In today’s information-rich world, there is growing awareness of hidden dangers in everyday items. One such overlooked risk comes from something as ordinary as till receipts. EcoSafe Products, an Irish start-up founded earlier this year, is addressing this issue by offering certified phenol-free thermal paper as a safer alternative for Irish businesses.
The Problem with Standard Receipt Paper
Most thermal receipt paper is coated with chemical developers such as bisphenol-A (BPA) and bisphenol-S (BPS), which help with the heat-activated printing process. These chemicals belong to a group known as phenols, which are linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns. While BPA has been banned in the EU, BPS remains widely used.
These substances can be absorbed through the skin, making them a concern for both consumers and workers who handle receipts daily. Many people assume that “BPA-free” means safe, but BPS and other phenol-based alternatives may pose similar risks.
Hidden Chemicals in Everyday Products: A Broader Problem
Phenols like BPA and BPS are not only found in thermal paper. They’re also used in plastics, food packaging, and even personal care products. These chemicals are part of a broader class of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) that have been linked to reproductive disorders, developmental issues in children, and certain cancers.
The issue lies in cumulative exposure. While a single receipt may pose limited risk, repeated handling, especially by workers in retail and hospitality, can increase the body’s chemical load. This makes phenol-free options a small but important step in reducing overall toxic exposure.
Enter EcoSafe Products
EcoSafe Products was founded in 2025 by Grace McNamara and Donna Flannery, two lifelong friends with a shared background in hospitality and a passion for safer, more sustainable living.
Their mission is clear: to replace harmful everyday materials with safer alternatives, starting with the humble till roll. The company supplies certified phenol-free thermal paper to Irish businesses, providing a solution that avoids all bisphenol derivatives, including BPS, and meets FSC certification standards.
“Most thermal receipts still contain phenols like BPS, which can be absorbed through the skin,” explains McNamara. “We saw a clear opportunity to provide education around the issue and offer a safer alternative.”
Who They Serve
EcoSafe’s target market is any Irish business that uses till or card machine receipts. The co-founders see a significant opportunity to raise awareness about the risks of phenols and provide businesses with access to safer receipt options.
The start-up is currently in an early stage but has already secured its first customers, including a B Corp business. EcoSafe is also now live on Shopify, where customers can explore and purchase their products.
Building Awareness and Growing Responsibly
Currently, EcoSafe is bootstrapping and not seeking outside investment. Their focus is on proving the demand in the Irish market and educating businesses and consumers about the risks associated with phenol-coated paper.
“Educating people about an invisible risk—phenols in receipt paper—has been a challenge,” says McNamara. “Many believe ‘BPA-free’ means safe, without realising that BPS and other phenols may be just as harmful. But the more we talk about it, the more interest we generate.”
The founders hope to see a broader recognition of product safety issues beyond food and cosmetics, especially in business supplies.
Looking Ahead
Grace McNamara and Donna Flannery envision EcoSafe becoming Ireland’s go-to supplier for non-toxic, eco-conscious business essentials. Their work is about more than just selling paper—it’s about creating a healthier, more informed marketplace.
“We want safe alternatives to be the default, not the exception.”
As awareness continues to grow around the chemicals in everyday products, EcoSafe is offering a tangible step forward for Irish businesses looking to operate more responsibly—both for their customers and the planet.
Clonclusion
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