The production of paper receipts has significant negative effects on the environment. First, it leads to large-scale deforestation, as millions of trees are cut down annually to meet the global demand for billions of receipts. This loss of trees not only contributes to the destruction of habitats and biodiversity but also reduces the planet’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, exacerbating climate change. The process of making paper receipts also consumes vast amounts of water—an estimated tens of billions of liters each year—depleting valuable freshwater resources that are already scarce in many regions.

Additionally, paper production involves the use of harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS), which are often found in thermal receipts. These chemicals are toxic to human health and can leach into the soil and water when receipts are discarded, contributing to environmental pollution. The energy-intensive nature of paper manufacturing also results in significant carbon emissions, adding to global warming.