The way we track, label, and verify products is undergoing a major shift.

With Digital Product Passports, 2D barcodes, and stricter regulations coming up shortly, businesses failing to adapt risk being left behind.

The countdown to Sunrise 2027 has begun.

Are you prepared for the new era of transparency?

Introduction

The era of traditional barcodes is ending, and new regulations are reshaping supply chain transparency.
Businesses that fail to adapt may face compliance risks and potential operational disruptions.
Three major forces are driving this transformation:

• Digital Product Passport (DPP): A new standard that provides product-level transparency, ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain.
• Sunrise 2027: A global mandate transitioning from traditional 1D barcodes to 2D codes, enhancing data accessibility.
• EU Regulation 1169/2011: A regulation that mandates digital labelling for food and consumer goods, improving ingredient and allergen transparency.

Companies must prepare now to integrate digital traceability solutions into their operations to remain competitive and compliant.

2024-2025: The Calm Before the Storm

The coming years will be pivotal for businesses as they lay the groundwork for these new traceability standards.
Organizations that take early action will gain a competitive edge, while those behind may struggle to catch up.

• DPP Finalization: Companies need to plan to collect and manage product-level data, ensuring compliance with emerging standards.
• Sunrise 2027 Adoption Begins: 2D codes are becoming the industry standard, with retailers and manufacturers testing implementation strategies.
• EU 1169/2011 Enforcement Ramps Up: The adoption of QR codes on food packaging is increasing, allowing consumers to access ingredient, and allergen information in detail.
• Early Adopters vs. Laggards: Large corporations are adopting and piloting these changes, while smaller businesses risk falling behind due to lack of preparation.

2026: The Point of No Return

By 2026, companies will need to adhere to traceability compliance requirements.
2026 will mark a significant shift toward the complete implementation of new labelling and tracking regulations.

• DPP Goes Live for Key Industries: Electronics and textiles will be among the first industries required to comply with digital product passports.
• 2D Codes Gain Traction: Retailers will require dual labelling as a transitional measure before fully eliminating traditional barcodes.
• EU 1169/2011 Fully Enforced: Digital food labels become mandatory, ensuring real-time ingredient transparency.
• ERP and Supply Chain Challenges: Businesses will face significant hurdles in upgrading their IT and supply chain systems to accommodate the new digital standards. Companies that fail to act risk severe operational disruptions.

2027: The Year of the Big Switch

January 1, 2027, marks the official end of traditional barcodes in retail.
This milestone will redefine how businesses operate in the supply chain and consumer sectors.

• Traditional Barcodes Become Obsolete: Retail organizations will only scan 2D barcodes, marking a historic shift in product tracking.
• Sunrise 2027 Becomes the New Normal: Late adopters will face hurdles in working with major retailers and distributors.
• DPP Expands: In the future more industries will be required to integrate digital passports, improving transparency across supply chains.
• Labels Go Fully Digital: Printed labels will start to fade out, making digital labelling a necessity rather than an option.

2028-2030: The Future of Traceability

The traceability revolution will continue beyond 2027, driving further regulatory and technological advancements.
Businesses must continuously evolve to meet new requirements.

• DPP Becomes Standard Practice: Digital product passports will be fully embedded into supply chains, enhancing sustainability and waste tracking.
• Global Compliance Complexity: Companies operating in multiple markets will need to start navigating varying regulations.
• Stricter Sustainability Rules: Regulations on carbon footprint tracking, recycling mandates, and circular economy requirements will become more stringent, compelling businesses to adopt sustainable practices.

Final Thought: Adapt or Fall Behind

The traceability revolution is already happening—waiting any longer can be counterproductive.
Businesses must proactively invest in:

• Digital transformation initiatives
• Compliance solutions
• Upgraded labelling and supply chain systems

The future supply chain will be transparent, digital, and highly regulated.
Businesses need to prepare now for the rapid transformation of labelling, serialization, and compliance.
The question is: are you ready to embrace this new reality?

Conclusion & Next Steps

Understanding when traceability became essential is just part of the equation.

But how can businesses prepare for upcoming regulatory changes and ensure compliance with industry standards?

Read more: Preparing for Sunrise 2027 – Ensuring Compliance with GS1 Standards