The substance on your fingers
Seven out of eleven receipts contain a hormone-disrupting substance. This is what our analysis of receipt rolls from several well-known chains shows. Bisphenol S (BPS) is quickly absorbed by the skin and is linked to a range of health risks. But there is a better solution. Help us make digital receipts the standard – and paper receipts something that is given only upon request. Sign now!
6 295 635
Users
257 268 785
Meters of receipts54 374
Senders
The hidden chemical
The EU is now investigating BPS as a particularly hazardous substance. Despite this, 87 percent of the population is completely unaware of the problem – and the receipts continue to be printed right into our hands.
What is BPS?
BPS is a chemical used in many paper receipts. It was developed as a replacement for bisphenol A (BPA) – but soon proved to be just as problematic.
According to research, BPS can affect the hormonal system and is linked, among other things, to risks for fertility, fetal development, and metabolism. The substance is quickly absorbed through the skin, which means that both consumers and store staff can be exposed every day – often without knowing it. Still, clear regulations are lacking.
About our analysis
Although research points to several risks associated with BPS, no one knows for sure how many receipts contain the substance.
To get a snapshot of the situation, we had IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute analyze receipt rolls from eleven well-known Swedish retailers. The results show that seven out of eleven stores use receipts with BPS, in four cases at levels exceeding the latest proposed limit within the EU.
The study is a sample – but the results raise the question of how widespread the use actually is.
Expert: "Effect at incredibly low levels
Johanna Wachtmeister, PhD in organic chemistry, describes BPS as reproductive toxic. She argues that even very short-term exposure is enough for the substance to cause harm.
– BPS is effective at incredibly low levels. After just a few seconds, the substance has migrated from the receipt through the skin and into the body. I don’t think these substances should exist at all in anything handled by the general public every day.
BPS destroys the environment
If a receipt containing BPS ends up in recycling, the substance can continue to exist in other materials, such as toilet paper and sketchbooks. This creates a never-ending chain – the chemicals just change place and spread uncontrollably.
In practice, this means we don’t know which products contain BPS – or to what extent.
The only way to stop this chain is to sort receipts as combustible waste.
Our first and only letter on paper
We want digital receipts to become the standard. To raise awareness of the issue, we are collecting signatures that we will send directly to the decision-makers – on letterhead made from receipts, with BPS. No one should have to deal with this matter, neither store staff, consumers, nor politicians.
You should sign too!
Do you also want to avoid harmful substances in receipts? Make your voice heard. Sign to make digital receipts the standard (and paper receipts something to be given on request).
Store owner? We're on your side
Bisphenol S can be harmful to anyone – but especially to those who handle hundreds of receipts every day. By switching to digital receipts, you protect not only customers and the environment but also the employees at the checkout.
Get started with digital receipts – we’re here to help
More and more people are sending receipts in Kivra. There are only benefits – for the business, the customer, and the environment. You’ll be up and running quickly, and we’ll support you all the way. Get in touch, and we’ll help you move forward!