due to its high mobility, noise reduction, and full graphics capability is the key industrial parameter for the thermal paper market demand.
 

This technology is the most preferred printing process in industries since the images or words are produced by the method of direct heat submission. This type of printing adopts chemically treated, heat-sensitive media which darkens upon passing through printhead. Simple design of printers, since they do not use ink, toner or ribbon materials, improves their durability, ease of use and cost effectiveness over laser, inkjet and thermal transfer printers. This technology provides sufficient lifespan for various barcode applications that are beneficial in packaging labels & tags, POS, printed tickets, and RFID identification.
 

Cashless payments are widely adopted due to availability of secure payment solutions and services. POS terminal machines feature real time analytics and engage in fast bill processing, maintaining customer records and loyalty programs of retail stores. ATM and credit cards have special symbol for contactless payments and easily read by POS machines.

Large data volumes produced by different business verticals are exerting tremendous pressure on existing organizations to switch to POS systems from conventional transactional methods. POS terminals avoid manual errors in financial billing, inventory management and offer business reliability. Consequently, developing retail sector and increased printing of receipts and bills in large- and small-scale stores to spur market growth.
 

Asia Pacific thermal paper market is projected to achieve USD 3.44 billion, with a CAGR of 11.3% from 2024 to 2032.  Industrial sector in China has been ardent consumer of the printing receipts due to intensive paperwork required for governance and planning. Huge scale investments by international players in China printing industry supplements the product business in Asian region. Multiple print shops have also surfaced across cities and town centers and cater to large scale need for promotional receipts, coupons, tickets, and rebate forms.  
 

Advent of portable electronic devices and internet access has made marketing and advertisement ubiquitous. Popular methods embraced by Chinese manufacturing industries to reach customers is by printing quotes and messages on a thermal receipt.  Printed receipts display high degree of customization, by using company logos, forms, attractive font designs, as a graphic.
 

Enterprises operating in the thermal paper industry trends are adopting strategies such as collaborations and acquisitions, new capacity additions, and product launches, to enhance their existing offerings and target a wider customer base and cement its market position. For instance.

Thermal Paper Market Share

Companies include, Mitsubishi Paper Mills, Oji Holdings Corporation, Koehler Paper Group, Appvion Operations, Inc., and Jujo Limited are key players making significant contributions to the thermal paper industry. Mitsubishi Paper Mills is renowned for its innovation in BPA-free thermal paper solutions, enhancing environmental sustainability. Oji Holdings Corporation focuses on advanced thermal paper technology, improving print quality and durability while expanding its global reach. Koehler Paper Group is a leader in high-performance thermal papers, emphasizing eco-friendly production processes and superior print clarity. Appvion Operations, Inc. has been instrumental in developing advanced thermal paper products with enhanced functionality and security features. Jujo Limited offers a diverse range of thermal paper solutions, including high-quality and specialty products tailored to various industrial applications. Collectively, these companies drive market growth through technological innovation, sustainability efforts, and a commitment to meeting evolving customer needs.
 

Thermal Paper Market Companies

Top companies operating in the thermal paper industry include:

• Mitsubishi Paper Mills
• Oji Holdings Corporation
• Koehler Paper Group
• Appvion Operations, Inc.
• Jujo Limited
• Ricoh Company, Ltd.
• Nakagawa Manufacturing Inc
• Siam Paper
   

Thermal Paper Industry News

September 2023: Mitsubishi Paper Mills Limited (MPM) announced that, had developed a new environmentally friendly product: the linerless thermal label with remoistening glue, Water Thermal.

The thermal paper market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue and volume (USD Billion) (Kilo Tons) from 2024 to 2032, for the following segments:

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• Top Coated
• Non-Top Coated

Market, By Technology

• Direct Thermal
• Thermal transfer
• Others

Market, By Application

• POS Receipts
• Lottery & gaming Tickets
• Labels & tags
• Others

Market, By End-Use

• Packaging & Labelling
• Printing
• Retail
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA