Understanding BPS Exposure Risks in Apparel Tags and Stickers

Tags:

Size information stickers on pants sold in clothing stores.

12 Jun 2025

California’s Proposition 65 targets BPS in apparel tags and stickers. Brands should adopt BPS-free thermal papers, inks, and adhesives to reduce exposure and ensure regulatory compliance.

There is a growing regulatory and legal focus on BPS exposure from temporary tags and stickers used on apparel and consumer products.

To date, 22 Proposition 65 Notices of Violation have been issued in California for BPS exposure primarily linked to thermal paper receipts. However, recent actions by private enforcers now include stickers and product tags such as clearance stickers and point of sale tags. These tags may contain BPS due to following reasons:

Thermal paper coatings (as a heat sensitive developer)
UV or flexographic printing inks (as an additive)
Pressure sensitive adhesives (as a tackifier or stabilizer)

We recommend reviewing your tag and labeling materials with your suppliers to confirm BPS free formulations and explore the following alternatives.

Thermal Paper:

Pergafast® 201: Non bisphenol, high image stability, widely used
Urea-based compounds: Safer toxicological profile
Blue4est® phenol free paper: FSC certified, BPS/BPA free, prints in blue

Inks:

Water based: Sustainable and BPS free, longer drying time
Soy based: Renewable, BPS free, high print quality
BPS free UV inks: Safer photo initiators

Adhesives:

Acrylic Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA): BPS free
Natural rubber/resins: Biodegradable but lower durability
Hot melt (BPS free tackifiers): Use rosin esters or hydrocarbon resins
Silicone adhesives: Inert and BPS free, higher cost

Please let us know if you'd like support in evaluating supplier documentation.

Pankaj Sarda

Director, Program Management & Development, Sales & Marketing

Pankaj has nearly 20 years of experience in consumer goods, focusing on regulatory compliance, product testing, and chemical management. He advises on product safety and regulatory changes, serving as a member of the Apparel and Footwear Association’s RSL Working Group. Pankaj holds degrees in Material Science, Business Administration, Textile Chemistry, and Manufacturing from the University of Massachusetts and the Textile & Engineering Institute in India.