Initiatives
Paper, please!
The European Converted Paper Association (ECPA), representing key players in Europe’s paper industry, is leading the way in promoting paper receipts as a sustainable, secure, and accessible choice for consumers and businesses alike.
With the “Paper, Please!” campaign, we unveil 9 compelling reasons to choose paper receipts over digital alternatives. From enhancing data privacy and reducing e-waste to supporting local jobs and ensuring accessibility for all, this initiative highlights how paper receipts contribute to a greener, more inclusive economy.
Price verification
Paper receipts enable consumers to manage their purchases and to know the detail of the price of products they buy regularly, which is important for budgeting in times of economic uncertainty and high inflation. The restriction on the automatic printing of paper receipts recently introduced in France (“Loi AGEC”), for example, drew criticism from consumer associations including UFC-Que Choisir and Families Rurales, which noted that the paper receipt is a tool for managing the family budget of many households and verifying the accuracy of transactions. In particular, consumers on a tight budget rely on paper receipts to keep track of their purchases and stay on top of their spending. Providing paper receipts also allows customers to check immediately that the price they paid aligns with those displayed on the shelf and that any reduced prices have been correctly applied.
Accessibility
Not every consumer has easy access to the internet or owns a smart phone. Paper receipts are easy to store and access without the need for technological devices. The promotion of “digital by default” or “digital only” receipts can unfairly disadvantage older generations, consumers who do have easy access to computers, tablets and smart phones and people who are not “digitally-savvy.” Such an approach can also disadvantage those who live in rural areas with limited internet access, persons with disabilities and persons on lower incomes. An estimated one third of EU citizens do not have basic digital skills. Paper receipts are not only convenient to use, but ensure that everyone, regardless of their technology proficiency, is provided with the means to review and control their spending.
Sustainability of the paper value chain
The European paper value chain has been working for decades to support responsibly managed forestry , with many producers of converted paper products qualifying for independent certifications by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PECF). Paper receipts are based on a renewable raw material grown in Europe and are manufactured by European producers who are investing in innovations to reduce carbon footprint, develop phenol-free receipt papers, improve responsible use of water and increase energy efficiency. The printing and forest products industry as a whole is one of the lowest sources of greenhouse gas emissions compared to other industries.
Proof of purchase
Consumers have for many years benefitted from paper receipts as a tangible and reliable proof of purchase, for tax purposes and for record keeping. Paper receipts enhance consumer trust by providing evidence for guarantees, returning or exchanging items and for obtaining a refund. The provision of paper receipts also facilitates the replacement of faulty products, repairs or product recalls as well as being convenient for processing work expenses. According to a recent consumer survey, 59% of consumers believe that paper receipts are more practical for returning goods or obtaining refunds. Paper receipts are also convenient for processing work expenses.
There is no need to share personal data to receive a paper receipt. Consumers are not obliged to provide their personal information digitally to multiple retail outlets and enterprises to obtain a receipt, thereby avoiding any risk of privacy breaches or data theft. On the other hand, consumers may be asked to type their email address or telephone number into a store’s tablet/keyboard, dictate this personal information to a cashier at the point of purchase or sign up to a loyalty programme, in order to receive a digital receipt. Recent surveys have suggested many European consumers are increasingly concerned about potential misuse of their personal data. Consumers may also be uncomfortable with electronic surveillance that can enables companies to gather data on their purchasing habits and transactions to create personal profiles for targeted online advertising or unsolicited marketing. In fact, reluctance to provide personal data may result in consumers receiving no receipt at all unless paper receipts are readily available.
Privacy
Fraud prevention
The use of paper receipts is an established, simple and effective way to combat fraud and tax evasion. For this reason, Germany − where fraud linked to manipulation of check outs is estimated to cost the state 10 billion euros per year − decided to make the issuance of paper receipts mandatory for small shops and restaurants from 2020 onwards. On the contrary, legislation restricting the provision of paper receipts can have a negative impact on the transparency of transactions, consumer rights and data privacy.
Environmental impact of digital alternatives
Paper receipts can have a lower carbon dioxide (CO2) impact over their lifecycle than digital alternatives, depending on factors such as the resources used to produce digital devices and direct energy consumption through the use of data centres and servers that contribute to carbon emissions. Moreover, inappropriate disposal of digital devices contributes to the growing issue of electronic waste in the EU.
Customer engagement
When retailers provide paper receipts, they can take the opportunity to communicate with shoppers regarding special offers, future events and discounts for subsequent purchases, leading to increased customer engagement and loyalty – in a less intrusive manner than digital receipts, as customers are not necessarily tracked by a digital system. Discount vouchers are particularly helpful for consumers on a tight budget.
Homegrown industry
European paper converting industry, which includes manufacturing facilities for paper receipts in France, Germany, Italy and Poland, among other locations, plays a role in generating growth and employment in the EU. A total of 179,951 people employed in the European pulp and paper industry as a whole in 2022.
