A shift in the way consumers shop has seen searches for ‘sustainable shopping’ rise by 679% in the past five years, reveals retail-tech company Slip.
With the fashion industry making up 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions, retailers are under increasing pressure to be transparent regarding sustainability policies. Many high-street retailers have launched collections manufactured from recycled materials, rewarding customers for sustainable choices, as well as making plans to become carbon neutral in the future.
However, one part of the shopping experience that is often overlooked is the current receipt process. Digital receipts are often neglected due to the process-heavy checkout experience, in turn contributing to 11.2 billion, non-recyclable till receipts printed annually, of which 90% end up in the bin. Digital receipt players, such as Slip, ensure sustainability is at the forefront, allowing consumers to easily receive receipts via QR code technology. As well as reducing checkout time and the need for environmentally harmful receipts to be printed, Slip leverages data for retailers and provides powerful insights regarding consumer trends.
Along with introducing digital receipts, other sustainable practices retailers are implementing are encouraging less transport carbon emissions. Brands such as ASOS using electric vehicles for transport, the online retailer will promises that at least half of its deliveries with the London Ultra Low Emission Zone with be carried out by electric vehicles. Many retailers also encourage customers to order online and pick-up in store with savings provided for those who do. The rise of hybrid shopping, fuelled by 36% of Gen Z shoppers, heightens the importance of retailers utilising technology to improve both the online and in store shopping experience.
Whilst it is imperative for retailers to lead the change, the practices must be adopted by consumers in order to be successful. Although the majority of consumers strive to shop sustainably, studies show out of 92% of respondents who recognise our shopping habits have a key part to play in climate change, only 48% would choose a sustainable option over a more convenient option.
Tash Grossman, Founder & CEO of Slip commented: “Over the past five years we have seen a rush of social change with consumers demanding sustainable options. This is especially prominent with the younger generation who want to be able to shop sustainably, but they also value an easy and seamless experience. Slip was founded following my personal frustrations that there wasn’t an easy digital receipt solution that could enable me to shop more sustainably but without the long-winded process that existed. Over the next five years we predict that even more consumers will be moving to shopping with retailers that implement sustainable practices, especially as the younger generation begin to have more disposable income.”
