The global thermal paper market size was valued at US$ 5.85 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from US$ 6.12 billion in 2025 to US$ 8.7 billion in 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period (2025-2033).
The global thermal paper market includes a wide range of coated papers that respond to heat-sensitive paper for printing images commonly used in receipts, labels, tickets, and POS terminals. The thermal paper market growth is driven by the expansion of retail, logistics automation, and increasing demand for invoicing and labeling systems. Innovations in BPA-free coatings and paper recycling solutions are paving the way for sustainable development. Thermal paper is especially popular in retail, banking, healthcare, and transportation due to its speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
The global thermal paper market is driven by rapid growth in the retail and e-commerce sectors. Thermal paper is used in point-of-sale (POS) receipts, labels, and hang tags. The demand for these products is growing due to the growing popularity of online shopping. With the rise of e-commerce, shipping and tracking labels have become indispensable; these products are mainly made of thermal paper. Modern retail and logistics service providers rely on thermal paper due to its cost-effectiveness, reliability, and high printing speed. The continued growth in demand for thermal paper for various applications is likely to further boost this market.
The rapid growth of e-commerce and modern retail has significantly increased the demand for thermal paper. Online stores and multi-channel retailers require printed materials such as shipping labels, invoices, receipts, and barcode labels, many of which are based on thermal printing technology. Thermal paper is popular due to its high print speed, low maintenance, and smudge resistance, making it an indispensable material for POS systems and logistics operations. Retailers including supermarkets, department stores, and convenience store chains use thermal paper for daily receipt printing, making it a necessity despite the growing trend towards digitalization.
As more emerging markets begin to embrace e-commerce, thermal paper consumption is expected to continue to grow, strengthening its integral role in the evolving global retail ecosystem.
Thermal paper plays a key role in logistics and supply chains where rapid labeling, tracking and inventory control are essential. Shipping labels, barcode stickers, warehouse labels and pallet identifiers are mainly printed on thermal paper due to its high print speed and resistance to stains, moisture and fading. Its efficiency ensures accurate tracking of goods across complex distribution channels. With the development of global trade, thermal labels play a key role in ensuring operational efficiency.
Thermal paper ensures that goods comply with customs and transport regulations with clear, easy-to-read and durable labels. With the spread of automated sorting and warehouse management systems, the demand for thermal printers and paper continues to grow, further highlighting the important role thermal paper plays in the global trade infrastructure.
One of the key concerns restraining the growth of the thermal paper market is the health risks associated with bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS), which are commonly used as colorants in traditional thermal paper. These chemicals are known to be endocrine disruptors and are associated with serious health issues including hormonal imbalance and reproductive toxicity. Consumer awareness of these chemicals has increased significantly, leading to a rise in demand for BPA-free alternatives.
Regulators in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia are tightening controls on the use of these chemicals in consumer products. To comply, manufacturers are forced to invest in safer but more expensive alternatives, driving up production costs. Potential health concerns and environmental concerns are holding back the use of thermal paper in sensitive areas such as food packaging and healthcare, affecting its market penetration.
Despite the growing trend towards paperless solutions, innovation and sustainability are opening up new growth opportunities for the thermal paper market. Manufacturers are responding to market demands by developing BPA- and phenol-free thermal paper, recyclable products, and linerless labels that reduce waste.
These advances make thermal paper more environmentally friendly, cost-effective and adaptable. As industries seek environmentally friendly and efficient printing solutions, thermal paper that meets ESG and operational efficiency goals is becoming increasingly valuable in the global marketplace.
With robust economic activity and rapid urbanization in China, India, Japan, and South Korea, the Asia Pacific region is leading the global thermal paper market. Booming retail and e-commerce sectors, particularly in China and India, are driving demand for thermal paper used in POS terminals, invoicing, and shipping applications. Moreover, the region’s rapidly expanding manufacturing and logistics infrastructure relies heavily on thermal labels to improve supply chain efficiency. While the rise of digital receipts and mobile payment solutions may pose long-term challenges, the scale and pace of economic development will ensure that demand for thermal paper remains strong in the short to medium term.
North America, especially the US, is experiencing the fastest market growth, driven by the expanding retail, supermarket, and e-commerce ecosystem. Thermal paper is widely used for point-of-sale (POS) receipts and logistics labels across both physical and digital retail platforms. The US leads the world in thermal paper consumption. Moreover, the region’s shift to eco-friendly, BPA-free paper products is driving innovation in linerless paper and eco-friendly thermal labels. Despite the growing adoption of digital receipts, the demand for eco-friendly printing solutions in North America continues to create growth opportunities for the thermal paper market.
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Thermal paper with a width of 80 mm holds the largest share of the thermal paper market, primarily due to its widespread use in the retail and hospitality industries. This width is compatible with most standard POS systems, making it a popular choice for retailers and restaurants. It allows for larger receipts to be printed that include logos, promotional information, and transaction details, improving brand communication and customer service. As companies increasingly adopt high-performance POS systems, demand for thermal paper rolls with a width of 80 mm continues to grow, cementing its dominant position in the market.
With the rapid modernization of the retail infrastructure, the POS market has become the largest application area for thermal paper. Advanced POS systems equipped with touch screens, wireless connectivity, and mobile device integration are becoming the standard for large and small businesses. These systems require fast, reliable, and cost-effective thermal paper printing to reduce transaction times and improve customer service efficiency. The growing popularity of portable POS terminals among small and medium businesses has further increased the market share in this segment.
Thermal technology dominates the market due to its simplicity, reliability and cost-effectiveness. It does not require the use of ribbons and inks, which reduces maintenance and consumable costs. Thermal printing is widely used in logistics, warehousing and supply chain management, including shipping labels, barcode labels and inventory tracking. With the growth of global trade and e-commerce, the demand for durable and temporary labels is growing, making thermal paper an indispensable material in this rapidly growing industry.
In the highly competitive and fragmented thermal paper market, key companies driving innovation and sustainability include Oji Holdings, Appvion, Kohler Group, and Mitsubishi Paper Industries. Companies such as Hansong Paper, Jinhuasheng, and Henan Jianghe maintain their leading positions in the Asia Pacific region due to their strong manufacturing capabilities and affordable solutions. Key players maintaining their dominant position in North America and Europe include Iconex and Thermal Solutions International, offering specialized solutions and eco-friendly materials. The thermal paper market is expected to be dominated by eco-friendly BPA-free products.
Appvion Inc. is the world’s largest thermal paper manufacturer, known for its innovation in high-performance and environmentally friendly thermal paper. Appvion’s Résiste SR, launched in September 2023, is a line of linerless label solutions for the manufacturing, foodservice, and logistics industries. Appvion holds a significant position in the thermal paper market due to its innovative technologies and strong presence in the North American and European markets. This market position is due to the company’s leadership in environmentally friendly thermal paper and strong relationships with major retailers and logistics companies.
Our analysts note that the global thermal paper market is showing strong growth, driven primarily by the rapid growth of retail, e-commerce, logistics and healthcare. Growing penetration of POS systems, especially in emerging economies such as China and India, is significantly increasing the demand for thermal paper for receipts, shipping and product labels. Mature markets such as the US, Germany and Japan are at the forefront of innovation, driving the shift to eco-friendly solutions based on BPA-free thermal paper in response to tightening regulations and growing environmental concerns.
Moreover, the proliferation of smart packaging, automated labeling, and digital payment systems is changing usage patterns. While the growing trend toward digitalization and paperless systems poses long-term challenges, continued technological innovation and the rise of green consumerism are expected to drive growth. The market is poised for further expansion, especially as thermal paper applications diversify beyond traditional POS terminals.
Post time: Jul-30-2025