In today’s retail environment, barcodes are standard and ensure efficient product identification. However, with growing consumer demand for detailed information – such as origin, sustainability and expiry date – the industry has turned to 2D codes as a solution. 2D codes offer greater data capacity and interactivity, allowing customers to access extensive product information instantly, meeting modern expectations for transparency and traceability. The impact of barcode conversion on product labeling should not be neglected.
With “Project Sunrise”, GS1 aims to improve the global retail barcode system by transitioning from traditional UPC barcodes to data-rich 2D barcodes. The aim is to improve product transparency, traceability and consumer engagement by enabling barcodes to store more detailed information, such as expiry dates, batch numbers and nutritional information. This transition helps companies meet growing demands for product authenticity and safety, particularly in areas such as food, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Project Sunrise also supports sustainability efforts by reducing food waste through better inventory management. By 2027, GS1 plans to roll out this progressive approach on a broad scale.