Retailers have criticised Newspread after it revealed plans to scrap printed documentation last week.

The Irish news wholesaler will introduce paperless documentation from 30 September in an attempt to reduce paper wastage, a notice sent to retailers confirmed.

Hard-copy daily priced delivery notes will be available on request while all other paperwork will be solely online.

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Retailers are required to create an account on the Newspread website to access documentation, but can only register one email address.

Eugene Diamond, of Diamond’s Newsagent in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, told Better Retailing that communicating via email would not work for many retailers.

He said: “Independents often have one email address where employees won’t have access to the owner’s private inbox, so I don’t think this is the right way to go for them.”

Terry Mulkerns, of Eurospar in Newry, Northern Ireland, added: “I can see this causing problems. We will probably print it off in store, so it’s just passing the cost to retailers.”

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