Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn has kicked off a trial with payment processor Equens which allows shoppers to pay using their fingerprints.

The six-month Tip2Pay project is the first of its kind in The Netherlands and aims to investigate the potential of this technology as a new payment method and establish whether it is received positively by consumers.

"We regularly test new payment concepts among our customers. We only continue their development if they are received with enthusiasm," said Jan de Heij, innovation manager at Albert Heijn.

Those wishing to partake will register by having their fingerprint scanned along with providing proof of identification, a debit card and their customer loyalty card if they have one.

Once registered, participants need only scan their fingerprint at the till to pay for goods.

"Recent developments in technology facilitate new and improved payment methods," said Dave Rietveld, general manager for new business at Equens.

"Equens therefore operates an innovative policy geared towards the development of new payment products based on market requirements."

Equens is also looking into other technologies such as mobile payments and electronic invoicing.

Albert Heijn and Equens will conduct the pilot in consultation with IT-Werke, a company that specialises in integrating biometric technology in retail and consumer applications.

The IT-Werke system has already been successfully tested at the German supermarket chain Edeka, which now offers fingerprint payment services at 120 of its stores.