Aldi's receipt security gates: What's really in the paper?
German supermarket chain Aldi has introduced a trial requiring customers to scan their receipt before exiting through self-service security gates. The move has sparked a debate about privacy, waste, and the chemicals used in thermal paper. While the company says the system is designed to reduce theft, some shoppers are asking a more basic question: what exactly are we touching when we handle these receipts?
The trial, which is currently being tested in select stores, automatically prints a proof-of-purchase for every customer. Previously, receipts were only printed on request. This change has raised concerns about creating a new stream of paper waste, particularly in a country like Namibia where recycling infrastructure is still developing.
What chemicals are in thermal receipts?
Thermal paper, the glossy material used in most receipts, has historically contained Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in plastics and food packaging. BPA has been linked to potential health risks, including endocrine disruption, though experts disagree on the level of danger at typical exposure.
Research indicates that small amounts of BPA can be absorbed through the skin. The European Union (EU) has banned BPA in food packaging and has extended that ban to receipts. In Australia, major retailers have voluntarily removed BPA from their receipts.
However, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand concluded that BPA does not pose a significant human health and safety issue at current exposure levels.
Expert view: Is the risk real?
Oliver Jones, a professor of analytical chemistry at RMIT University, downplayed the concerns.
“The amount you might get transferred through skin if you're touching a receipt is going to be minimal, even if you're a teller and you're handling them all day,” he said. “You'd have to have huge amounts to disrupt the endocrine system, and you're not going to be exposed to that much.”
Jones added that the risk is proportionally small compared to other things that you have control over, like drinking too much, not getting enough sleep, or not doing exercise. He suggested that worried customers could wear gloves, though he noted that plastic gloves might contain their own chemical concerns.
What does Aldi use instead of BPA?
Many companies that removed BPA from their products switched to a similar chemical called Bisphenol S (BPS). Experts say BPS is chemically similar to BPA, but less is known about its long-term effects.
Aldi confirmed that its receipts do not contain BPA or BPS, but the company declined to disclose which chemicals are used instead. The company also stated that customers can opt out of printing a receipt and that staff can guide them through the exit process without one.
Other retailers, including Kmart and Bunnings (both owned by Wesfarmers Group), require customers to show receipts to staff before leaving. Both companies have confirmed their receipts are BPA-free but did not respond to requests for comment about their current chemical composition.
What does this mean for Namibia?
For Namibian consumers, the Aldi trial raises broader questions about chemical transparency in retail. As the country pushes for greener economic policies and stronger consumer protections, the issue of what goes into everyday products, including receipts, becomes increasingly relevant.
Namibian regulators could look to the EU's approach as a model. The EU has extended its BPA ban to receipts, setting a precedent for other jurisdictions. A similar move in Southern Africa would require retailers to disclose the chemicals in their thermal paper, giving consumers the information they need to make informed choices.
Frequently asked questions
Are thermal receipts safe to handle?
Current scientific evidence suggests that the amount of BPA transferred through skin contact is minimal, even for workers who handle receipts all day. However, the EU has banned BPA in receipts due to precautionary concerns, and some experts argue that more research is needed on replacement chemicals like BPS.
Why did Aldi introduce receipt scanning gates?
Aldi introduced the trial to reduce theft in self-service areas. The system requires customers to scan their receipt before the gates open, ensuring that all items have been paid for.
Can I refuse a receipt at Aldi?
Yes. Aldi confirmed that customers can opt out of printing a receipt and that staff can assist them in leaving the store without one.
What chemicals are in Aldi's receipts?
Aldi confirmed that its receipts do not contain BPA or BPS, but the company did not disclose which chemicals are used instead. This lack of transparency is a concern for consumers who want to make informed choices about chemical exposure.
This article was adapted from an original report by Yahoo!7 News.