GS1 Sunrise 2027 for manufacturers is much more than a barcode update. It marks the beginning of the transition towards GS1-compliant 2D barcodes that will support improved traceability, richer product information and enhanced consumer engagement. For production and packaging teams, understanding what this transition means today is essential to preparing for tomorrow.
Driven by GS1 Sunrise 2027, retailers around the world are preparing their point-of-sale (POS) systems to scan both traditional EAN/UPC barcodes and GS1-compliant 2D barcodes, including QR Codes with GS1 Digital Link and GS1 DataMatrix. The initiative aims to enable richer product information, improve traceability and create new opportunities for both businesses and consumers while maintaining compatibility with existing retail operations.
For manufacturers, this raises an important question:
Is your production line ready to produce high-quality 2D barcodes consistently?
Below are five of the most common questions manufacturers are asking as they prepare for the next generation of product identification.
GS1 Sunrise 2027 for manufacturers: what does it mean?
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is a global initiative led by GS1 with the goal that, by the end of 2027, retail point-of-sale systems will be capable of scanning both traditional linear barcodes and GS1-compliant 2D barcodes.
Rather than replacing existing barcodes overnight, the initiative supports a gradual transition. This allows manufacturers and retailers to adopt 2D barcodes at a pace that matches market readiness while maintaining compatibility with today’s retail infrastructure.
Why are manufacturers moving towards 2D barcodes?
Unlike traditional linear barcodes, 2D barcodes can store significantly more information within a compact symbol.
When implemented using GS1 Digital Link, a 2D barcode becomes much more than an identification code. It can support supply chain operations while also connecting users to digital information such as:
- Product information.
- Instructions for use.
- Sustainability information.
- Batch or lot information.
- Expiry dates (where applicable).
- Consumer engagement experiences.
This creates a single identification method that benefits manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers alike.
Do manufacturers need both a linear barcode and a 2D barcode?
In many cases, yes.
During the transition period, many brands are expected to use dual marking, combining a traditional EAN/UPC barcode with a GS1-compliant 2D barcode on the same package.
This approach helps ensure compatibility while retailers progressively upgrade their scanning capabilities and allows manufacturers to begin taking advantage of 2D barcode applications.
The most appropriate strategy will depend on retailer requirements, target markets and product categories.
Why is print quality becoming more important?
Implementing a 2D barcode is only the first step.
Its value depends on whether it can be scanned consistently throughout the product’s lifecycle.
A barcode may need to be read:
- During production.
- Throughout warehousing and logistics.
- At the retailer’s checkout.
- By consumers using a smartphone.
Poor contrast, insufficient resolution, substrate variability or inconsistent marking can all affect readability and reduce the effectiveness of the code.
As 2D barcodes begin carrying more business-critical information, manufacturers should place greater emphasis on achieving consistent code quality across every production run.
What should manufacturers do today?
Although the transition will happen progressively, now is the ideal time to evaluate production capabilities.
Manufacturers should assess whether their coding technology can reliably produce high-quality 2D barcodes on their packaging materials and at their required production speeds.
Preparing early allows businesses to validate print quality, review packaging designs and plan future investments with confidence, rather than reacting to future market requirements.
For many production teams, readiness is not simply about adding another barcode. It is about ensuring the entire coding process is ready to support the next generation of product identification.
The role of industrial coding in the transition
As packaging evolves from a simple label into a digital gateway, coding technology becomes increasingly important.
Whether products are packaged in flexible films, cardboard, plastic, glass or metal, manufacturers need coding solutions capable of producing permanent, high-quality marks that remain readable throughout the supply chain.
Reliable code quality is essential not only for supporting emerging industry standards, but also for improving traceability, operational efficiency and the growing digital expectations of retailers and consumers.
Looking ahead
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is about much more than introducing a new barcode.
It represents an important step towards smarter product identification, better supply chain visibility and stronger connections between brands and consumers.
For manufacturers, the transition begins long before a product reaches the checkout. It starts on the production line—with a code that is printed accurately, remains readable throughout its lifecycle and is ready to support the next generation of global identification standards.
Download our practical guide
Want to learn more about the transition to GS1 Sunrise 2027?
Download our practical guide to explore the key concepts behind GS1-compliant 2D barcodes, understand what they mean for production lines and discover the practical steps manufacturers can take to prepare for the future of product identification.
Download the guide using the link below: https://bit.ly/4eluurs