As we approach 2027 and the migration to 2D barcodes, it’s great to see how the concepts are already being adopted.
British company OAL Group has launched an application that uses barcodes based on GS1 Digital Link for food packaging.
The OAL solution enables the creation, inline printing and verification of on-package QR Codes containing information such as the best-before date, allergens and lot codes.
GS1 Digital Link QR Codes can be scanned at the store checkout and contain important data such as expiration dates and lot numbers. In addition, scanning them with a smartphone allows access to information on nutrition, allergens and package recycling instructions.
OAL’s integrated solution has several benefits including:
- Reduced food waste
- Preventing the sale of expired items
- Improved traceability and recall control
- Enhanced consumer interaction
Note that the new Digital Link barcodes are currently being printed alongside the existing UPC or EAN barcode. GS1’s Sunrise 2027 program aims to ultimately replace the UPC/EAN and have a single 2D barcode on the package.
Are you looking to add the new GS1 barcodes to your own packaging? Get the Implementation Guide here: GS1 2D Barcodes Implementation Guide
