Why implement digital receipt management?

A law that should be implemented 2023 is set to mandate the digitalization of receipts for purely environmental reasons. However, will the alternative solutions to these receipts be less polluting? This is the question many companies are asking themselves in anticipation of this law.

Digitalization is an increasingly common phenomenon and is set to impact sales receipts very soon. This decision stems from la “anti-waste” law » passed in France in 2020. Its goal is to increase the proportion of reusable packaging compared to single-use packaging.

Starting in 2023, retailers will no longer be required to provide a receipt unless specifically requested by the customer. Even at the risk of being replaced by their digital counterparts, the law will be implemented this January.

The end of printed receipts, slated for 2023

By CNEWS Published on 04/20/2022 at 6:01 PM – Updated on 04/20/2022 at 6:01 PM

Is it truly environmentally beneficial?

This decision regarding sales receipts is also no coincidence. Figures published by France bleu indicate more than 600 rolls per year used to print receipts. It would be approximately $30 billion each ticket and receipt would be printed annually based on government data.

In addition to their carbon footprint, these rolls contain substances that can become harmful over the long term to both checkout staff and customers.

The most likely alternative to the receipt would be digital tickets sent to the buyer’s email inbox immediately following the transaction. **But will this alternative reduce the environmental impact of these transactions?**

Data proves that this change could indeed have adverse effects on the environment. In fact, on average between 4 and 19 grams of greenhouse gas  and approximately 3 centiliters of water sent via email. It is only *2 grams of greenhouse gases and 5 centiliters of water* for a standard receipt.

These figures will, however, vary depending on several factors. For a standard ticket, it is the composition and content of the ticket, which will result in a specific pollution rate. For digital tickets, the calculation will be performed differently. The email’s size (in bytes) is what determines its environmental impact. Storing these emails can also rapidly become a significant source of pollution; the more emails that are stored, the greater their environmental impact.

The Shift Project association is set to highlight this phenomenon while simultaneously proposing a solution to address it. The association has suggested implementing an automatic deletion system after a specific period. If properly executed, this system could provide the necessary justification for the digitalization of sales receipts.

The role of points of sale

There is, however, another issue related to the digitization of receipts: data collection via email. Indeed, to receive your email following a purchase, you must be registered in the database of the establishment where you are shopping. Many people believe that this will to streamline marketing efforts for brands, thereby leveraging this new system to enhance their communications.

To date, it is impossible to truly determine whether this change will be beneficial for the environment. Stay tuned in January 2023 for the answer.