GS1 2D barcodes are changing the way businesses handle product information. These new formats are replacing the familiar linear barcodes that have been on retail shelves since 1974. Traditional 1D barcodes face major limitations because they can’t store much data. The 2D barcode formats like GS1 DataMatrix and QR Code offer much better capabilities. Early versions could store up to 49 characters per row.
Modern GS1 barcode standards show a clear move toward more versatile formats. The GS1 barcode types that use 2D technology work from greater distances. They store essential details like batch numbers, expiration dates, and regulatory data. QR codes with GS1 Digital Link and DataMatrix GS1 are built to boost functionality.
Most mobile devices can scan QR codes automatically, making them ideal for consumer engagement and customer interaction.
This change is happening fast. The U.S. industry has set “Sunrise 2027” as the target date to enable 2D barcode scanning at retail points-of-sale and in healthcare settings. By 2027, these advanced GS1 2D barcodes will drive direct customer engagement. A single scan will provide customized content, traceability information, and access to digital product passports (DPP).
This piece will get into the rise of GS1 barcodes, explain why 2D formats work better, and show how businesses are getting ready for this fundamental shift.
From UPC to QR: The Evolution of GS1 Barcode Types
Barcode technology’s experience started in 1973 when the U.S. grocery industry created a revolutionary tool to identify products. A simple pack of Wrigley’s gum made history on June 26, 1974. It became the first product scanned with a barcode at a Marsh supermarket in Ohio.
This moment changed retail automation forever.
UPC and EAN: The Origins of 1D Barcodes
The Universal Product Code (UPC-A) uses 12 unique digits to identify trade items. The Uniform Code Council (UCC) managed this linear symbology that quickly became North America’s standard for product identification.
The code grew to 13 digits in 1976, creating the European Article Number (EAN-13). This new system worked worldwide while staying compatible with UPC.
These familiar black-and-white striped symbols now appear on almost every consumer product globally.
GS1-128 and ITF-14 in Logistics and Distribution
Complex supply chains created a need for more versatile barcodes.
GS1-128 and ITF-14 helped track items through global logistics networks.
ITF-14 encodes only the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and works well on corrugated materials.
GS1-128 can do much more: it carries up to 48 alphanumeric characters, including batch numbers, expiration dates, weights, and serial numbers.
This data-rich format helps track items through warehouse operations, shipping, and distribution processes.
The Rise of 2D Formats: QR Code, DataMatrix, and GS1 DataMatrix
Two-dimensional barcodes represent a huge leap in data capacity.
These 2D symbols use patterns of squares, dots, and other shapes to encode information both horizontally and vertically.
They hold more data while taking up less space.
- QR Code with GS1 Digital Link stores up to 7,089 numeric or 4,296 alphanumeric characters.
- GS1 DataMatrix holds up to 3,116 numeric or 2,335 alphanumeric characters.
The healthcare industry first adopted GS1 DataMatrix, which proved to be a great way to track medical devices and pharmaceuticals, proving effective for FDA DSCSA and UDI compliance QR codes with GS1 Digital Link do more than just identify products. They connect products directly with web content, giving consumers access to detailed product information, sustainability data, usage instructions, and more.
Why 2D Barcodes Are Replacing Linear Formats
The main difference between traditional barcodes and their 2D successors comes from their data structure and capacity.
This difference explains why industries worldwide are rapidly adopting GS1 2D barcode standards.
Data Capacity Comparison: 1D vs 2D
Linear barcodes store information in a single dimension and typically hold just 8-15 characters. 2D barcodes encode data on both horizontal and vertical axes, unlike their simple counterparts.
QR codes can contain up to 7,089 numeric or 4,296 alphanumeric characters, which makes them much more powerful.
A single GS1 data matrix can include product identifiers, expiration dates, batch numbers, and serial information all at once.
2D Barcode: Omnidirectional Scanning and Error Correction
Traditional barcodes need horizontal scanning and precise alignment.
2D formats can be read from any angle. This feature improves scanning efficiency significantly in warehouses and retail environments.
2D barcodes use Reed-Solomon error correction algorithms that keep codes readable even when damaged.
GS1 DataMatrix symbols use Reed-Solomon error correction algorithms, remaining scannable even with up to 60% damage.
Space Efficiency for Small Packaging
GS1 barcode types excel with their compact size.
DataMatrix barcodes take up 30 times less space than Code 39 barcodes with similar data. This space efficiency creates valuable real estate on product packaging, which is vital for small packaging and items like medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
2D DataMatrix Barcode: Support for Multilingual and Regulatory Data
Modern GS1 barcode standards support complex regulatory requirements beyond simple identification. The 2D DataMatrix barcode fits multilingual content, extensive compliance information, and direct links to online resources.
Regulators need more transparent product information and traceability and 2D formats provide a solution for batch tracking, ingredient disclosure, and compliance data without bigger packaging. Medical devices must meet FDA UDI rules and the EU Digital Product Passport.
GS1 2D Barcodes: The Road to Sunrise 2027
Understanding GS1 Digital Link and Its Role in 2D Standards
GS1 Digital Link marks a breakthrough in barcode technology that connects physical and digital worlds. This standard lets businesses integrate GS1 identifiers directly into web addresses for seamless digital access.
GS1 Digital Link URI Syntax Explained
The GS1 Digital Link URI syntax uses a well-laid-out format that has a protocol (https://), domain name, and path information with GS1 identifiers.
The syntax separates primary keys (like GTIN), key qualifiers (such as batch/lot numbers), and attributes (including expiry dates). An example of URI looks like: https://example.com/01/09521101530001/10/ABC123?17=270104 – which encodes a GTIN, batch number, and expiration date.
How QR Code with GS1 Digital Link Enables Web Connectivity
QR codes with GS1 Digital Link turn product packaging into an interactive gateway. A single barcode works with point-of-sale scanners and lets consumers access digital content through their smartphones.
This dual purpose removes the need for multiple barcodes on packaging.
GS1 Application Identifiers in 2D Barcodes
Application Identifiers (AIs) are number prefixes that define data meaning in GS1 barcodes. Key examples include:
- (01) for Global Trade Item Number
- (10) for Batch/Lot Number
- (17) for Expiration Date
- (21) for Serial Number
GS1 Use Cases: Product Recalls, Traceability, and Consumer Engagement
GS1 Digital Link does more than identification. The technology helps with instant recall alerts, provides batch-level tracking, and builds direct brand-consumer relationships. Companies like PepsiCo, Carrefour, and PUMA use this technology to create tailored experiences and improve supply chain management and consumer trust. Consumers can access detailed ingredient information, allergen warnings, or sustainability data with one scan from online sources that update continuously.
Industry Adoption and the Road to Sunrise 2027
The adoption of 2D barcode standards is accelerating globally.
Pilot programs are active in 48 countries that make up 88% of global GDP.
This major transformation shows how businesses recognize their current identification systems must evolve to meet growing product transparency needs.
Retail and Healthcare Pilots in 48 Countries
Companies from 45+ countries representing 85% of the world’s GDP are testing these next-gen barcodes. These widespread tests show an urgent need to improve data capabilities in global supply chains.
GS1 US has published implementation guidelines to help healthcare, apparel, and general merchandise sectors through this transition.
GS1 Barcode Case Studies: PepsiCo, Carrefour, and PUMA Case Studies
Carrefour now uses GS1-powered QR codes on their private label wine products. These advanced codes appear on 148 million bottles.
PepsiCo uses GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes on products like their Starry line. Consumers can access nutrition facts, allergen information, and sustainability features easily. These early adopters show how GS1 barcode standards bring real business benefits.
Dual Marking Strategy During Transition
GS1 recommends dual marking with both linear barcodes and 2D formats during the transition. Tests show the two codes must be within 50mm of each other for optimal scanning.
Companies must keep 1D barcodes until all systems fully support 2D scanning.
Compliance with FDA DSCSA and EU Digital Product Passport
U.S. pharmaceutical companies now use GS1 DataMatrix barcodes because of FDA DSCSA regulations that improve product traceability.
The EU Digital Product Passport, adopted in April 2024, requires electronic product information data sharing.
Full implementation should happen by 2030.
This regulation affects all physical products in European markets except food, pet food, and medical products.
From Linear to GS1 2D Barcodes: A Digital Transformation
Modern businesses are changing how they handle product data and connect with consumers by moving from linear to GS1 2D barcodes.
GS1 2D barcode standards have expanded capabilities that solve many problems of traditional linear codes. These codes can store much more information in less space, making them perfect for complex supply chains and regulatory compliance needs.
Retailers, manufacturers, and healthcare providers must prepare for Sunrise 2027. Relevant companies and market leaders have already shown great results by using 2D barcode technology. Their success stories prove how these 2D codes boost consumer engagement, strengthen traceability, and help meet global regulations.
These advanced barcodes do more than just identify products: they create direct links between physical items and digital details.
A quick scan now shows consumers everything from product details to sustainability credentials and usage instructions.
This feature becomes especially valuable as global regulations push for more product transparency.
The technology has spread to 48 countries, showing that current identification systems need to grow. Businesses can use both old and new barcodes during the transition period to maintain compatibility with existing systems.
GS1 2D barcodes turn regular product packaging into interactive portals that connect physical and digital worlds. Linear barcode’s black and white stripes have helped retail since 1974, but their 2D successors provide the data capacity and flexibility that modern commerce needs.
The GS1 2D barcode advancement helps businesses meet growing consumer expectations and regulatory requirements while streamlining their supply chain operations.
Coming soon: Revolutionizing Asset Management: How RFID Unlocks Accuracy, Security, and Efficiency
