Sustainability has evolved into a pivotal consideration for today’s consumers, significantly reshaping the retail landscape. Shoppers aren’t merely searching for products; they’re actively pursuing sustainable, eco-friendly retail experiences. In response to this growing demand for greener shopping practices, digital receipts have emerged as a transformative technology.
Our surveys, conducted in both the UK and France, have unveiled a consistent and significant consumer concern: the environmental footprint of traditional paper receipts. The retail industry’s extensive reliance on paper receipts has cast a spotlight on the detrimental ecological consequences of this practice. Concerns span from deforestation to excessive water usage and heightened energy consumption during production. Unsurprisingly, 67% of UK shoppers and 70% of French shoppers perceive automatic paper receipt printing by companies as environmentally wasteful. This sentiment resonates especially strongly among younger demographics, with 84% of 18–25-year-olds in France and 78% in the UK sharing this perspective. Notably, in both countries, over three-quarters of shoppers express a greater inclination towards digital receipts when informed about the extent of deforestation linked to paper receipt production.
Across both the UK and France, a common theme emerges: heightened awareness of environmental considerations is influencing shopping habits. Digital receipts are now emerging as a sustainable alternative, specifically in response to paper waste concerns. They play a crucial role in significantly reducing paper waste, aligning with consumers’ escalating desire for eco-friendly retail options.
This heightened environmental consciousness spans generations, finding even stronger resonance among younger shoppers. In France, 88% of those aged 18-25, and in the UK, 87% of their counterparts express a distinct preference for digital receipts. Environmental awareness further underscores these findings, as 78% of French respondents and 80% of UK respondents admit that awareness of the non-recyclability of most paper receipts would sway them towards choosing digital alternatives. There is a genuine appetite for substantial progress towards a more sustainable retail future.
France is at the forefront of this eco-conscious transition, thanks in part to the French Anti-Waste Law. This legislative initiative, designed to curb waste and promote sustainability, has acted as a catalyst, accelerating the shift towards eco-friendly alternatives. With the automatic printing of receipts banned since August 2023, digital receipt solutions can help retailers adapt to this change and improve the customer experience. Moving away from paper receipts is an appealing choice for both retailers and consumers alike.
Today, a retailer’s sustainability policy wields substantial influence over consumer shopping decisions. Impressively, 76% of shoppers in France and 69% in the UK consider this factor important when making their choices. The influence of sustainability is particularly pronounced among younger age groups, with 89% in France and 85% in the UK aged 18-25 expressing a strong preference for eco-conscious retailers.
In essence, retailers who have incorporated sustainability into their core policies are not only aligning themselves with contemporary values but also positioning themselves as appealing destinations for conscientious and sustainably minded shoppers. These consumers are not only looking for products; they’re investing in experiences and values that reflect their commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
In this evolving retail landscape, sustainability isn’t merely a choice; it’s a pressing necessity. The insights gleaned from our consumer surveys clearly underscore a growing awareness of environmental impact and its profound effect on the adoption of digital receipts. Customers are genuinely committed to minimising their environmental footprint and digital receipts closely align with these aspirations.
As retailers wholeheartedly embrace this eco-friendly transition, they not only reduce paper waste but also position themselves as leaders in the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable retail landscape. The retail industry’s commitment to sustainability today will decisively mould the shopping experiences of future generations, paving the way for a retail landscape that’s not only eco-conscious but also genuinely transformative.
Become part of this transformative journey towards a greener future for retail. Together, we can make a tangible difference—one digital receipt at a time.
For a comprehensive exploration of the survey findings and their implications for your business, you can access the full UK and French reports here.