What is Receipt Paper?
Receipt paper is a specialized paper used to produce printed records of transactions in retail, banking, hospitality, and various service-based industries. It is critical in providing customers with proof of purchase, return documentation, and expense tracking.
Types of Receipt Paper
Thermal Paper
Coated with a heat-sensitive layer, this paper reacts to a thermal print head to produce sharp, ink-free images. It’s fast, silent, and ideal for high-volume retail or hospitality environments.
Bond Paper
A traditional, uncoated paper that requires ink ribbons for printing. Used in impact or dot matrix printers, it’s well-suited for applications needing clear, long-lasting prints, especially in multi-part forms.
Carbonless Paper (NCR)
Carbonless paper is designed to create duplicate or triplicate copies without carbon sheets, making it perfect for generating multiple transaction records in banking, logistics, or service industries.
Features & Benefits
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Sharp Print Clarity
Crisp, high-definition printing ensures every receipt is easy to read, ideal for both text-heavy documentation and intricate graphics like logos or QR codes. -
Quick Processing
Printing is virtually instantaneous and whisper-quiet, especially on thermal receipt paper, which is ideal for fast-paced environments like retail counters or quick-service restaurants. -
Cost-Efficient
Thermal paper eliminates the need for ink or ribbons, reducing maintenance costs and streamlining operations over time. -
Customizable
Enhance your branding or include essential terms and marketing messages with pre-printed options ideal for loyalty programs, promotions, or legal notices.
Common Sizes & Formats
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Widths
Standard widths include 57mm (for portable devices), 76mm (for mid-range applications), and 80mm (for full-sized receipt printers).
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Roll Diameters
Ranges vary to suit different printer models and capacity needs. Larger diameters offer fewer roll changes and more efficiency.
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Core Sizes
The most widely used core sizes are 12.7mm and 25.4mm. Always verify your printer’s requirements before purchasing.
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Custom Options
Custom-cut widths, roll lengths, and pre-printed branding or terms can be produced to suit your business's unique needs.
Industries That Use Receipt Paper
Retail & Grocery
In retail and grocery settings, receipt paper is essential for daily transactions, refunds, and issuing promotional coupons or loyalty program details. It remains one of the most consistent touchpoints between a brand and its customer.
Banking & ATMs
Banks and automated teller machines rely on receipt paper for mini-statements, balance updates, and transaction logs. The paper must be precise, fade-resistant, and reliable, especially in self-service environments.
Hospitality
From restaurants to hotels, receipt paper is used for kitchen orders, guest checks, itemized bills, and even valet slips. In fast-paced environments, thermal paper ensures clarity and speed.
Healthcare
In clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals, printed receipts can include billing summaries, prescription details, or patient instructions. Clear and durable printing is essential to prevent miscommunication.
Transport & Parking
Whether for parking tickets, boarding passes, fare receipts, or toll documentation, receipt paper plays a key role in managing records for transportation and transit systems.
Storage & Handling Tips
Store rolls in a calm, dry environment to preserve the quality and lifespan. High humidity or heat exposure can cause the paper to darken or degrade prematurely.
Additionally, keep rolls away from direct sunlight or fluorescent light, as these can cause fading before the paper is used. It’s also good practice to rotate your stock using the First In, First Out (FIFO) method so older rolls are used before their quality diminishes.
Choosing the Right Receipt Paper
Printer Type
Determine whether your printer uses thermal or impact printing. Thermal printers require heat-sensitive paper that reacts to heat to produce an image, while impact printers use mechanical force and work best with plain or carbonless paper.
Paper Width
Receipt paper typically comes in standard widths like 57mm, 76mm, and 80mm. Matching the paper width with your printer’s specifications is essential to prevent jamming, misalignment, or printing errors.
Roll Diameter & Core Size
Check your printer’s loading mechanism to determine the compatible roll diameter and core size. Most printers use cores that are either 12.7mm or 25.4mm in diameter, and using the wrong size can result in improper paper feeding or malfunction.
Usage Environment
Choose top-coated or durable receipt paper if your business operates in high-humidity areas or if receipts are frequently handled. These variants are more resistant to fading, moisture, and physical wear.
Sustainability
To minimize environmental impact and meet modern eco-conscious standards, opt for receipt paper that is BPA-free, phenol-free, or FSC-certified. These sustainable options help reduce health risks and support responsible forest management.
Why Choose Paper Planet for Receipt Paper
Regarding reliable receipt paper that performs under pressure, Paper Planet stands out for quality and service. Whether you're running a retail operation, managing a restaurant, or overseeing logistics, every transaction needs to be supported by a printout you can trust.
Consistent Quality, Every Roll
Paper Planet's thermal and bond receipt papers are engineered for crisp imaging and reliable feeding. There are no smudges or misfeeds, just consistent results that keep your operations running smoothly.
BPA-Free & Phenol-Free Options
We understand the growing need for safer materials. That’s why Paper Planet offers a wide range of BPA-free and phenol-free thermal rolls, protecting your staff and customers from potential exposure.
Fast Shipping, Nationwide
Need it fast? Orders ship quickly and arrive on time, because running out of receipt paper shouldn’t stall your business. We stock popular sizes and formats, ready to ship when you are.
Custom Print Services
Make your receipts work harder for your brand. From logos and return policies to promotions and QR codes, Paper Planet offers custom-printed receipt paper to extend your message with every transaction.
Trusted by Industry Professionals
From national retailers to local cafés, Paper Planet is the trusted name in receipt paper for businesses that demand quality and value. With excellent customer support and tailored solutions, we’re here to help you print smarter.
FAQs
What's the difference between thermal and bond receipt paper
Thermal paper uses heat to create an image, while bond paper requires ink ribbons. The choice depends on your printer type.
Can I use receipt paper with any printer?
Receipt paper must match your specific printer technology, thermal or impact.
How long do printed receipts last?
Thermal receipts typically last 2–5 years under proper storage conditions. For archival purposes, consider top-coated or archival-grade options.
Is receipt paper recyclable?
BPA-free and phenol-free thermal paper is generally recyclable. Always check local recycling guidelines.
Can receipt paper be customized?
Yes, many suppliers offer custom printing with logos, coupons, and messaging to enhance brand visibility.
Why do some receipts fade quickly?
Fading can occur due to heat, light, or moisture exposure. For better longevity, use high-quality, top-coated thermal paper.
Are colored receipt papers available?
Yes, colored options are available for specialized use cases such as color-coded systems or promotional branding.
Can receipt paper be used for legal or tax documentation?
Yes, but for long-term recordkeeping, use durable or archival-grade paper and store receipts properly to ensure legibility.