2D barcodes in retail

About 2D barcodes

QR codes powered by GS1 are the next generation of barcodes, enabling both scanning at the checkout and with the consumer’s mobile phone. As a data carrier, the 2D barcode offers efficient communication throughout the value chain to anyone who needs personalized and extended product information. GS1 offers three different types: QR code with GS1 Digital Link, Data Matrix with GS1 Digital Link and GS1 DataMatrix.

With a simple mobile scan, the consumer can get detailed product information. In combination with GS1 Digital Link, you can also offer an unlimited menu of web links that can help mobile shoppers engage with your brand.

Why 2D barcodes in retail?

Consumers today need more information about products than ever before. Legislators, organizations and industries are pushing towards sustainability, traceability and transparency in the value chain. One of the effects are new demands for more information.

The classic barcode only contains the product’s Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), but is no longer enough to meet tomorrow’s requirements and business needs.

Advantages of 2D barcodes

Warehouse management

Tillämpa “first in–first out”, bättre lagerstyrning, mindre administration, ökad tillgänglighet och minskat svinn.

Traceability

Verifiera produkters äkthet, ​ingrediens- och ursprungsinformation, transparens i varuflödet och ökat konsumentförtroende.

Safety

Skydda din varumärkesintegritet, motverka försäljning av utgången eller återkallad produkt och stoppa förfalskade produkter.

Sustainability

Get information about recycling, enable circular economy, counter waste and view original information.

Consumer engagement

Get access to approved brand information, promotions, recipes and brand engagement.

Better packaging

On-pack marketing, better ability to comply with legislation and improved consumer experience.

2D Barcode Implementation Journey

Start your 2D journey

A practical guide for manufacturers, brand owners and retailers to get started with their next generation barcode implementation.

Read and get started

Information for those who will implement 2D barcodes

For brand owners

Learn more about how to choose the right barcode for your product as a brand owner and how to create 2D barcodes.

For retailers

Find out more about how retailers can implement systems that can read 2D barcodes at the checkout.

A global 2D program

A global shift is underway, with brand owners and retailers working together to label packaging with barcodes and 2D barcodes. The initiative to move to the next generation barcodes comes from industry-leading global players and covers all retail and FMCG product categories, including variable weight goods.

• Global site for 2D barcodes in Retail

• 2D barcodes in Retail: Position paper

• The Barcode Evolution: Position paper

• FAQ on 2D barcodes in retail

• 2D barcode scanning test plan: Executive Summary (Sept 2021)

Discover 2D barcodes

Discover 2D bacodes for retail

Explore the benefits you can get from different 2D barcodes.

Engaging consumers via mobile

2D barcodes for increased consumer engagement.

2D barcodes for different use cases

2D barcodes for uses across the supply chain.

Resource Library

Read about industry initiatives, work and case studies from the retail and grocery sectors.

NewsGlobal FMCG companies call for next generation QR codes

50 years after the barcode went live for the first time, Swedish industry media is highlighting that 22 leaders from some of the world’s largest consumer goods companies have signed a joint call for the industry’s introduction of QR codes using GS1 standards.

Guide2D Barcodes at Retail Point-of-Sale Implementation Guideline

Implementation guide for industry to enable a smooth transition from linear barcodes

GuideBest practice for creating your QR code

Take your QR codes to the next level and link your product’s unique identity to online sources with up-to-date data.

Getting Started Guide2D barcodes in retail POS

Guidance for the industry to smoothly start their transition to 2D barcodes in retail point-of-sale (POS).

Report2D implementation in Sweden

The grocery industry in Sweden has conducted a feasibility study for the upcoming 2D implementation

Implementation guideGS1 2D Pilot Toolkit

Practical tools, lessons learned and best practices to enable manufacturers, brand owners and retailers to get started with their 2D pilot projects.

GS1 and 2D barcodes

Frequently asked questions

Here are frequently asked questions about 2D barcodes and much more you might want to know about GS1.

To our FAQ