In a busy restaurant, even the smallest operational decisions can impact efficiency. One of those decisions is choosing the right type of receipt paper for your kitchen printer and front-of-house point-of-sale (POS) system. The two most common options are bond paper and thermal paper—and each has its pros and cons. Here’s a helpful comparison to guide your selection.
Cost Comparison
Bond paper generally comes at a lower price point than thermal paper. It’s a practical choice for restaurants looking to control supply costs without sacrificing reliability.
Thermal paper typically has a higher upfront cost. However, because it doesn’t require ribbons or ink cartridges, some operations may save money over time by eliminating those extra consumables.
Print Quality
Thermal paper delivers crisp, high-contrast text and images. Its sharp print quality makes it ideal for receipts that need to display detailed order information, barcodes, or logos.
Bond paper, printed using an impact printer with a ribbon, produces more basic output. While still easy to read, it doesn’t offer the same level of clarity or professional appearance. However, this is often more than sufficient for internal kitchen use.
Durability
Bond paper is strong and reliable—resistant to tearing, moisture, and heat. It holds up well in fast-paced kitchen environments where tickets may be exposed to steam, grease, or rough handling.
Thermal paper is generally durable under normal conditions but can fade when exposed to heat, light, or friction. This makes it less ideal for archiving or back-of-house settings where long-term legibility may be needed.
Environmental Considerations
Bond paper is often seen as the more sustainable option. It's typically recyclable and made from renewable materials. For restaurants focused on eco-friendly operations, bond paper is a responsible choice.
Thermal paper, especially traditional types, contains chemical coatings like BPA or BPS. These coatings are not recyclable, and environmental concerns remain—even with phenol-free alternatives now on the market.
Best Use Cases
Bond kitchen paper is ideal for:
- Restaurants using impact printers
- Kitchens needing durable, multi-ply printing
- Businesses focused on cost control and sustainability
Thermal paper is preferred for:
- Front-of-house POS receipts
- Branded customer receipts that require high print quality
- Restaurants prioritizing efficiency and appearance
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right paper type depends on how and where it will be used. Here are answers to common questions that can help narrow your decision:
What’s the main difference between bond and thermal paper?
Bond paper requires an ink ribbon to print, while thermal paper uses heat-sensitive coating and a thermal printer.
Is thermal paper recyclable?
Most thermal paper is not recyclable, especially if it contains phenol coatings. C-Pac offers phenol-free thermal paper, which is safer but still not accepted by all recycling programs.
Which type is more durable in kitchen environments?
Bond paper is more resistant to heat and moisture, making it better suited for use near ovens, fryers, or dish stations.
Which paper type is more cost-effective?
Bond paper is often more affordable upfront. Thermal paper may save on ribbon costs but has a higher initial price per roll.
How do I place an order?
You can reach out to us anytime via our Contact Us page and a member of our team will help you with pricing, availability, and order options.
Available now at www.c-pac.com