Paper receipts on the chopping block

Yocuda*, the leading digital receipt platform, has found that 77% of shoppers in the UK would be more likely to switch to digital receipts if they knew how many trees were cut down to produce the paper versions (an astonishing 200,000 trees are cut down annually just for receipts in the UK). For younger generations, the demand for change is even louder - 87% of 18-25-year-olds would opt for digital receipts in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of paper ones.

Yocuda’s data reveals that 96% of shoppers believe using digital receipts will contribute to reducing environmental harm. 85% expect a reduction in paper receipts in the next five years whilst only 6% think it will stay the same. In fact, 57% of UK consumers expressed a desire for more retailers to offer digital receipts instead of paper ones. 

Sustainability policies are now also key to shoppers, with nearly 7 in 10 shoppers (69%) saying a retailer’s sustainability policy influences their decision to shop with them, with this figure jumping to 85% for the younger generation (18-25).

Commenting on the sustainability impact, Edward Drax, CEO of Yocuda said: “The data makes it clear - UK shoppers are ready to ditch paper receipts in favour of a digital solution that’s better for both the environment and their own convenience. What was once seen as a small, mundane part of the shopping experience - receiving a paper receipt - is now being scrutinised for its environmental impact and inefficiency. 

With 200,000 trees cut down each year to produce paper receipts in the UK alone, it’s no wonder that so many shoppers, particularly from the younger generations, are calling for change. Younger generations, having grown up in an era of climate consciousness, are setting the standard for what they expect from retailers. Their shopping habits are increasingly aligned with their values, and they want to see businesses they support taking actionable steps to reduce environmental harm”.

The convenience of digital

Beyond the sustainability benefits, digital receipts are also proving to be a practical solution for today’s consumers. With 75% of shoppers admitting to having thrown away a paper receipt they intended to keep and 66% admitting to losing a paper receipt they needed for a return or exchange, the frustrations of managing physical copies are clear. Gen Z shoppers are the worst offenders, with 3 in 4 admitting they regularly misplace paper receipts.

It’s no surprise then that 72% of shoppers requested a digital receipt when it was offered, showing that this convenient and eco-friendly option is a popular choice. The days of rummaging through wallets and shopping bags for crumpled receipts may soon be over, as 60% of shoppers find it wasteful for companies to print receipts automatically.

The personal approach for shoppers

UK consumers are increasingly on the lookout for a more personalised touch from retailers, with 64% expecting personalised offers based on their shopping history - a 10% increase from 2023 data.

Digital receipts gather an unparalleled level of in-store purchase behaviour data on customers. In addition, they provide retailers with the perfect communication channel to display personalised offers and to deliver effective post-purchase engagement strategies. With an average open rate of 75% (as seen among Yocuda’s clients), there is a real opportunity to increase customer loyalty.

On the benefits to shoppers and retailers, Drax added: “It’s more than just being eco-friendly. The convenience factor cannot be understated. Consumers are tired of the hassle that comes with managing paper receipts - whether it’s losing them, storing them, or rummaging through bags to find them for returns, warranty or tax purposes.

Digital receipts offer a hassle-free solution that aligns with the fast-paced, tech-driven lives of modern shoppers. It also provides retailers with an unparalleled way of identifying customers, their behaviours and wants in store and in turn the ideal opportunity to engage post-purchase with personalised content. This gives retailers a golden opportunity to build stronger relationships with their customers and drive customer loyalty”.

Click here to download Yocuda’s Consumer Attitudes to Digital Receipts 2024 UK report.