Supermarket chain Waitrose is using mobile printers in an effort to reduce food wastage and improve checkout productivity.

The Zetes-supplied system used by the printers calculates reductions based on product demand and shelf life. Users can also access a list of unsold reduced items which may need further price markdowns.

The key motivation to introduce the printers was to reduce processing time at the till and minimise the amount of unsold items, according to Nick Hart, project manager for branch ordering development at Waitrose.

"This system has also enabled us to record increased data for further improved accuracy in future ordering, so we are pleased with the initial results," he added. "This builds on the positive work that our shops have been carrying out to cut food wastage."