LONDON -- In an effort to reduce the amount of receipt paper used in its stores each year, Sainsbury's here has become the first European retailer to install double-sided receipt printers at its supermarket checkouts. The units, from NCR, Atlanta, are designed to print simultaneously on both sides of the receipt. Following a successful trial of 25 of the printers in its Maidenhead store, Sainsbury's decided to install the machines in all its new supermarkets. "This is a great example of how we're taking the initiative in making a really positive difference to the environment," said Sarah Trowbridge, Sainsbury's head of customer services, in a statement. "The smaller bills unfortunately don't equate to cheaper bills, but they have been really well received by our customers who, like us, are passionate about working towards a greener future." In addition to offering environmental benefits, the new machines also print faster, and the rolls need changing less often, said Sainsbury's.

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