The transition toward GS1 Sunrise 2027 represents a major evolution in how products are identified, tracked, managed, and connected throughout the global supply chain. As retailers and supply-chain partners expand their ability to scan GS1-powered 2D barcodes at the point of sale, businesses should begin evaluating how their current labeling, printing, barcode, and data systems will support the transition.

The impact extends far beyond traditional retail. Industries that may benefit from or be affected by the move toward 2D barcodes include:

• Food & Beverage
• Beer, Wine & Spirits
• Beauty & Cosmetics
• Healthcare & Medical
• Retail & Consumer Goods
• Manufacturing & Distribution
• Automotive
• Logistics & Warehousing

For manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and brand owners, preparing early can provide an opportunity to modernize labeling operations while improving product visibility throughout the supply chain.

Why Is the Industry Moving Toward 2D Barcodes?

Traditional 1D barcodes have served businesses for decades, primarily by identifying a product through information such as its Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). However, today's supply chains increasingly require access to more detailed and dynamic product information.

GS1-powered 2D barcodes, including GS1 DataMatrix and QR Codes using GS1 standards, can carry or connect users to significantly more information.

Depending on the application, a 2D barcode can support information such as:

• Lot and batch numbers
• Expiration and best-by dates
• Serial numbers
• Product identification
• Traceability information
• Recall information
• Certifications
• Instructions and documentation
• Ingredients and allergen information
• Sustainability information
• Consumer-facing digital content

This expanded capability can turn the barcode from a simple product identifier into a powerful connection between the physical product and its digital information.

Better Product Traceability

2D barcodes can help businesses capture important information such as lot numbers, batch numbers, serial numbers, and expiration dates.

This can improve visibility as products move from manufacturing through distribution and ultimately to the retailer or end user. For industries with strict traceability requirements, having more information available through the barcode can help strengthen supply-chain controls.

Improved Inventory Management

More detailed barcode data can also improve inventory operations.

Instead of scanning a barcode that identifies only the product, businesses may be able to capture additional information about the specific product being received, stored, picked, shipped, or sold.

This can help companies improve:

• Inventory accuracy
• Lot and batch tracking
• Expiration-date management
• Warehouse operations
• Product rotation
• Shipping and receiving processes

For manufacturers and distributors managing thousands of products, the additional data available through 2D barcodes can provide significant operational advantages.

Faster and More Targeted Product Recalls

Product recalls can be expensive and disruptive, particularly when businesses cannot quickly identify which products are affected.

When lot, batch, serial number, or expiration information is incorporated into the barcode data structure, companies can more easily identify specific affected products.

Rather than potentially treating an entire product line as affected, businesses may be able to narrow their response to the appropriate production runs, lots, or batches.

This can improve recall efficiency while helping reduce unnecessary product removal and supply-chain disruption.

Give Consumers More Product Information

One of the most exciting opportunities created by 2D barcodes is the ability to connect consumers directly with digital product information.

A smartphone scan can potentially direct customers to information such as:

• Ingredients and allergens
• Product instructions
• Certifications
• Sustainability information
• Recycling information
• Product authenticity information
• Warranty registration
• Promotions and loyalty programs
• Videos and product demonstrations
• Additional brand content

This creates new opportunities for brands to provide useful information without trying to fit everything onto limited packaging space.

One Barcode, More Possibilities

The long-term goal is not simply to replace one barcode with another. It is to make the barcode a more powerful tool throughout the product lifecycle.

A properly implemented GS1-powered 2D barcode can potentially support both business-to-business supply-chain requirements and business-to-consumer digital engagement.

That means the same product label can help support manufacturing, inventory management, distribution, traceability, point-of-sale scanning, recalls, and consumer engagement.

Is Your Business Ready for GS1 Sunrise 2027?

Companies should begin reviewing their labeling and barcode infrastructure well before 2027.

Important questions to consider include:

• Can your current barcode printers produce the required 2D barcode quality?
• Can your scanners reliably read GS1 DataMatrix and QR Codes?
• Can your labeling software generate GS1-compliant barcode data?
• Can your ERP, WMS, or inventory system capture the additional data?
• Do your labels have enough space for the required barcode?
• Will variable information such as lot numbers and expiration dates need to be printed during production?
• Are your barcode verification and quality-control processes ready for 2D symbols?

Addressing these questions early can help prevent costly equipment, software, or labeling changes later.

Prepare for GS1 Sunrise 2027 with Thermal ID Technologies

Thermal ID Technologies helps manufacturers, distributors, and businesses develop labeling and barcode solutions designed for today's supply-chain requirements and tomorrow's 2D barcode environment.

From barcode printers and scanners to custom labels, variable-data printing, labeling software, barcode verification, and GS1 2D barcode implementation, our team can help evaluate your existing operation and identify what may be needed for the transition.

Whether your business manufactures food, beverages, cosmetics, medical products, automotive components, industrial products, or consumer goods, now is the time to begin planning for the next generation of barcode technology.

Preparing for GS1 Sunrise 2027 isn't simply about changing a barcode—it's an opportunity to build a smarter, more connected labeling and traceability system for the future.

Need Help Preparing for GS1 Sunrise 2027?

Contact Thermal ID Technologies sales@thermalidtech.com or 888.958.5611 to review your current printers, scanners, labels, software, and barcode requirements and develop a 2D barcode solution designed for your operation.