GS1 Sunrise 2027: Why Manufacturers Should Start Preparing for 2D Barcodes Today

The way products are identified is changing, and the change is happening faster than many manufacturers realize. Around the world, retailers, brand owners, logistics providers, and regulatory bodies are moving toward smarter product identification through 2D barcodes. At the center of this transformation is GS1 Sunrise 2027, a global initiative that marks the next step in modern supply chain management.

 

For manufacturers, this is more than a barcode upgrade. It is an opportunity to improve traceability, increase operational efficiency, enhance consumer engagement, and future proof production lines.

 

The businesses that prepare early will have a competitive advantage, while those that wait may face costly production changes and compliance challenges.

GS1 Sunrise in Coding and Marking

Understanding GS1 Sunrise 2027

For decades, the familiar linear barcode has been the global standard for product identification. While it has served the industry well, today’s supply chains demand far more information than a traditional barcode can hold.


GS1 Sunrise 2027 is an initiative encouraging retailers and manufacturers to adopt GS1 compliant 2D barcodes, including QR Codes powered by GS1 standards and GS1 DataMatrix symbols. By 2027, point of sale systems are expected to scan these advanced codes alongside traditional barcodes, creating a smooth transition across global markets.


Unlike a standard barcode that simply identifies a product, a single 2D barcode can contain valuable business information, including:

  • Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
  • Batch and lot information
  • Manufacturing date
  • Expiry date
  • Serial number
  • Product authentication details
  • Digital product information
  • Recycling and sustainability guidance
 

This additional data supports every stage of the product lifecycle, from manufacturing to the consumer’s hands.

Why 2D Barcodes Are Becoming the New Standard

The growing demand for transparency, product safety, and digital experiences is driving the adoption of 2D codes across industries.

 

Manufacturers can use a single code to improve inventory management, simplify product recalls, reduce counterfeiting, and strengthen supply chain visibility. Retailers benefit from faster scanning and more accurate inventory control, while consumers gain instant access to product information through their smartphones.

 

Instead of serving only as a checkout identifier, packaging becomes an interactive communication channel.

 

This shift is transforming packaging into a valuable digital asset.

Industries That Will Benefit Most

Almost every manufacturing sector will see advantages from implementing GS1 compliant 2D barcodes.

 

Food and beverage companies can improve freshness tracking and simplify recalls.

 

Pharmaceutical manufacturers can strengthen serialization and patient safety.

 

Cosmetic brands can share ingredient information and authenticity verification.

 

Consumer goods companies can provide product manuals, promotional campaigns, and sustainability information without increasing packaging space.

 

Industrial manufacturers can improve asset tracking and warehouse management.

 

As adoption increases, 2D barcodes will become an essential component of modern manufacturing.

Printing Quality Matters More Than Ever

The success of any barcode depends on its readability.

 

A poorly printed code can result in scanning failures, shipment delays, rejected products, and costly production interruptions.

 

As manufacturers transition to 2D codes, the coding and marking system becomes one of the most important pieces of production equipment.

 

High resolution printing ensures that every QR Code or DataMatrix symbol remains clear, accurate, and easy to scan throughout the supply chain.

 

Consistency is no longer optional. It is essential.

How Industrial Inkjet Printing Supports the Transition

Industrial inkjet technology has become one of the preferred solutions for printing variable data directly onto products and packaging.

 

Modern inkjet systems allow manufacturers to print high quality information at production speeds without interrupting existing workflows.

 

Applications include:

  • GS1 QR Codes
  • GS1 DataMatrix codes
  • Variable QR Codes
  • Batch and lot numbers
  • Manufacturing and expiry dates
  • Serial numbers
  • Product identification
  • Logos and graphics
 

Because the information is generated in real time, manufacturers can print unique codes for every product without relying on pre printed packaging.

 

This flexibility supports both current production needs and future regulatory requirements.

The RNJet Advantage

Reliable coding starts with reliable printing technology.

 

RNJet develops industrial inkjet printing solutions designed to help manufacturers produce high resolution variable data with precision and consistency.

 

Whether printing on cartons, corrugated boxes, labels, flexible packaging, plastics, metal, or other production materials, RNJet systems deliver sharp, machine readable codes suitable for demanding industrial environments.

 

With support for high quality barcode printing, variable data, serialization, and production line integration, RNJet helps manufacturers prepare for the next generation of product identification while maintaining productivity and print quality.

Canadian Inkjet Technology

Why should you choose RNJet?

One of the key advantages of using our industrial inkjet printer is its versatility in application options. Whether you require side printing or downward marking on various surfaces such as paperboard boxes or plastic packaging materials – this inline printer can handle it all efficiently.

Moreover, reliability and ease-of-use are two crucial factors considered by industries. We assure you that our TIJ coding and marking system meets these requirements effortlessly due to its user-friendly interface and cartridge-based design.

As a Canadian company, RNJet takes pride in delivering high-quality products designed to exceed expectations. Our printers have gained global recognition for durability and precision, making them ideal for modern industrial coding applications.

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