Digital ticketing innovations reduce over 50% paper consumption in MENA region: Research

As digital ticketing adoption accelerates, its impact on sustainability becomes more evident, with digital transformation driving down paper consumption significantly across events, it said, citing its recent research.

“This shift is also part of a broader movement within the region, where governmental strategies – such as Dubai Paperless Strategy or the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), led by Saudi Arabia – encourage industry players to reduce paper use and increase digital processes,” the company said.

Platinumlist, which introduced ‘SafeTickets’ – mobile tickets with dynamic QR codes – that eliminate the need for printing, besides preventing fraud.

“Historically, Platinumlist used to order up to 500,000 paper ticket blanks annually; however, with the launch of the mobile ticketing system, they used less than half of the paper tickets compared to previous years,” said Cosmin Ivan, CEO at Platinumlist.

“Notably, reports of fraud for events using mobile tickets have also dropped by approximately 85 per cent, with almost no new cases being reported for events with SafeTickets,” he said.

Ivan said as a result of the evolution and digitalisation of tickets, the share of paper ticket usage at Platinumlist alone has decreased to a modest 10 per cent now.

Platinumlist said recognising the growing importance of digital inclusivity and the challenges faced by users with limited access to mobile apps, it has developed ‘Light Mobile Tickets’ – a web-based option for users who cannot or prefer not to download an app.

Also, internal company’s analytics show that up to 14 per cent of users at events with more mature audiences need alternative ticketing, confirming ‘Light Mobile Ticket’ as an alternative solution for older users, it said.

“This assures that accessibility is not sacrificed while maintaining a commitment to reducing paper waste,” Platinumlist said.