Thermal vs. Bond Paper Rolls: Which is Best for Your Restaurant or Retail Store?
Choosing the right type of paper roll for your POS system is crucial for efficiency, print quality, and overall customer experience. In Canadian restaurants and retail stores, the two most common options are thermal paper rolls and bond paper rolls. Understanding their differences will help you make an informed choice that fits your business needs.
At MilaMima, we supply high-quality BPA-free thermal rolls, bond paper rolls, and other office and POS supplies to businesses across Canada.
What Are Thermal Paper Rolls?
Thermal paper rolls are coated with a special chemical that changes color when exposed to heat. This eliminates the need for ink or ribbons, making them fast, clean, and efficient for printing receipts.
Advantages of Thermal Paper:
- Speed: Thermal printers are faster than traditional ink-based printers, reducing wait times for customers.
- Low Maintenance: No ink or toner cartridges to replace, minimizing downtime and costs.
- Clear Printing: Produces sharp, legible receipts that maintain quality over time.
- BPA-Free Options: Safe for employees who handle receipts frequently.
What Are Bond Paper Rolls?
Bond paper rolls, also known as impact or plain paper rolls, use ink ribbons and impact printing technology. They are often used in older POS systems or for applications where longer-lasting prints are needed.
Advantages of Bond Paper:
- Durability: Printed text lasts longer without fading, suitable for records and legal documents.
- Versatility: Can handle multi-part forms or carbon copies.
- Wide Compatibility: Works with legacy POS systems that do not support thermal printing.
Key Differences
| Feature | Thermal Paper | Bond Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Printing Method | Heat-sensitive coating, no ink required | Impact printing using ribbons |
| Speed | Fast | Slower |
| Print Longevity | Moderate; can fade if exposed to heat or light | Long-lasting |
| Maintenance | Minimal; no ribbons needed | Requires ribbon replacement |
| Cost | Generally lower per print | Higher due to ribbon and maintenance needs |
Which Should You Choose?
For most modern Canadian restaurants and retail stores, thermal paper rolls are the preferred choice. They are faster, cleaner, and compatible with modern POS systems such as Moneris, Square, Clover, and Verifone. Thermal paper also offers BPA-free options, which is increasingly important for employee safety.
Bond paper rolls are ideal if you require long-lasting records, carbon copies, or are using a legacy POS system that does not support thermal printing. They offer durability but at the cost of speed and higher maintenance.
Pro Tips for Canadian Businesses
- Assess your POS system compatibility before choosing thermal or bond paper.
- Consider BPA-free thermal paper to ensure staff safety.
- Keep a small inventory of both types if you operate multiple locations with varying needs.
- Buy high-quality rolls from trusted Canadian suppliers like MilaMima to ensure reliability and consistent performance.
Understanding the differences between thermal and bond paper rolls allows Canadian businesses to optimize their POS systems, improve efficiency, and deliver a better customer experience. By selecting the right type of paper, you can save time, reduce costs, and ensure every receipt meets professional standards.
