Heights Libraries Adopts 'Yellow' Paper

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The Heights Libraries are printing their check-out receipts, computer passes and hold-item covers on yellow-tinted paper.

“It’s the vitamin C,” said Circulation Manager Ty Emerson, pointing out the lemon-yellow tone of the paper.

The library system is using BPA- and BPS-free thermal paper to further its environmentally-friendly operations. Receipts and other items made with thermal printers don't require ink or toner, instead relying on heat and chemicals to produce images on the paper.

The new paper also uses vitamin C to create the letters on the paper instead of phenol-based chemicals, namely BPA and BPS.

“The old product we used was labeled BPA free, so we assumed it was safe, but after a customer wrote to us with her concerns, we did some research and learned that many companies replaced BPA with another phenol-based chemical called BPS, which is very similar to BPA and should also be avoided,” said Emerson.

The library system said the old paper caused other problems. “We learned through one of our own public programs on recycling that flimsy paper like receipt paper cannot be recycled,” said Emerson. “It actually gums up the works! But this new paper is thicker, and more substantial, so it can be recycled.”

“Cleveland Heights residents have always been progressive when it comes to things like the environment,” said Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. “This new paper may seem like a small change, but we know it means a lot to our community that we take every opportunity to have a positive impact on the health of our customers, staff, and planet.”