Tag: Restaurant & Hospitality

Star Micronics to Showcase POS Hardware, Partner Integrations, and the New mC-Connect Drawer at RetailNOW 2026
Visit Booth 631 to see the new mC-Connect Drawer, cloud printing, multifunction labeling, kiosk barcode scanning, and live demonstrations with MagTek and Logic Controls.
Las Vegas, NV – July 17, 2026 – Star Micronics, a global leader in point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling technology, will exhibit at RetailNOW 2026, the retail IT channel’s #1 trade show, education conference, and networking event. The show takes place July 26–28 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Visitors to Booth 631 can explore Star’s latest POS hardware through live demonstrations with leading technology partners.

RetailNOW attendees will see Star hardware working alongside software and payment technologies used across retail and hospitality.

Featured Solutions at Booth 631

Attendees can explore Star’s latest POS hardware and cloud technologies, including:

The new mC-Connect Drawer: Modernize any cash drawer with USB, Ethernet, Wireless LAN, and Bluetooth® Low Energy connectivity, enabling direct communication with today’s POS systems, tablets, and mobile devices.

Cloud Printing Solutions: CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online simplify cloud printing for online ordering, web applications, and multi-location deployments. From direct cloud communication using MQTT to fully managed cloud printing with remote device management, Star offers flexible options for cloud-connected POS environments.

Multifunction Labeling Solutions: The mC-Label2 and mC-Label3 support receipts, linerless labels, die-cut labels, and continuous media from a single device, allowing businesses to print food safety labels, order labels, barcode labels, receipts, and more.

Kiosk Barcode Scanning: Star’s fixed-mount kiosk barcode scanners, the NLS-FM431 and the NLS-FM3280, provide fast, hands-free scanning of 1D and 2D barcodes from printed labels and mobile devices for self-service kiosks, lockers, and customer-facing terminals.

Enterprise POS Hardware: From receipt printers and cash drawers to barcode scanners and cloud-connected peripherals, Star’s hardware portfolio supports retail, restaurant, grocery, healthcare, cannabis, and hospitality applications.

Live Partner Demonstrations

Star will feature several integrated demonstrations throughout the show.

One Touch Label with Logic Controls KitchenGO KDS and the mC-Label3: See Logic Controls’ KitchenGO KDS working with Star’s mC-Label3 multifunction printer to demonstrate the One Touch Label feature. Kitchen staff can generate labels directly from the KDS as orders move through production, helping identify orders and improve fulfillment accuracy.

Direct Cash Drawer Control with MagTek and the mC-Connect Drawer: MagTek will demonstrate the mC-Connect Drawer, showing how payment devices and POS systems can control cash drawers directly without requiring a printer connection.

Star Solutions Featured Throughout the Show Floor

Attendees can also see Star solutions featured at the following partner booths:

BlueStar

MagTek

Met Sales

MS Cash

“RetailNOW brings together the channel partners, ISVs, and solution providers that help businesses deploy POS technology every day. This year, we’re demonstrating how our hardware works alongside leading software and payment providers, from the new mC-Connect Drawer and cloud printing to multifunction labeling and kiosk technologies, showing how these technologies work together in real-world deployments.”

Christophe Naasz, Global Director of Business Development at Star Micronics

Meet the Star Team at RetailNOW 2026

Francis Angoyar, Sales Accounts Executive at Star Micronics, will participate in a speaking session at the ScanSource booth on Monday, July 27, from 11:45 a.m. to 11:55 a.m., where attendees can ask questions about Star’s POS hardware and integrations.

Star is also proud to support the Women in Technology (W2W) community at RetailNOW. Joey Richholt, Director of Human Resources at Star Micronics, will serve as a panelist during Martinis & Mentorship: The Perfect Cocktail Mixing Career Advice, Authentic Connections, and Lasting Success, taking place on Sunday, July 26, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by Booth 631 to see the demonstrations, meet with the Star team, and learn more about Star’s latest POS hardware and cloud technologies.

To schedule time with the Star team or for more information, contact sales@starmicronics.com.
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Star Micronics is a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions that help businesses connect digital workflows to real-world operations. Serving retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service industries, Star delivers printing, labeling, cash management, self-service, and cloud-based technologies designed to support scalable, connected, and automated environments. Star’s solutions support Android, iOS, Windows, and web-based platforms and extend into the cloud through services such as CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online, Star’s fully managed cloud printing service.

Visit starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, or LinkedIn to learn more.

Media Contact:

Christin Dorner

Star Micronics America, Inc.

cdorner@starmicronics.com

848-216-3318
July 17, 2026
Operandio and Star Micronics Standardize Food Safety Labeling for Multi-Location Restaurants
Operandio integrates with Star’s mC-Label2 and mC-Label3 multifunction label printers to help multi-location restaurants simplify and improve food safety labeling workflows.
Somerset, NJ – July 14, 2026 – Star Micronics, a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions, today announced its integration with Operandio, an AI-powered operations platform for franchise and multi-unit restaurant networks. By combining Operandio’s digital food safety and operations platform with Star’s mC-Label2 and mC-Label3 multifunction label printers, restaurants can generate and print food safety labels directly from digital HACCP and food preparation workflows, helping improve operational control, traceability, and compliance across every location.

Digital Food Safety from Preparation to Compliance

Food safety depends on consistent execution throughout the day. Yet many restaurants still rely on handwritten labels, paper checklists, and manual processes that can introduce errors and make compliance more difficult.

Operandio helps restaurants digitize HACCP procedures, food safety programs, temperature monitoring, operational checklists, corrective actions, and employee training through a single platform. By replacing paper-based processes with real-time digital workflows, restaurant operators gain greater visibility into daily execution while helping teams maintain consistent food safety standards across locations.

Automated Labeling Where Food Safety Happens

Through its integration with Star’s mC-Label2 and mC-Label3 printers, Operandio enables kitchen staff to print labels for prep, food rotation, expiration, allergen, and product identification directly from the application at the point of preparation.

Restaurants can:

Print food safety labels directly from digital workflows

Replace handwritten labels with clear, consistent printed output

Standardize food safety labeling across multiple locations

Support HACCP procedures with accurate, time-sensitive labeling

Improve product traceability and inspection readiness

Reduce manual labeling during food preparation

Designed for demanding kitchen environments, the compact mC-Label2 fits easily into space-constrained prep stations with its front-loading, front-exit design, while the mC-Label3 supports label widths up to 3 inches for applications requiring larger label formats. Both printers support linerless and die-cut media, and feature tool-free maintenance to help minimize downtime in busy kitchen environments.

“The Star mC-Label printer is an exceptionally versatile tool that brings both durability and flexible connectivity to the kitchen environment. At Operandio, we value partnering with experienced teams like Star Micronics that deliver reliable hardware to support consistent food safety and day-to-day restaurant operations.”

David Rigbye, Managing Director of Operandio

“Digitizing food safety is only part of the equation. Restaurants also need a dependable way to turn those digital workflows into clear, accurate labels at the point of preparation. That’s where our mC-Label printers help complete the process.”

Christophe Naasz, Global Director of Business Development at Star Micronics

Built for Multi-Unit Restaurant Operations

Beyond food safety, Operandio provides restaurant operators with a centralized platform to recruit, onboard, train, operate, and maintain compliance across franchise and multi-location businesses. The platform digitizes standard operating procedures, inspections, equipment management, employee training, and daily tasks, giving restaurant operators greater visibility into execution across every location.

To learn more about Star Micronics solutions, visit starmicronics.com.

To explore Operandio, visit operandio.com.
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Operandio is an AI-powered operations platform built for franchise and multi-unit restaurant networks. The platform helps operators recruit, onboard, train, operate, and maintain compliance through a single system that digitizes food safety, task management, employee training, equipment management, and operational procedures. Founded in Australia with a North American headquarters in Utah, Operandio helps restaurant organizations improve consistency, accountability, and visibility across every location.

Star Micronics is a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions that help businesses connect digital workflows to real-world operations. Serving retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service industries, Star delivers printing, labeling, cash management, self-service, and cloud-based technologies designed to support scalable, connected, and automated environments. Star’s solutions support Android, iOS, Windows, and web-based platforms and extend into the cloud through services such as CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online, Star’s fully managed cloud printing service.

Visit starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, or LinkedIn to learn more.

Media Contact:

Christin Dorner

Star Micronics America, Inc.

cdorner@starmicronics.com

848-216-3318

Media Contact:

David Rigbye

Operandio Pty Ltd.

david@operandio.com

213-863-1339
July 14, 2026
CaterZen and Star Micronics Help Restaurants Scale Catering with Linerless Labeling
CaterZen Catering Software integrates with Star’s TSP143IV SK printer to help restaurants organize, identify, and fulfill catering orders with greater accuracy from the kitchen to the customer.
Somerset, NJ – July 10, 2026 – Star Micronics, a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions, today announced its integration with CaterZen Catering Software, a catering management platform built specifically for restaurants. Through the integration, CaterZen’s Catering Kitchen Display System (KDS) generates linerless labels on Star’s TSP143IV SK sticky linerless label printer as orders are prepared, helping restaurants keep complex catering orders organized from the kitchen to the customer.

Extending the Catering Kitchen Workflow

Catering orders are often larger, more customized, and more time-sensitive than traditional restaurant orders. Multiple trays, individually packaged meals, dietary restrictions, delivery locations, and scheduled pickup times all require clear labeling and organization throughout preparation and fulfillment.

CaterZen helps restaurants manage every stage of the catering process, from customer inquiries and proposals to order management, production, online ordering, delivery coordination, marketing, and repeat business. In 2017, CaterZen introduced its Catering Kitchen Display System (KDS) to help restaurants manage catering production more efficiently. As customers looked to extend those digital workflows with printed labels, integrating the Star TSP143IV SK became a natural next step, allowing restaurants to generate clear, professional linerless labels directly from the KDS as orders are prepared.

“We built CaterZen specifically for restaurant operators because catering requires workflows that fit the way restaurants actually work. Integrating Star’s TSP143IV SK gives our customers a dependable way to organize and identify every catering order while maintaining the professional presentation that keeps customers coming back.”

Michael Attias, Founder and CEO of CaterZen Catering Software

The integration helps restaurants:

Print catering labels directly from CaterZen order workflows

Clearly identify trays, containers, bags, and individually packaged meals

Include customer names, delivery destinations, and special instructions

Organize complex catering orders during preparation and packing

Reduce packing and handoff errors before pickup or delivery

Built for High-Volume Catering Workflows

The Star TSP143IV SK is a single, compact linerless sticky label printer that gives restaurants the flexibility to handle everyday transactions and catering fulfillment with one printer. Repositionable linerless labels can be applied, removed, and repositioned without leaving adhesive residue, making them well-suited for catering containers, delivery bags, and order packaging. The printer also helps reduce liner waste while providing more labels per roll than traditional label media.

“Large catering orders leave very little room for error. The last step before an order leaves the kitchen is often the one customers notice most. Clear, accurate labeling helps ensure every catering order arrives organized, identifiable, and ready to serve.”

Christophe Naasz, Global Director of Business Development at Star Micronics

Supporting Restaurants That Cater

As catering continues to grow as an important revenue channel for restaurants, operators need systems that simplify execution without adding unnecessary complexity. Together, CaterZen and Star provide a connected solution that helps restaurants manage catering orders, improve fulfillment accuracy, strengthen food presentation, and support a consistent customer experience for every event, meeting, and large-order delivery.

For more information about Star Micronics solutions, visit starmicronics.com.

To learn more about CaterZen Catering Software, visit caterzen.com.
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CaterZen Catering Software is a catering management platform built specifically for restaurant operators. Designed by restaurateur Michael Attias, the platform helps restaurants manage customer inquiries, proposals, catering orders, online ordering, production, delivery coordination, customer communications, marketing, and repeat business through a single system. Built around real restaurant operations, CaterZen enables operators to grow catering revenue while maintaining organized, repeatable workflows.

Star Micronics is a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions that help businesses connect digital workflows to real-world operations. Serving retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service industries, Star delivers printing, labeling, cash management, self-service, and cloud-based technologies designed to support scalable, connected, and automated environments. Star’s solutions support Android, iOS, Windows, and web-based platforms and extend into the cloud through services such as CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online, Star’s fully managed cloud printing service.

Visit starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, or LinkedIn to learn more.

Media Contacts:

Christin Dorner

Star Micronics America, Inc.

cdorner@starmicronics.com

848-216-3318

Michael Attias

CaterZen Catering Software

michael.attias@caterzen.com

615-969-7090
July 10, 2026
The Benefits of Durable, Reliable Commercial Label Printers
Commercial label printers play an important role in how businesses identify products, communicate workflow information, maintain regulatory compliance, and track inventory. From retail and restaurants to healthcare and fulfillment, labels help employees and customers access important information quickly and consistently.

When a label printer fails, those workflows can slow down. Orders may be delayed, inventory may become harder to track, and important product or compliance information may not be available when needed.

For businesses that rely on labeling throughout daily operations, choosing a durable and reliable commercial label printer can help reduce downtime, support high-volume workflows, and keep labeling processes consistent across the business.

Explore Star’s Label Printing Solutions

Table of Contents

What Makes a Label Printer Durable and Reliable?
The durability and reliability of a commercial label printer depend on both its physical construction and its internal components. A printer designed for daily commercial use should be built to handle frequent printing, different media types, and the environmental conditions where it will operate.

Key factors that affect durability and reliability include:

Printhead lifespan: The printhead is one of the most important components in any label printer. Longer-life printheads help maintain consistent print quality and reduce replacement frequency.

Cutter durability: In high-volume environments, the cutter may operate thousands of times per day. Durable cutters help reduce jams and incomplete cuts.

Media path design: A well-designed media path helps labels feed smoothly and reduces misfeeds, jams, and wasted labels.

Housing materials and construction: Commercial environments may expose printers to heat, humidity, dust, or cleaning chemicals. Durable materials help the printer withstand these conditions.

Stable connectivity: Reliable wired, wireless, or cloud connectivity helps prevent missed print jobs and keeps workflows moving.

Maintenance accessibility: Printers designed for easy cleaning, media changes, and component replacement are often easier to maintain and less likely to experience preventable downtime.
Reliable commercial label printers are typically characterized by consistent print quality, fewer jams, stable connectivity, and components designed for long-term use.

Choosing a Label Printer for Commercial Environments

Choosing a commercial label printer starts with understanding where and how it will be used. In addition to supporting the label types your operation requires, the printer should be built for the environment where it will operate.

Commercial environments can expose printers to heat, humidity, dust, frequent handling, and cleaning chemicals. A printer designed for these conditions is less likely to require frequent repairs or replacement, which can help reduce long-term ownership costs.

When evaluating a commercial label printer, consider the following:

Printer Form Factor for Different Workspaces

Printer design affects where and how employees use it. Front-loading and top-loading designs can make media changes easier in tight spaces, while wall-mounting options may help free up counter space in kitchens, prep stations, or healthcare environments.

The right form factor depends on the workflow and available space.

High-Volume Printing for Demanding Workloads

Some environments require continuous, high-speed printing throughout the day. This may include labeling restaurant orders, retail inventory, shipping packages, patient medications, or kiosk-generated labels.

A commercial label printer should be designed to keep up with the expected print volume without frequent jams, cutter failures, or overheating.

Support for Multiple Label Types

Commercial labeling needs often vary by application. Some workflows use linerless labels, while others require die-cut labels, receipts, or permanent adhesive labels.

A multifunction label printer can support multiple media types from a single device, allowing businesses to standardize hardware across different workflows while reducing the number of printer models they manage.

Reliable Connectivity

A commercial label printer should maintain stable wired, wireless, or cloud-based connections depending on how the business operates.

For cloud-connected workflows, reliable communication between software and printers is especially important to prevent delayed or missed print jobs.

Easy setup also matters, especially for wireless environments. Features like BLE-assisted Wi-Fi setup, available on Star’s mC-Label2 CWBi models, can help employees connect printers quickly using a smartphone or tablet without complex network configuration.

Easy Printer Maintenance

Routine cleaning and maintenance help prevent adhesive buildup, cutter jams, and print quality issues. Commercial label printers designed with tool-free maintenance, simple media loading, and clear cleaning instructions can make routine upkeep easier for employees and reduce preventable downtime.

The mC-Label series by Star Micronics has tool-free, super easy maintenance.

Why Durable and Reliable Printers Matter in Daily Operations

In many businesses, labels are part of daily workflows. When a label printer stops working, those workflows can slow down or stop entirely.

In a QSR kitchen, a printer failure can delay order packaging or delivery handoff. In an ecommerce fulfillment center, it can interrupt shipping and inventory tracking. In healthcare, missing labels on medications, patient records, or specimens can create serious operational and compliance issues.

Reliable commercial label printers help reduce these risks by supporting consistent print quality, stable connectivity, and dependable performance during high-volume use.

Over time, printer durability also affects ownership costs. A printer built for its environment is less likely to require frequent repairs, component replacements, or full device replacement. This can help businesses reduce downtime, maintain labeling consistency, and extend the useful life of their equipment.

Explore Star Micronics Commercial Label Printers

Choosing the right commercial label printer starts with understanding your environment, print volume, media requirements, connectivity needs, and maintenance expectations. The right printer should match the demands of your workflow and the types of labels your business relies on every day.

Star Micronics offers a range of commercial label printers designed for retail, restaurant, healthcare, fulfillment, and other high-volume environments. From multifunction label printers that support linerless, die-cut, and receipt printing to purpose-built sticky linerless label printers, Star provides options for a wide range of labeling applications.

Explore Star’s Labeling Solutions and Receipt and Label Media to learn more, or contact Star Micronics for help choosing the right commercial label printer for your business.

Learn More About Star Label Printers

Contact Star Today

Frequently Asked Questions About Label Printer Durability and Reliability

What features make label printers more durable for commercial environments?

Durable commercial label printers are typically built with long-life printheads, durable cutters, strong housing materials, stable connectivity, and media paths designed to reduce jams and misfeeds. Easy maintenance access also helps keep the printer operating consistently over time.

How do durable label printers reduce downtime?

Durable printers reduce downtime by using components designed for frequent, high-volume use. Printers built for harsh environments, such as hot restaurant kitchens or healthcare settings with frequent cleaning, are less likely to fail or require frequent repair. Long-life printheads and cutters also reduce replacement frequency.

What should businesses look for in a high-volume commercial label printer?

Businesses should look for print speed, cutter durability, media compatibility, reliable connectivity, and maintenance accessibility. The printer should be designed for the expected daily print volume and the environment where it will operate.

Why is label printer maintenance important for reliability?

Routine maintenance helps prevent adhesive buildup, cutter jams, print quality issues, and media misfeeds. Cleaning the printer regularly helps ensure labels remain readable and barcodes scan correctly.

Can durable label printers support wireless and cloud connectivity?

Yes. Many commercial label printers support wired, wireless, and cloud-based connections. Features like BLE-assisted Wi-Fi setup can also make wireless deployment faster and easier for employees.

How do multifunction label printers improve commercial workflows?

Multifunction label printers can support receipts, linerless labels, die-cut labels, and other media types from a single device. This helps businesses reduce the number of printer models they manage while supporting different workflows with one platform.

Why does media compatibility matter in commercial label printing?

Different workflows require different label formats and adhesive types. Choosing a printer that supports the required media helps ensure consistent printing, proper label application, and reliable performance.

How do durable label printers lower the total cost of ownership?

Durable label printers can reduce repair costs, extend equipment lifespan, and minimize downtime. Over time, this can lower replacement frequency and reduce interruptions to daily operations.

Are linerless label printers reliable for high-volume environments?

Yes. Linerless label printers are commonly used in high-volume environments because they allow for faster application and fewer media roll changes. Since linerless labels do not use backing paper, they also reduce waste and help keep workspaces cleaner.

What industries benefit most from durable commercial label printers?

Durable commercial label printers are commonly used in retail, restaurants, ecommerce fulfillment, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, airports, and logistics. Any business that depends on consistent labeling can benefit from a printer designed for long-term, high-volume use.
June 19, 2026
9 Restaurant Labels that Improve KDS Workflows
A kitchen display system (KDS) helps restaurants manage orders digitally by sending information from the point of sale (POS) system directly to food preparation stations. This gives kitchen teams real-time visibility into incoming orders, modifiers, and fulfillment priorities for dine-in, drive-thru, pickup, and delivery channels.

However, once food preparation begins, orders move through physical workflows. Items are prepared, packaged, staged, picked up, and delivered. Restaurant labels for KDS workflows help carry order information beyond the screen, ensuring important details remain attached to the order throughout preparation, packaging, pickup, and delivery.

From beverage labels and allergy alerts to catering labels and tamper-evident seals, the right labels help restaurants extend KDS communication throughout the operation.

Explore Star Labeling Solutions

Table of Contents

What Are Restaurant Labels for KDS Workflows?
A kitchen display system (KDS) manages order information digitally, but restaurant operations still depend on physical workflows. Orders move through multiple stages before reaching the customer, including:

Food preparation

Beverage preparation

Packaging

Expo

Pickup

Delivery
Restaurant labels for KDS workflows help carry order information beyond the screen and keep it attached to the order as it moves through these stages.

As orders move between stations, labels can communicate customer names, modifiers, allergy information, beverage customizations, pickup instructions, delivery details, and other important information. Keeping these details visible throughout preparation and fulfillment reduces reliance on verbal communication and helps teams coordinate complex dine-in, drive-thru, pickup, and delivery operations.

Types of Restaurant Labels for KDS Workflows

A KDS communicates order information digitally, but labels help carry that information through food preparation, packaging, pickup, and delivery. Different types of restaurant labels support different stages of the workflow, helping employees identify orders, manage modifications, communicate food safety information, and direct completed orders to the correct destination.

1. Drive-Thru and Takeout Labels

An integrated system can generate labels along with sending orders to the KDS from the drive-thru, online ordering platform, or self-ordering kiosk. Labels can be applied to trays, containers, cups, or bags so order information remains attached to the order throughout preparation and fulfillment. Labels also ensure the team directs the order to the right place, whether the front counter, the drive-thru, or order pickup.

2. Allergy and Exception Order Labels

Allergies and food sensitivities have become more common, requiring special order preparation so diners can safely enjoy their meals. Furthermore, many customers have strong food preferences and request items prepared in specific ways.

Allergy and exception order labels help ensure modifications remain visible as the order moves between preparation, packaging, and pickup stations. Exception order labels clearly inform food prep of changes to the way they typically prepare menu items. They also flag orders for the expeditor, server, or take-out counter worker that the kitchen prepared the order as the customer requested.

3. Made-to-Order Food Labels

Although a KDS has become a standard tool in quick service restaurants (QSRs), this technology offers benefits to the whole range of food service environments. When a store or café sells made-to-order (MTO) items, labels include vital information that helps customers make informed decisions and to keep the business in compliance.

MTO food labels can include product name, description, ingredients, nutrition information, and allergen or dietary restriction alerts. Businesses can also customize MTO food labels with branding elements such as their name and logo.

4. Beverage and Barista Labels

Customers have strong opinions about how they want their coffee, espresso, or tea orders, requesting various types of milk, creamer, sweetener, flavors, and other options. Beverage orders often include customizations such as milk selections, flavors, sweeteners, and preparation instructions.

Labels help baristas identify these details quickly and keep drinks matched to the correct customer throughout preparation and pickup. Labels with each detail of the order simplify order prep, and repositionable labels can follow orders from the POS system, to order prep, and then to the customer’s cup.

Explore Star Labels

5. Product ID and Barcode Labels

Tracking prepared items or MTO foods can help shops manage their inventory, reduce shrinkage, and minimize waste. Barcoded labels generated during KDS workflows allow employees with scanners to capture data as items are placed into coolers or display cases, including their sell-by dates. Clear, reliable barcode labels also give shops a way to track ingredients’ sources in case of a recall and for fast price scanning at the checkout.

6. Catering Labels

If a restaurant or store offers catering, labels printed during KDS workflows can flag orders for the items they need for completeness, such as condiments, trays, or utensils. Labels can also include food safety instructions, nutrition information, allergen warnings, and serving instructions.

7. Nutrition and Calorie Labels

The FDA requires food service companies to provide nutrition facts to consumers. Although not every dine-in or take-out order has a nutrition label, restaurants must provide calorie counts and ingredient information on request. Restaurants can simplify this process with templated labels that employees print during packaging or order assembly.

8. Order Verification and QC Labels
Once an order is packaged, an expeditor or other restaurant employee cannot easily verify that every item is present by looking at the sealed bag alone. Some restaurants add a POS scale to the workflow to help verify order completeness before pickup or delivery.

A typical order verification workflow may include:

Package the order

Weigh the completed bag

Compare the weight to the expected total shown on the order label

Investigate any significant discrepancies

Release the order for pickup or delivery
If the actual weight differs from the expected weight, employees can review the order and correct missing or incorrect items before the customer receives it. Combined with restaurant labels for KDS workflows, weight-based verification provides another checkpoint to help restaurants catch errors before orders leave the store.

9. Tamper-Evident Labels

When the kitchen team closes a package, they can add a tamper-evident label as the final step. Tamper-evident labels help indicate whether a bag or container has been opened after packaging. They are commonly used for delivery and pickup orders where food safety and package integrity are important.

How to Choose the Right Type of Restaurant Label for KDS Workflow Stages

The right restaurant label depends on both the media type and adhesive required for the workflow. Some KDS applications benefit from linerless labels for fast application, while others require die-cut labels, repositionable adhesives, or permanent tamper-evident labeling.

Linerless Labels
No liner backing

Fast application

Reduced waste

Great for:

beverage labels

takeout labels

pickup labels

food container labels
Die-Cut Labels
Individual label shapes/sizes

Consistent placement

Useful for:

nutrition labels

product identification

barcode labels

made-to-order food labels
Repositionable Linerless Labels
Diamond adhesive (light tack) or full coverage (stronger)

Can be removed and reapplied without residue

Useful for:

beverage workflows

food prep trays

staging areas

internal order tracking
Permanent Linerless and Tamper-Evident Labels
Remain attached

Show evidence of removal

Useful for:

delivery bag seals

packaged foods

barcode labels

food safety workflows

Buy Star Labels Now
Features to Look for in Restaurant Label Printers for KDS Workflows

Choosing the right restaurant label printer is just as important as selecting the right label media. KDS workflows often support food preparation, beverage stations, packaging, pickup, and delivery operations, so label printers should be able to support a variety of applications and deployment environments.

Multimedia Printing

Printers that support multiple media types, including linerless labels, die-cut labels, and receipts, allow restaurants to standardize hardware across stations. A multifunction printer can support different workflows without requiring separate printer models for each application.

Linerless Label Support

Linerless labels help reduce liner waste and counter clutter while supporting high-volume labeling workflows. Restaurants planning to use linerless labels should choose a printer designed specifically for linerless media.

Cloud Printing Capabilities

Cloud-connected printers can receive print jobs directly from KDS software, online ordering platforms, and cloud-based applications without relying on local print servers.

Support for Multiple Adhesive Types

Different workflows require different label adhesives. Restaurants may use repositionable labels for beverage preparation and internal workflows, while delivery and packaging applications may require permanent or tamper-evident labels.

Fast Print Speeds

High-volume kitchens depend on labels being available when needed. Fast print speeds help prevent delays during peak ordering periods and support continuous order flow.

KDS and POS Compatibility

Restaurant label printers should work with KDS software, POS systems, cloud platforms, and the operating systems used throughout the business. Compatibility can simplify deployment, support, and long-term maintenance.

User-Friendly Maintenance

Restaurant environments are busy, and printer maintenance is often handled by store-level employees. Features such as tool-free maintenance, easy media loading, user-replaceable components, and guided cleaning procedures can help reduce downtime and keep printers operating reliably.

Star Micronics Label Printers for KDS Workflows

Restaurants use a variety of labels throughout KDS workflows, including beverage labels, allergy labels, barcode labels, catering labels, order verification labels, and tamper-evident labels. Supporting these applications requires printers that match the media, adhesive, and workflow requirements of the operation.

Star Micronics offers several printer options for restaurant labels used with KDS systems, including:

mC-Label3 Multifunction Printer

The mC-Label3 supports receipts, die-cut labels, repositionable linerless labels, and permanent linerless labels from a single printer platform. This makes it a good choice for restaurants looking to standardize printing across multiple stations.

The Star Micronics mC-Label3 is a versatile multifunction printer that prints a wide range of labels and receipts, including both permanent and repositionable sticky linerless. It features cloud connectivity and innovative technologies like SteadyLAN and TetherLAN for enhanced printing convenience.

Discover the mC-Label3 >

mC-Label2 Multifunction Printer

The mC-Label2 provides support for a wide range of label and receipt media in a compact design, making it suitable for food preparation, packaging, pickup, and other labeling applications.

The mC-Label2 packs powerful features into a compact, front-loading design, including 300 dpi resolution, support for linerless, die-cut, receipt, and continuous media, and connectivity options like USB-C, LAN, WLAN, Bluetooth, and Apple MFi-certified pairing (X4 models only).

Explore the mC-Label2 >

TSP143IV SK Sticky Linerless Label Printer

The TSP143IV SK is designed specifically for sticky linerless label printing and is commonly used for beverage labeling, food container labeling, pickup workflows, and other applications where repositionable labels are beneficial.

The TSP143IV SK by Star Micronics sets a new standard for compact, eco-friendly thermal linerless label printing, offering advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi and AOA, and efficient, residue-free labels for diverse business needs.

Find out more >

Whether a restaurant is deploying a new KDS or expanding existing workflows, selecting the right label printer helps ensure order information remains visible from preparation through pickup or delivery.

The Missing Link in KDS-Driven Restaurant Workflows

This eBook shows how labeling extends KDS accuracy into real-world workflows, helping restaurants and retailers improve fulfillment, accountability, and consistency across all ordering channels.

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Contact Star Micronics to learn more about restaurant label printers for KDS workflows.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Labels for KDS Workflows

What are restaurant labels used for in KDS workflows?

Restaurant labels help carry order information through physical kitchen workflows after orders appear on a kitchen display system (KDS). They support food prep, packaging, pickup, delivery, catering, and labeling compliance workflows.

How do restaurant labels support KDS workflows?

A KDS communicates order information digitally, while labels help keep that information attached to the order itself as it moves through prep stations, expo, packaging, pickup, and delivery.

What types of restaurant labels are commonly used with KDS systems?
Restaurants commonly use:

Drive-thru and takeout labels

Allergy and exception order labels

Beverage labels

Product ID and barcode labels

Catering labels

Nutrition labels

Tamper-evident labels

Order verification and QC labels

Different labels support different stages of the workflow.

What is the difference between linerless and die-cut restaurant labels?
Linerless labels print continuously without backing paper, helping reduce waste and clutter in high-volume kitchens. Die-cut labels are individually separated and are often used for applications requiring specific label sizes or permanent adhesion.

Why are linerless labels popular in restaurant kitchens?

Linerless labels help reduce liner waste, improve workflow efficiency, and minimize clutter on prep counters and floors. They are especially useful in fast-paced restaurant and QSR environments.

What information should restaurant labels include?
Depending on the workflow, restaurant labels may include:

Order details

Customer names

Allergens or dietary restrictions

Beverage customizations

Nutrition information

Barcodes or QR codes

Sell-by dates

Pickup or delivery details

Why are allergy and exception order labels important?
Allergy and exception order labels help kitchen staff quickly identify orders that require modified preparation. These labels support safer food handling and help reduce communication breakdowns during busy service periods.

How do tamper-evident labels support delivery workflows?

Tamper-evident labels help show customers that delivery bags or food containers have not been opened after packaging. They also help restaurants maintain more secure and organized delivery workflows.

Can restaurant labels be printed automatically from a KDS?

Yes. Many KDS workflows automatically trigger label printing when orders are received, bumped to another prep stage, packaged, or prepared for pickup or delivery.

What should restaurants look for in a label printer for KDS workflows?
Important features include:

Multimedia printing support

Linerless compatibility

Fast print speeds

Compact design

Cloud printing capabilities

Easy KDS integration

Support for repositionable and permanent labels

Why are multimedia label printers useful in restaurants?
Multimedia label printers can print receipts, linerless labels, and die-cut labels from a single device. This helps restaurants standardize hardware across stations and reduce the number of printer models they manage.

How do cloud-connected label printers support KDS workflows?

Cloud-connected printers can receive print jobs directly from KDS software or online ordering platforms without relying on local print servers. This simplifies deployment and supports multi-location restaurant operations more efficiently.
June 12, 2026
Restaurant Personalization Technology Only Works If the Details Reach the Table
Restaurants today collect more guest information than ever before. Modern restaurant personalization technology, including reservation platforms like OpenTable, Resy, and SevenRooms, helps restaurants capture birthdays, anniversaries, allergies, seating preferences, favorite menu items, and other details that help personalize service.

But collecting information is only the first step.

When a birthday goes unrecognized, a special request is missed, or an allergy note never reaches the server, guests don’t see a workflow breakdown. They see a restaurant that failed to follow through.

The challenge is making sure important details remain visible once guests are seated and service begins. In many restaurants, printed reservation chits (tickets) help bridge the gap between reservation platforms and front-of-house staff, giving servers and managers quick access to guest information at the table.

However, traditional paper chits can easily be lost, misplaced, or blown off the table. As restaurants continue investing in personalization, they also need reliable ways to ensure those details reach the people responsible for delivering them.

Explore Star’s Restaurant Solutions

Table of Contents

The Rise of Personalized Dining Experiences
Restaurant personalization has become a bigger part of modern hospitality operations. Reservation platforms now allow restaurants to collect far more information about guests before they even arrive, from allergies and seating requests to birthdays, anniversaries, and favorite menu items.

Personalization can include:

Birthday and anniversary celebrations

Allergy and dietary information

Favorite seating areas

Preferred drinks or menu items

VIP guest recognition

Service pacing requests
For restaurants, these details help staff prepare for service, recognize repeat guests, and accommodate special requests more consistently.

The challenge is not collecting the information. Modern reservation platforms already do that well. The challenge is making sure those details remain visible and accessible once the guest is seated and service begins.

Servers and managers move quickly throughout a shift, often handling multiple tables at once. If guest details remain buried inside a reservation platform or are only visible at the host stand, important requests can easily be missed.

Why Restaurants Still Print Reservation Chits

Despite the rise of digital restaurant technology, many restaurants still print reservation chits for one simple reason: physical workflows still matter.

A printed reservation chit creates a fast, visible handoff between the host stand and the front-of-house staff. Once the guest is seated, the chit can stay at the table and communicate important information directly to the server and managers.

The printed chit helps restaurant staff quickly understand the table before the first interaction even begins.

Managers also benefit operationally. A chit left on the table can help indicate whether a server has greeted the guests yet, helping managers monitor service flow during busy shifts.

In many restaurants, this small workflow plays an important role in delivering consistent hospitality.

The Problem With Traditional Reservation Chits
Traditional reservation chits are simple, but they create operational problems.

Because the receipts are lightweight thermal paper, they can easily:

Blow off the table

Fall onto the floor

Get misplaced during service

Become difficult for servers to track
Once the chit disappears, so does the personalization information tied to the guest experience.

To solve this problem, some restaurants improvise by stapling reservation chits to cardstock or heavier paper so they stay visible on the table. While functional, this creates additional operational steps, clutter, and waste during already busy service periods.

A personalization workflow only works if the information remains visible long enough for staff to act on it.

Why Sticky Labels Work Better for Restaurant Personalization
Repositionable sticky labels offer a cleaner, more reliable alternative to traditional reservation chits.

Instead of loose paper receipts, restaurants can print reservation information on repositionable linerless labels that stay attached to the table throughout service. Servers can easily remove and reposition the label without damaging surfaces or leaving residue behind.

This creates several operational benefits:

Personalization details stay visible

Labels do not blow away easily

Servers can move labels as needed during service

Restaurants eliminate the need for staplers and cardstock

Front-of-house workflows become cleaner and more consistent
Repositionable linerless labels also help reduce waste compared to traditional linered labels because there is no liner backing to discard. Star’s TRK repositionable linerless labels are designed specifically for workflows that require temporary adhesion and clean removal, leaving no residue behind.

For restaurants focused on consistent guest experience, small operational improvements like these can make personalization easier to execute in real-world service.

Get Your Sticky Labels & More Now

How the TSP143IV SK Supports Front-of-House Personalization Workflows
The TSP143IV SK linerless sticky label printer gives restaurants a more operationally efficient way to manage reservation personalization workflows.

Designed for sticky linerless label printing, the TSP143IV SK allows restaurants to print repositionable labels that can remain attached to tables, trays, food packaging, or other surfaces throughout service.

This helps restaurants:

Keep guest personalization details visible

Improve communication between hosts, servers, and managers

Reduce workflow disruptions caused by lost paper chits

Simplify front-of-house operations

Support more consistent hospitality experiences
TSP143IV SK Sticky Label Printer

The TSP143IV SK by Star Micronics sets a new standard for compact, eco-friendly thermal linerless label printing, offering advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi and AOA, and efficient, residue-free labels for diverse business needs.

Find out more >

Because the labels are repositionable, servers can remove or relocate them easily during service without leaving residue behind. This creates a cleaner and more professional workflow compared to stapled paper chits or loose thermal receipts.

The TSP143IV SK also supports cloud-connected restaurant environments and modern hospitality workflows, making it easier for reservation platforms and restaurant systems to integrate sticky label printing directly into existing operations.

Why Reservation Platforms Should Support Sticky Label Printing
Reservation platforms continue adding more personalization tools and guest profile features. But restaurants still need reliable ways to communicate that information during service.

Supporting sticky label printing workflows can help restaurants:

Keep guest details visible throughout service

Reduce missed requests or forgotten notes

Improve communication between hosts, servers, and managers

Create more consistent table-side service
Restaurants already use printed reservation chits because physical workflows still matter in busy dining rooms. Sticky linerless labels simply make those workflows easier to manage and more reliably execute.

Personalization Creates Expectations

The moment a guest enters a birthday, anniversary, seating request, allergy, or other preference into a reservation platform, an expectation is created.

If a birthday candle never arrives, a special request is overlooked, or a preferred table isn’t honored, guests rarely know where the breakdown occurred. They don’t know whether the issue was with the reservation platform, the host stand, a lost chit, or a communication gap during service. They only know the restaurant missed an important detail.

In many cases, servers end up carrying the blame for information they never received.

As reservation platforms continue investing in personalization features, helping restaurants consistently deliver on those details may become just as important as collecting them.

Personalization Is Only Valuable If Restaurants Can Execute It

Restaurants often compete on food, service, and atmosphere. Increasingly, they’ll also compete on how well they remember their guests.

A birthday celebration, allergy note, preferred table, or favorite menu item may seem like a small detail on its own. But those details are often what separate a routine dining experience from one guests talk about, review online, and return to again.

Reservation platforms have made it easier than ever to capture guest preferences. The next challenge is helping restaurants consistently deliver on them.

The restaurants that stand out won’t necessarily be the ones that collect the most information. They’ll be the ones that make sure important details never get lost between the reservation and the table.

Learn More About Star POS & Labeling Solutions

Contact Star Today

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Personalization Technology

What is restaurant personalization technology?

Restaurant personalization technology includes digital tools and workflows that help restaurants collect, manage, and act on guest preferences, dining history, allergies, celebrations, and other hospitality-related information.

Why is personalization important in restaurants?

Personalization helps restaurants create better guest experiences, improve customer loyalty, encourage repeat visits, and differentiate themselves in competitive hospitality markets.

What information do reservation platforms collect?

Reservation platforms may collect guest names, birthdays, anniversaries, allergies, seating preferences, favorite menu items, visit history, and other dining preferences.

Why do restaurants print reservation chits (tickets)?

Restaurants print reservation chits to provide servers and managers with fast, visible access to guest details during service. Printed chits help bridge communication between digital reservation systems and front-of-house operations.

What problems do traditional reservation chits create?

Traditional reservation chits can blow away, fall off tables, become misplaced, or get lost during service. This can lead to missed guest requests and inconsistent hospitality experiences.

How can restaurants ensure guest preferences are not overlooked?

Restaurants use a combination of reservation platforms, host stand workflows, reservation chits, labels, and staff communication processes to ensure important guest details remain visible and accessible throughout service. The goal is to make sure information reaches the employees responsible for acting on it.

How do sticky labels improve restaurant workflows?

Sticky labels help keep important guest information visible throughout service, improving communication between hosts, servers, managers, and other restaurant staff.

How can restaurants turn guest data into personalized service?

Collecting guest information is only the first step. Restaurants must ensure guest preferences, celebrations, allergies, and other requests are communicated clearly and remain visible throughout service so staff can consistently act on them.

How can restaurants make personalization details more visible during service?

Restaurants can use reservation chits, sticky labels, and other front-of-house communication tools to keep guest information visible throughout service. Solutions such as the TSP143IV SK linerless sticky label printer by Star Micronics allow restaurants to print repositionable sticky labels that stay with the table and help ensure important details are not overlooked.
June 5, 2026
Bisphenol-Free Thermal Paper: What Businesses Need to Know
Thermal paper has long been a staple in point-of-sale printing, but the conversation around receipt paper and thermal media is evolving quickly. As more businesses evaluate sustainability initiatives, regulatory requirements, and operational standards, many are reassessing the materials used for receipts, labels, tickets, and foodservice workflows.

For businesses that rely on thermal printing, understanding the differences between BPA-free, BPS-free, and bisphenol-free thermal paper has become increasingly important. From retail and restaurants to healthcare and logistics, operators are looking for thermal media that supports reliable printing performance while aligning with broader compliance and sustainability goals.

Whether your business prints receipts, barcode labels, linerless labels, or tickets, now is the time to understand how thermal media is changing and what to consider when evaluating paper suppliers and printing solutions.

Buy Star Blue Eco Paper and Labels

Table of Contents

What Is Bisphenol-Free Thermal Paper?
Traditional thermal paper uses heat-sensitive coatings that react with the thermal print head to produce printed text and images. For many years, BPA (bisphenol A) was commonly used in thermal paper formulations. As concerns around BPA increased, many manufacturers transitioned to BPS (bisphenol S) or other alternative chemistries.

Today, many businesses are specifically looking for:

BPA-free receipt paper

BPS-free receipt paper

Bisphenol-free thermal paper

Eco-friendly thermal media

Prop 65 compliant paper

Modern thermal media options may use alternative developers and materials designed to support evolving sustainability and compliance initiatives while maintaining the print quality and reliability businesses expect from thermal printing systems.

Star Eco and Star Blue Eco media are produced using materials with no intentionally added BPA or BPS, supporting more mindful material selection across retail, hospitality, and foodservice operations.
Why High-Contact Industries Are Paying Attention
Thermal paper and labels are handled constantly throughout the day in many business environments, especially in industries where receipts, tickets, food labels, and packaging workflows are central to daily operations.

As conversations around thermal media have evolved, many businesses have started evaluating whether receipt paper and labels contain added bisphenols such as BPA or BPS, particularly in workplaces where employees frequently handle thermal media throughout their shifts.

This is especially relevant in industries such as:

Retail

Restaurants and QSRs

Grocery stores

Hospitality

Healthcare

Logistics and warehousing

In response, many manufacturers now offer thermal paper and label media made without intentionally added BPA or BPS. In thermal media manufacturing, this generally means bisphenol-based developers are not intentionally used in the paper formulation itself, although trace amounts may still be possible due to raw material sourcing, manufacturing processes, or supply chain variables.

Some media lines also include additional sustainability-focused features such as FSC-certified materials, recyclable paper options, and select products made without added Pergafast.
Why Businesses Are Reevaluating Thermal Media
The shift toward more sustainable thermal media is being driven by several factors, including:

Evolving state and regional regulations

Sustainability initiatives

Food safety and traceability programs

Procurement standardization

Consumer expectations around environmental responsibility

Operational consistency across multi-location businesses

Several states have introduced or discussed restrictions related to thermal paper materials, including BPA and other chemicals commonly associated with receipt paper. Requirements vary by region, and businesses operating nationally are increasingly looking for media options that can support broader compliance readiness.

For many operators, updating thermal paper and labeling supplies is also part of a larger operational strategy tied to:

Sustainable restaurant operations

Eco-friendly printing supplies

Order accuracy initiatives

Food labeling compliance

Waste reduction programs

Scalable POS hardware and labeling workflows
Understanding Prop 65 and Thermal Paper Compliance
California’s Proposition 65, formally known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, has become one of the most recognized compliance frameworks related to product material disclosures in the United States. Businesses that distribute products in California often evaluate whether materials align with Prop 65 requirements as part of their procurement process.

For thermal paper and labels, operators may specifically look for:

Prop 65 compliant paper

No added BPA or BPS

Sustainable thermal receipt paper

FSC-certified media

Recyclable thermal paper options

Star Eco and Star Blue Eco paper lines are produced using materials with no added BPA or BPS and are designed to support Prop 65 compliant operations.

Because regulations and material standards continue evolving, many businesses are proactively standardizing compliant thermal media across locations to simplify purchasing and support long-term operational consistency.

Explore Proposition 65 Business Resources Here >
How Modern Thermal Paper Works
Modern thermal paper continues to deliver the fast, reliable printing performance businesses expect while supporting updated material standards and sustainability goals.

Today’s thermal media can provide:

Clear, high-contrast printing

Reliable image retention

Compatibility with existing thermal receipt printers

Support for high-volume POS environments

Reduced material concerns compared to legacy thermal media

Importantly, businesses do not typically need to replace existing thermal printers when transitioning to updated thermal paper or label media. Modern thermal receipt paper and labels are designed to work with standard thermal printing systems, including Star Micronics receipt and label printers.

Some premium thermal media options also help:

Reduce paper dust

Maintain print head performance

Improve long-term printer reliability

Support warranty-compliant printer operation

Star Blue Eco media is specifically engineered to optimize printer performance and support long-term reliability across demanding POS environments.
Industries Transitioning to More Sustainable Thermal Media

Retail & Hospitality

Retailers and hospitality businesses continue evaluating eco-friendly receipt paper and sustainable labeling solutions as part of broader operational and customer experience initiatives.

Restaurants & QSRs

Restaurants increasingly rely on thermal labels for:

Grab-and-go labels

Catering labels

Food rotation labels

Order confirmation labels

Allergen label information

Traceability labels

Off-premise dining workflows

Many QSR operators are also adopting linerless labels to support waste reduction and operational efficiency.

Healthcare & Pharmacies

Healthcare organizations often require reliable thermal printing for:

Prescription labeling

Patient-facing receipts

Barcode labels

Traceability workflows

Grocery & Foodservice

Grocery stores and foodservice operations use thermal labels for:

Nutritional information labels

Inventory labels

Expiration date labels

Weight and serving size labels

Food identification labels
What to Look for in Thermal Receipt Paper and Labels
When evaluating thermal paper suppliers and labeling solutions, businesses should consider:

Material Standards: Look for media produced using materials with no intentionally added BPA or BPS.

Print Performance: Consistent thermal imaging and durable print quality help support reliable operations.

Printer Compatibility: Thermal media should work seamlessly with existing POS printers and label printers.

Sustainability Features: Some thermal media products offer:

FSC-certified materials

Recyclable thermal paper

Reduced packaging waste

No added Pergafast

Linerless labeling options
Operational Reliability: Higher-quality thermal media can help reduce dust buildup and support long-term print head performance.

Linerless Labels and Sustainable Labeling Workflows
Linerless labels are becoming increasingly popular across restaurant, retail, and logistics environments because they help reduce liner waste while supporting flexible labeling workflows.

Common linerless label applications include:

Order accuracy labels

Delivery bag labels

Product rotation labels

Barcode labels

Shelf labels

Grab-and-go labels

Catering workflows
Star supports both linerless and linered label workflows across its media portfolio, including:

Repositionable linerless labels

Permanent linerless labels

Die-cut labels

Continuous linered labels

These labeling solutions support modern restaurant workflows, cloud printing environments, and foodservice traceability initiatives.

Shop Star Blue Eco
The Star Blue Eco Advantage
Star Blue Eco is Star’s premium paper and thermal media line, designed to support reliable printing performance while aligning with evolving sustainability and operational standards.

Key advantages include:

Produced using materials with no added BPA or BPS

Prop 65 compliant

Premium-grade thermal coating for consistent print quality

Designed to optimize printer performance

Helps support long-term print head reliability

Signature blue core for fast identification

Select options include FSC-certified materials

Select options include recyclable thermal paper

No added Pergafast on select SKUs
Star Blue Eco media is designed for receipt printers, label printers, linerless labeling applications, and scalable POS environments across retail, hospitality, and foodservice industries.

Perfecting QSR Delivery with POS Scales & Advanced Labeling

Learn how QSR operators are transforming delivery with weight-based verification and advanced labeling solutions.

Get the White Paper

Ready to find out more about Star Blue Eco eco-friendly thermal paper and labels?

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bisphenol-Free Thermal Paper

What is bisphenol-free thermal paper?

“Bisphenol-free thermal paper” generally refers to thermal paper formulated without bisphenol-based developers such as BPA or BPS. However, terminology, testing methods, and formulation standards can vary across manufacturers and suppliers.

In some cases, manufacturers may use phrases such as “no intentionally added BPA or BPS” to describe thermal media formulations. This reflects the fact that trace amounts may still be possible due to manufacturing, raw material, or supply chain variables, even when bisphenols are not intentionally used in the formulation itself.

Is BPA-free thermal paper the same as BPS-free paper?
Not necessarily. BPA-free thermal paper simply means BPA was not intentionally used in the formulation, but some products may still use BPS or other alternative developers.

Because terminology and material standards can vary across suppliers, many businesses now evaluate broader claims around added bisphenols and overall material composition rather than focusing on a single chemical term alone.

What is Prop 65 compliant thermal paper?

Prop 65 compliant thermal paper refers to receipt paper or labels designed to align with California Proposition 65 requirements related to listed chemicals and exposure warnings. Many businesses use Prop 65 compliant thermal media to support purchasing consistency across multiple states and locations.

Can thermal paper be recyclable?

Some thermal paper products are designed to support recyclability initiatives, though recyclability can depend on the specific paper formulation and local recycling capabilities. Some manufacturers also offer FSC-certified paper and sustainability-focused media options designed to support broader environmental initiatives.

Star Micronics offers select SKUs of Star Blue Eco thermal receipt paper that are 100% recyclable.

What is Pergafast in thermal paper?

Pergafast is a chemical developer that has been used in some thermal paper formulations as an alternative to BPA or BPS. As thermal media standards continue evolving, some manufacturers now offer paper products made without added Pergafast as part of broader sustainability and material selection initiatives.

Businesses evaluating thermal paper may review whether products contain added BPA, BPS, Pergafast, or other developers depending on their internal standards, sustainability goals, or regulatory considerations.

What does FSC-certified paper mean?

FSC-certified paper refers to paper products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an organization that promotes responsible forest management practices.

FSC-certified thermal paper and labels are sourced from forests and supply chains that meet specific environmental, social, and sustainability standards. Many businesses look for FSC-certified media as part of broader sustainability, sourcing, and ESG initiatives.

Do eco-friendly thermal paper rolls work with existing POS printers?

Yes. Most modern thermal paper and label products are designed to work with standard thermal receipt printers and POS systems without requiring hardware changes. Businesses can typically transition to updated thermal media while continuing to use their existing printing equipment.

What are linerless labels?

Linerless labels are adhesive labels that do not use a traditional backing liner. They help reduce liner waste, allow for more labels per roll, and support flexible custom-length printing across restaurant, retail, and logistics workflows.

Why are restaurants using more thermal labels?

Restaurants increasingly use thermal labels to support:

Order accuracy

Food traceability

Off-premise dining workflows

Grab-and-go operations

Catering workflows

Food rotation and expiration labeling

Allergen and compliance labeling

As delivery and mobile ordering continue growing, labeling has become a more important part of restaurant operations and packaging workflows.

What should businesses look for in sustainable thermal media?
Businesses evaluating thermal paper and labels often consider:

Material composition and formulation claims

Printer compatibility

Print quality and durability

Prop 65 compliance

FSC-certified materials

Recyclable paper options

Linerless labeling capabilities

Long-term media consistency and reliability
Many businesses are also looking for suppliers that clearly explain how sustainability and material claims are defined across their product lines.

Originally published on October 17, 2025, by the author.
May 22, 2026
Star Micronics to Showcase Labeling, Order Accuracy, and Cloud POS Solutions at the 2026 National Restaurant Show
Star will demonstrate food safety labeling, order accuracy workflows, and cloud-connected POS solutions at Booth 6454 during the 2026 National Restaurant Show.
Chicago, IL – May 15, 2026 – Star Micronics, a global leader in POS hardware, labeling, and cloud printing technology, will exhibit at the 2026 National Restaurant Show, taking place May 16–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. At Booth 6454, Star will showcase integrated solutions for food safety labeling, kitchen execution, and order accuracy in partnership with leading restaurant technology providers.

Food Safety and Traceability Workflows

Star will demonstrate food safety labeling solutions that replace manual processes with automated, connected workflows.

In partnership with ConnectedFresh and Kitchen Technology, Innovations by Integrated Control Corp. (KTI/ICC) attendees can see how labeling is generated during kitchen workflows using Star’s mC-Label3 and mC-Label2 multifunction label printers.

These demonstrations highlight how operators can:

Generate prep, expiration, and traceability labels at the point of food preparation

Replace handwritten logs with consistent, printed labeling

Use die-cut or linerless media depending on workflow needs

More advanced integrations also demonstrate how real-time data can automatically trigger labeling, allowing operators to capture food safety processes without manual input.

KDS and Order Accuracy in the Kitchen

Star is also highlighting how kitchen display systems (KDS), labeling, and verification workflows work together to improve order accuracy in high-volume environments.

In collaboration with Logic Controls, attendees can follow how orders move from the front of house to the kitchen via the KitchenGO KDS platform, where staff can view items on-screen and instantly trigger labels through Star’s labeling workflow tools.

These workflows enable staff to:

Apply sticky linerless labels directly to orders for clear identification

Reduce missed or misrouted items during peak service

Maintain consistency across prep and handoff

Additional demonstrations showcase scan, weigh, and print workflows using integrated hardware, including the mG-T30 POS scale, BSH-32B barcode scanner, and SK1-311 thermal kiosk printer.

These verification workflows allow operators to:

Scan items to confirm order accuracy

Verify portioning or weight-based items

Generate labels or receipts as part of a single process before fulfillment

Cloud and Omnichannel POS Integration

Star’s booth also features cloud-connected POS workflows that support modern restaurant operations across in-store, kiosk, and online ordering environments.

Attendees will see how cloud-based systems can:

Route orders across multiple stations and locations

Print directly from online ordering platforms without local servers

Support consistent workflows across dine-in, takeout, and delivery

Using solutions such as StarIO.Online and CloudPRNT Next, Star enables reliable communication between digital ordering systems and physical kitchen hardware, helping restaurants maintain consistency across locations and service models.

Star will also showcase the mC-Connect cash drawer controller, which allows tablet and cloud POS systems to control cash drawers directly without requiring a printer connection. Designed for modern and space-constrained POS environments, the device supports flexible cash management workflows across retail and hospitality operations.

Partner Ecosystem on Display

At Booth 6454, Star features integrations with a range of restaurant technology partners, demonstrating how hardware and software work together to support real-world operations.

“Restaurants are managing more complexity than ever across ordering channels, kitchen workflows, and compliance requirements. At the National Restaurant Show, we’re focused on showing how integrated solutions, from labeling to KDS to cloud printing, can help operators bring more control, order accuracy and consistency to their day-to-day operations.”

Christophe Naasz, Global Director of Business Development at Star Micronics

Free Order Accuracy and Workflow Audit

In addition to live demonstrations, Star Micronics is offering a complimentary audit for restaurant operators looking to evaluate their current workflows.

The audit identifies gaps in order accuracy, labeling, and kitchen communication, while providing practical recommendations to improve consistency across prep, packaging, and handoff.

Attendees are invited to visit Booth 6454 to see the solutions in action, meet with partners, and schedule a one-on-one workflow review with the Star team.

For more information, visit starmicronics.com.
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Star Micronics is a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions that help businesses connect digital workflows to real-world operations. Serving retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service industries, Star delivers printing, labeling, cash management, self-service, and cloud-based technologies designed to support scalable, connected, and automated environments. Star’s solutions support Android, iOS, Windows, and web-based platforms and extend into the cloud through services such as CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online, Star’s fully managed cloud printing service.

Visit starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, or LinkedIn to learn more.

Media Contact:

Christin Dorner

Star Micronics America, Inc.

cdorner@starmicronics.com

848-216-3318
May 15, 2026
Star Micronics Introduces mC-Connect Drawer for Direct Cash Drawer Control Across Modern POS Systems

A multi-interface cash drawer controller that enables direct control from POS systems, tablets, and mobile devices using USB, Ethernet, Wireless LAN, and Bluetooth LE.

Somerset, NJ – May 13, 2026 – Star Micronics, a global leader in POS hardware solutions, today announced the launch of the mC-Connect Drawer (MCD10), a cash drawer controller designed to enable control of cash drawers with standard RJ-12 connectivity directly from POS systems, tablets, and mobile devices.

As POS environments continue to expand beyond fixed checkout stations, businesses are deploying mobile devices, tablets, and flexible counter setups alongside traditional printer-based systems. The mC-Connect Drawer supports these environments by enabling direct communication between POS devices and cash drawers, while continuing to work alongside existing printer-driven configurations. It is well-suited for mobile POS, shared till workflows, self-service environments, and multi-lane retail and restaurant deployments.

Direct Cash Drawer Control for Flexible POS Setups

The mC-Connect Drawer allows POS systems, smartphones, and tablets to trigger proximity-based cash drawer opens directly, supporting use cases where a desktop receipt printer is not present or where additional flexibility is needed. It can be used alongside traditional printer-driven setups or as part of mobile and tablet-based POS deployments, including pop-up retail, assisted selling, kiosk, and space-constrained counter environments.

With USB, Ethernet, Wireless LAN, and Bluetooth® Low Energy (Bluetooth LE) 5.0 built into a single device, the mC-Connect Drawer provides multiple connection options without requiring different hardware models. This allows businesses to standardize on a single device across locations, use a shared in-store till, simplify multi-location deployments, and adapt to different POS configurations as needed.

Works with Existing Cash Drawers

The mC-Connect Drawer (MCD10) is compatible with cash drawers that have standard RJ-12 connectors, allowing businesses to add connectivity without replacing existing hardware. It supports up to four cash drawers, making it well-suited for multi-lane and shared POS environments.

This enables businesses to extend the capabilities of their current cash drawer installations while maintaining compatibility with existing equipment and modern POS workflows.

Consistent Operation in High-Use Environments

The mC-Connect Drawer monitors drive voltage and executes open commands only when sufficient power is available, helping prevent failed drawer opens. Commands are held and executed when the device is ready, supporting consistent operation across high-volume retail and restaurant environments.

Software Support for Setup and Integration

The mC-Connect Drawer works with Star Quick Setup Utility, Star Windows Software, and StarXpand SDK, providing tools for configuration and integration into POS applications. It supports communication with Android, iOS, Windows, and web-based systems.

The mC-Connect Drawer is available through Star Micronics’ authorized distribution partners. For more information, visit starmicronics.com or contact your Star Micronics representative.

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Star Micronics is a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions that help businesses connect digital workflows to real-world operations. Serving retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service industries, Star delivers printing, labeling, cash management, self-service, and cloud-based technologies designed to support scalable, connected, and automated environments. Star’s solutions support Android, iOS, Windows, and web-based platforms and extend into the cloud through services such as CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online, Star’s fully managed cloud printing service.

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Media Contact:

Christin Dorner

Star Micronics America, Inc.

cdorner@starmicronics.com

848-216-3318

May 13, 2026
OIML Scales: Understanding Global Compliance for POS Scales
For retailers, grocers, and other businesses using POS scales, compliance is not optional. If a scale is used to determine price based on weight, it must meet legal-for-trade requirements in the region where it is deployed.

That’s where confusion often begins.

Different countries follow different standards, and terms like OIML, NTEP, and Measurement Canada are often used interchangeably when they are not the same. For businesses operating across regions or planning international expansion, understanding these differences is critical.

This guide explains what OIML scales are, how they compare to NTEP and Measurement Canada, and what these standards mean for POS scale deployments in real-world retail and grocery environments.

Explore Star’s POS Scales

Table of Contents

What Are OIML Scales?

OIML scales are weighing devices that meet standards set by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). These standards are designed to ensure accuracy, consistency, and fairness in commercial transactions involving weight.

OIML-certified scales are commonly used in legal-for-trade applications across global markets, particularly in regions outside the United States and Canada.

In practical terms, if a business is selling products by weight in an international market, an OIML-compliant scale is often required to meet local regulations.

What Is OIML Certification?
OIML certification confirms that a scale complies with internationally recognized metrology standards. These standards are defined through a series of technical documents known as OIML recommendations.

These recommendations establish how scales should perform under various conditions, including:

Accuracy and repeatability

Environmental stability

Durability over time
One of the most widely referenced standards is OIML R76, which applies to non-automatic weighing instruments such as retail and grocery POS scales.

For businesses, OIML certification provides confidence that a scale will meet regulatory requirements and deliver consistent, reliable performance in commercial use.

OIML vs NTEP: What’s the Difference?

While both OIML and NTEP relate to legal-for-trade compliance, they apply to different regions and regulatory frameworks.

OIML
International standard

Used in many countries worldwide

Based on global metrology recommendations
NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program)
United States standard

Managed by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM)

Required for legal-for-trade scales used in the U.S.
The key takeaway is that OIML and NTEP certifications are not interchangeable. A scale approved under one system does not automatically meet the requirements of the other.

For businesses operating globally, this distinction is critical when selecting POS scales for different markets.

OIML vs Measurement Canada: Key Differences

Measurement Canada governs the approval and certification of weighing devices used in commercial transactions within Canada.

While there are similarities between Measurement Canada and OIML standards, they are separate regulatory systems with their own requirements and approval processes.

Measurement Canada
Applies specifically to Canada

Requires approval for legal-for-trade use

Includes inspection and compliance verification
OIML
Applies internationally

Provides a framework for global standardization
Some devices may align with both sets of requirements, but approval in one region does not guarantee compliance in another. Businesses must ensure that their POS scales meet the specific certification requirements of each country where they operate.

What Are OIML Recommendations (and Why They Matter)?
OIML recommendations are technical guidelines that define how weighing instruments should perform. These documents serve as the foundation for OIML certification.

They cover areas such as:

Measurement accuracy

Tolerance limits

Environmental testing

Device classification
For example, OIML R76 outlines the requirements for non-automatic weighing instruments, including most retail POS scales.

These recommendations help ensure consistency across international markets, making it easier for manufacturers and businesses to align with global standards.

What This Means for POS Scales in Retail and Grocery
For businesses using POS scales, compliance directly impacts day-to-day operations.

If a scale does not meet the required certification:

It cannot legally be used to sell products by weight

Transactions may be subject to regulatory penalties

Customer trust can be impacted
This is especially important for:

Grocery stores

Delis and fresh food counters

Specialty retail (including cannabis and bulk goods)
For multi-location or international businesses, the challenge increases. Each location must meet the specific requirements of its region, whether that means OIML, NTEP, or Measurement Canada certification.

Selecting the right POS scale is not just about performance. It is about ensuring compliance across every location where the business operates.

Do you run a restaurant or QSR and find orders going out wrong more often than they should, especially during peak hours? Read up on “Why Leading QSRs Use POS Scales & Labels to Increase Order Accuracy” >

Choosing the Right Certified POS Scale
When selecting a POS scale, businesses need to balance compliance requirements with day-to-day operational performance. The right solution should meet regional regulations while supporting fast, accurate transactions at the point of sale.

For example, a grocery POS scale deployed in Europe may require OIML compliance, while the same deployment in the United States would require NTEP certification. Understanding where and how the scale will be used is the first step in selecting the right device.

Key factors to consider include:

Required certification (OIML, NTEP, or Measurement Canada)

Integration with POS systems and retail workflows

Accuracy and reliability in high-volume environments

Durability for consistent daily use
A legal-for-trade POS scale that does not integrate well into the POS workflow can still create operational challenges. The goal is to choose a solution that meets regulatory requirements while supporting efficient, scalable transactions across locations.

Want to know more? Read our blog article, “The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Right POS Scale for Your Business” >

How Star Micronics Supports Global POS Scale Compliance
Star Micronics provides POS scale solutions designed to meet the needs of modern retail and grocery environments, where compliance and performance must work together.

Star POS scales are built to support:

Legal-for-trade compliance across multiple regions

Reliable performance in high-volume environments

Integration with POS systems and retail workflows
With a focus on accuracy, durability, and ease of use, Star helps businesses deploy POS scale solutions that meet regulatory requirements and real-world operational demands.

Star’s OIML-certified POS scales are available in regions outside the United States, including Europe. To learn more about availability and deployment options, reach out to the Star Micronics team in the UK.

Understanding OIML, NTEP, and Measurement Canada requirements helps businesses avoid compliance issues and confidently deploy POS scale solutions across regions. With the right hardware and approach in place, compliance becomes a built-in advantage, not a barrier to growth.

Learn more about Star Micronics POS scales and compliance-ready solutions for global retail and grocery environments.

Contact Star Today

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About OIML Scales

What does OIML stand for?

OIML stands for the International Organization of Legal Metrology. It is a global organization that develops standards and recommendations for measuring instruments used in commercial transactions.

What is an OIML scale?

An OIML scale is a weighing device that meets the standards set by the International Organization of Legal Metrology. These scales are typically used in legal-for-trade applications in international markets.

What is the difference between OIML and NTEP certification?

OIML is an international standard, while NTEP applies specifically to the United States. Both ensure accuracy and compliance for legal-for-trade scales, but they are governed by different organizations and are not interchangeable.

Are OIML scales required in the U.S.?

No. In the United States, legal-for-trade scales must be NTEP certified. OIML certification is generally used in international markets outside the U.S.

Can a scale be both OIML and NTEP certified?

Yes. Some manufacturers design scales to meet both OIML and NTEP requirements, allowing them to be used in multiple regions. However, each certification must be obtained separately.

What are OIML recommendations?

OIML recommendations are technical guidelines that define how weighing instruments should perform. They serve as the basis for OIML certification and help ensure consistency across international markets.

What are the classes of OIML scales?
OIML classifies scales based on their level of accuracy. Common classes include:

Class I: High-precision laboratory scales

Class II: Precision scales used in laboratories and some retail applications

Class III: Commercial scales used in retail and grocery environments

Class IIII: Scales used for less precise applications such as bulk weighing

Most POS scales used in retail fall under Class III.
What are the classes of OIML weights?

OIML weights are also classified by accuracy, ranging from high-precision classes such as E1 and E2 to lower-precision classes like M1, M2, and M3. These weights are used to calibrate and verify the accuracy of scales.

What does legal-for-trade mean for POS scales?

Legal-for-trade means a scale meets the regulatory requirements needed to be used in commercial transactions where price is determined by weight. Certification ensures accuracy, fairness, and compliance with local laws.
May 8, 2026