The Future of Barcodes: QR-Style Codes Set to Replace Traditional Barcodes by 2027

The Future of Barcodes: QR-Style Codes Replacing Traditional Barcodes by 2027

Overview of the Barcode Replacement Trend

According to information from The Guardian, traditional barcodes may be replaced by QR-style codes within the next two years. These new codes can contain more information, such as expiration dates, usage instructions, and allergen information, helping to reduce food waste and enhance transparency for consumers. However, processing this large amount of data could put pressure on cloud infrastructure and increase carbon emissions.

In the retail and logistics world, 1D barcodes have been an indispensable solution for managing goods. However, with the growing demand for supply chain transparency, consumer interaction, and rich data storage capabilities, traditional barcodes are making way for 2D solutions like QR-style codes. The GS1 Sunrise 2027 project and breakthrough technologies such as edible microlasers, aggregated data from LLMs, and dynamic QR codes in marketing are shaping the future of the “next-generation barcode.”

Introduction

1D barcodes (UPC/EAN) first appeared in 1974 on a pack of Wrigley gum, marking the beginning of the retail automation era. For nearly half a century, 1D barcodes have remained the backbone of inventory management, but their limited storage capacity—only a few digits—has become apparent in the face of increasing demands for product information transparency, expiration dates, storage instructions, and traceability.

QR-style codes (2D QR-style codes) have emerged as the solution to this problem. By encoding data in both dimensions, QR-style codes can contain hundreds of characters: from basic information such as GTIN, production date, batch number, to GS1 Digital Links leading to websites, instructional videos, and survey forms. Furthermore, the dynamic content feature allows for updates to the content after printing without needing to reprint packaging.

In this context, GS1 US has launched the Sunrise 2027 project, setting a deadline of the end of 2027 for all POS/POC systems to support scanning both 1D barcodes and 2D QR-style codes. This article will detail Sunrise 2027, the benefits of QR-style codes, breakthrough technologies supporting the new generation of barcodes, applications in marketing and smart packaging, the current state of implementation, challenges, strategies, and future prospects.

GS1 Sunrise 2027: A Global Transition Timeline

GS1 Sunrise 2027 is an initiative by GS1 US aimed at standardizing support for 2D barcodes at points of sale and care. According to official documentation:

“By the end of 2027, retailers would need to ensure their POS systems are equipped with scanners capable of reading both traditional barcodes and 2D barcodes…”

Currently, Sunrise 2027 has entered the testing phase in 48 countries, representing 88% of global GDP. In the UK, supermarket chains Tesco and Sainsbury’s reported a 15% reduction in food waste by directly embedding expiration dates and storage instructions into QR-style codes. The pharmaceutical, healthcare, and FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) sectors are also encouraged to adopt early to ensure safety and accurate traceability of batches.

Superior Benefits of QR-Style 2D Codes

High Data Storage Capacity

QR-style codes can contain hundreds of characters, including:

Product information (GTIN, description, ingredients)
Production dates, expiration dates, and batch numbers
GS1 Digital Links to websites, instructional videos, or surveys

This allows businesses to convey all critical data directly on the packaging, rather than relying on attached documents.

Dynamic Content

Dynamic QR-style codes allow for updates to the scanned destination (URL, coupons, surveys, etc.) without reprinting the packaging. Statistics from Bitly indicate that interactions increase by 40% compared to static QR codes due to the ability to analyze behavior and personalize content.

Enhanced Transparency

According to a survey by Food & Wine, 79% of consumers prefer to buy products with QR-style codes that provide clear information about ingredients and origins, thereby strengthening trust in the brand.

Cost and ROI

Initially, businesses need to invest in 2D scanners, new packaging printing, and software integration. However, QR-style codes help reduce reprinting costs, optimize supply chains, and boost sales through interactive experiences, with a typical ROI breakeven achieved within 12–18 months.

Breakthrough Technologies Supporting the New Generation of Barcodes

Edible Microlasers

The research “Edible Microlasers for Monitoring Authenticity and Quality of Food and Pharmaceuticals” on arXiv presents microlasers made from edible compounds like chlorophyll in olive oil, serving as both barcodes and sensors for pH, sugar, bacteria, and temperature. This technology is safe for consumption, does not alter taste, and is environmentally friendly.

Aggregated Data from LLMs

“LLM for Barcodes” (arXiv) has applied large language models to create diverse synthetic data for barcodes on identification papers, helping to improve barcode detection accuracy by 15–20% compared to traditional Faker methods. The use of synthetic data ensures security and privacy.

Applications in Marketing and Smart Packaging

Dynamic QR Codes in Marketing Campaigns

Brands like Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and Puma have adopted dynamic 2D QR codes on packaging and billboards to personalize experiences and gather multi-channel data. A TikTok campaign using QR codes to announce an engagement garnered millions of views, demonstrating special appeal to Millennials and Gen Z.

GS1 Digital Link and Smart Packaging

“3 Smart Packaging Trends for 2025” by Packaging Digest emphasizes that the GS1 Digital Link—2D barcode standard directly linking to online resources—will be a dominant trend, transforming packaging into an interactive information gateway (AR/VR, guides, ingredient lookups). BL.INK has also released “2025 Guide to GS1 Digital Link Compliance” to assist businesses in preparing for the change.

Current Global Implementation Status

In Europe and America

Reuters reports that about 50% of major retail chains in the UK, such as Tesco and Woolworths, have upgraded their POS systems to support QR-style codes, leading to a 2.6% increase in fresh product sales in Q1/2025. In the U.S., major brands in the pharmaceutical and FMCG sectors are also preparing for Sunrise 2027 by testing QR-style scanning on products.

In Asia

In Japan and South Korea, many businesses in the food and agricultural sectors have integrated GS1 Digital Links on packaging for vegetables and processed foods, allowing consumers to access information about origin and storage history, enhancing trust and competitiveness of products.

Challenges in Transition

Upgrading 2D Scanning Infrastructure: Old 1D scanners do not support QR-style codes, requiring businesses to invest in new equipment or upgrade firmware.
Increased Data Load & Carbon Footprint: Processing dynamic content requires robust cloud infrastructure, which could increase CO₂ emissions if not optimized.
Training Workforce: Retail, logistics, and IT staff need training on scanning processes, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
Security & Privacy: Data collected through QR-style codes may contain personal information, necessitating compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and local regulations.
Initial Investment Costs: Purchasing 2D scanners, reprinting new packaging, and integrating ERP/SCM systems require significant financial resources.

Implementation Strategies for Businesses

Assess Current Systems: Check the 2D scanning capabilities of POS, ERP, and SCM to identify weaknesses needing upgrades.
Pilot Testing: Apply QR-style codes to a limited product line or storage area, gather feedback data, and adjust before scaling up.
Redesign Packaging: Incorporate scanning instructions, clear CTAs (call-to-action), and the GS1 Digital Link logo to guide users.
Comprehensive Training: Organize workshops for sales, logistics, and IT departments on scanning processes, analytics analysis, and troubleshooting.
Compliance with Standards: Apply Sunrise 2027 and GS1 Digital Link standards in healthcare, FMCG, and pharmaceuticals.
Continuous Monitoring & Optimization: Use analytics to measure scan rates, scan times, and user behavior, adjusting dynamic content to improve experiences.

Future Prospects

Barcode technology is undergoing a revolution with QR-style 2D codes, edible microlasers, and aggregated data from LLMs. Early-adopting businesses will gain a competitive edge, enhance consumer experiences, and optimize supply chains. The period from 2025 to 2027 promises to be a milestone marking the complete transition to the era of smart packaging, where packaging not only contains products but also serves as an interactive, transparent, and data-rich “information gateway.”

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