Usually, receipts are white. But those from Lidl are bluewe explain the reason.
Receipts: an innovation in supermarkets
Currently, receipts no longer contain ink. Indeed, the inscriptions present on the paper are written differently. So, the paper used must also be special. They are actually thermal papers. This contains a chemical color developer which, when heated, causes a reaction resulting in a dark discoloration.
This means that in the printer, only the areas where letters or numbers should appear should be heated. There are other variants of this technology but this technique is the most used by supermarkets. At Lidl, they have a completely different technique. But on top of that, they have revamped the color of their receipts. Thus, they are now blue or even a little gray depending on the light.
An ecology initiative
For several years, Lidl is looking for ways to reduce the impact of its activities on the environment. So, now, the brand uses more ecological paper for its receipts. This is the origin of the new color of their receipts. These papers can still be used by thermal printers, but the working mechanism is different.
A layer of black pigments is applied to the paper, then a layer of polymers which gives the paper its blue appearance. Under the effect of heat, the polymer balls change structure and become transparent. Thanks to its components, these papers can be recycled in the yellow bins. The only disadvantage is that the color of the tickets makes the writing difficult to read. Indeed, the contrast of the color of the paper with the writing is weaker.
Lidl leads by example
Unlike Lidl receipts, white thermal receipts are not very environmentally friendly. In effect, they should be disposed of with household waste as they may contain substances such as bisphenol-Btoxic to certain aquatic and plant species. Lidl is therefore ahead of its competitors in terms of ecology.
Moreover, Greenpeace warns us. Some receipts may even be coated with bisphenol-A. It is an even more toxic substance. Indeed, it can have negative effects on health in addition to harming the environment. The main victims are pregnant cashiers. They are indeed in constant interaction with these papers. Their health and that of their unborn child are then in real danger.