2D barcodes<\/h1><\/div>The digital revolution of the barcode continues<\/b><\/div><\/div><\/div>The barcode revolutionized commerce when it arrived. Now we are facing the next big change: the move to two-dimensional (2D) codes, which promises to transform the way we shop and interact with products. <\/strong><\/p>\nFor over 50 years, the barcode has been an invisible driving force behind global trade. First used to simplify checkout systems, the simple black and white lines have become a symbol of efficiency and innovation. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/www.grafokett.se\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/qr-code-3970681_1280_transp-1024x582.png?_t=1743584035\" "\\"qr-code-3970681_1280_transp\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The birth of the barcode<\/strong><\/h2><\/h2><\/div>In 1974, in a small store in Troy, Ohio, a barcode was scanned for the first time. The product was a pack of Wrigley’s chewing gum – and the event marked the start of the Universal Product Code (UPC), a standard created by GS1 to streamline commerce. <\/p>\n
Before the introduction of the barcode, the checkout process was a time-consuming manual task. Each product had to be priced and registered by hand, which often led to errors and long queues. The barcode changed all that by offering a fast and reliable method of product identification. <\/p>\n
Today, barcodes are scanned billions of times a day and are used to manage over a billion different products. But their original function – to simplify pricing and inventory management – is no longer sufficient. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"barcode\"](\"https:\/\/www.grafokett.se\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/juicyfruit.jpg?_t=1743519068\" "\\"juicyfruit\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>“77%<\/span> of consumers consider detailed product information to be crucial at the point of purchase”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>Consumers’ new demands<\/h2><\/h2><\/div>Modern consumers demand more than just basic information. According to a GS1 survey<\/a>, 77% of consumers consider detailed product information to be essential at the point of purchase. Even more, 79%, prefer products with scannable codes that can provide data such as allergens, shelf life and origin. <\/p>\nHowever, traditional barcodes have their limitations. Updating information on a product package can take up to 18 months, while consumers expect real-time updates. This is where QR codes and other 2D codes fill an important gap, as they can be linked to online platforms where information can be easily adjusted and renewed. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Next step: 2D barcodes<\/span><\/h2><\/div>The new two-dimensional codes combine traditional barcode technology with the features of QR codes. In addition to managing price information, they can store data on products’ manufacturing date, expiration date, origin and much more. <\/p>\n
While traditional barcodes present data in parallel lines (one-dimensional information), 2D codes store data in both height and width. This allows them to contain significantly more information – such as text, links, or product details – in a smaller space. Examples of 2D codes are QR codes and Datamatrix codes. They are also more flexible as they can be read from different angles and by both POS systems and smartphones. <\/p>\n
A key advantage of 2D codes is their flexibility. They work both in traditional POS systems and via consumers’ smartphones. For businesses, this means better inventory management, better traceability and the ability to meet strict regulatory and consumer requirements. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"2d](\"https:\/\/www.grafokett.se\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/datamatrix.jpg?_t=1743519684\" "\\"datamatrix\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>- <\/i><\/span>\n
Meeting new requirements<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
More information for customers<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Better tools for businesses<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
Several advantages of 2D barcodes<\/h2><\/div>Traceability has become increasingly important, especially in sectors such as food and pharmaceuticals. With 2D codes, companies can meet new requirements in these sectors. <\/p>\n
For consumers, this means easier and more reliable access to information on allergens, recalls and product shelf life. At the same time, 2D codes provide companies with better tools to manage product recalls and improve stock control. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Sunrise 2027: An industry initiative for a smooth transition to 2D barcodes<\/span><\/h2><\/div>To ensure a smooth transition to 2D codes, GS1 has launched the Sunrise 2027<\/a> initiative. The goal is for all retailers to be ready to use the new codes by 2027. <\/p>\nThe initiative involves extensive testing and collaboration between major brands, retailers and other stakeholders. Companies such as Procter & Gamble and Nestl\u00e9 have already shown their support and are actively working to implement 2D codes in their systems. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
“The aim is for all retailers to be ready to use the new codes by 2027”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"farm](\"https:\/\/www.grafokett.se\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/farmtofork2-502x1024.png?_t=1743521285\" "\\"farmtofork2\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Focusing on consumer engagement<\/h2><\/div>For consumers, 2D codes mean not only better transparency but also a smoother shopping experience. By scanning a 2D code with their smartphone, they can access product reviews, sustainability data and personalized offers. <\/p>\n
This strengthens the relationship between brands and consumers and creates new opportunities for customer loyalty and interaction. In addition, 2D codes free up space on packaging, giving brands more creative freedom to communicate their message. <\/p>\n
The 2D barcodes will also be key in complying with the EU Digital Product Passport Directive<\/a>, and other initiatives such as the EU Farm to Fork<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Grafokett has everything you need<\/div><\/h2><\/div>Grafokett is your one-stop supplier when it comes to barcodes – 2D barcodes are no exception. Labels and ribbons, scanners – including mobile – and printers we offer a carefully selected range of. Through CloudLabel<\/a>, you can create and manage all your 2D barcodes. <\/p>\nIf you are not already using CloudLabel<\/a>, please read more about it here on grafokett.se<\/a> and on cloudlabel.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
The barcode revolutionized commerce when it arrived. Now we are facing the next big change: the move to two-dimensional (2D) codes, which promises to transform the way we shop and interact with products. <\/strong><\/p>\n For over 50 years, the barcode has been an invisible driving force behind global trade. First used to simplify checkout systems, the simple black and white lines have become a symbol of efficiency and innovation. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> In 1974, in a small store in Troy, Ohio, a barcode was scanned for the first time. The product was a pack of Wrigley’s chewing gum – and the event marked the start of the Universal Product Code (UPC), a standard created by GS1 to streamline commerce. <\/p>\n Before the introduction of the barcode, the checkout process was a time-consuming manual task. Each product had to be priced and registered by hand, which often led to errors and long queues. The barcode changed all that by offering a fast and reliable method of product identification. <\/p>\n Today, barcodes are scanned billions of times a day and are used to manage over a billion different products. But their original function – to simplify pricing and inventory management – is no longer sufficient. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> “77%<\/span> of consumers consider detailed product information to be crucial at the point of purchase”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Modern consumers demand more than just basic information. According to a GS1 survey<\/a>, 77% of consumers consider detailed product information to be essential at the point of purchase. Even more, 79%, prefer products with scannable codes that can provide data such as allergens, shelf life and origin. <\/p>\n However, traditional barcodes have their limitations. Updating information on a product package can take up to 18 months, while consumers expect real-time updates. This is where QR codes and other 2D codes fill an important gap, as they can be linked to online platforms where information can be easily adjusted and renewed. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The new two-dimensional codes combine traditional barcode technology with the features of QR codes. In addition to managing price information, they can store data on products’ manufacturing date, expiration date, origin and much more. <\/p>\n While traditional barcodes present data in parallel lines (one-dimensional information), 2D codes store data in both height and width. This allows them to contain significantly more information – such as text, links, or product details – in a smaller space. Examples of 2D codes are QR codes and Datamatrix codes. They are also more flexible as they can be read from different angles and by both POS systems and smartphones. <\/p>\n A key advantage of 2D codes is their flexibility. They work both in traditional POS systems and via consumers’ smartphones. For businesses, this means better inventory management, better traceability and the ability to meet strict regulatory and consumer requirements. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Meeting new requirements<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> More information for customers<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Better tools for businesses<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div> Traceability has become increasingly important, especially in sectors such as food and pharmaceuticals. With 2D codes, companies can meet new requirements in these sectors. <\/p>\n For consumers, this means easier and more reliable access to information on allergens, recalls and product shelf life. At the same time, 2D codes provide companies with better tools to manage product recalls and improve stock control. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> To ensure a smooth transition to 2D codes, GS1 has launched the Sunrise 2027<\/a> initiative. The goal is for all retailers to be ready to use the new codes by 2027. <\/p>\n The initiative involves extensive testing and collaboration between major brands, retailers and other stakeholders. Companies such as Procter & Gamble and Nestl\u00e9 have already shown their support and are actively working to implement 2D codes in their systems. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> “The aim is for all retailers to be ready to use the new codes by 2027”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> For consumers, 2D codes mean not only better transparency but also a smoother shopping experience. By scanning a 2D code with their smartphone, they can access product reviews, sustainability data and personalized offers. <\/p>\n This strengthens the relationship between brands and consumers and creates new opportunities for customer loyalty and interaction. In addition, 2D codes free up space on packaging, giving brands more creative freedom to communicate their message. <\/p>\n The 2D barcodes will also be key in complying with the EU Digital Product Passport Directive<\/a>, and other initiatives such as the EU Farm to Fork<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Grafokett is your one-stop supplier when it comes to barcodes – 2D barcodes are no exception. Labels and ribbons, scanners – including mobile – and printers we offer a carefully selected range of. Through CloudLabel<\/a>, you can create and manage all your 2D barcodes. <\/p>\n If you are not already using CloudLabel<\/a>, please read more about it here on grafokett.se<\/a> and on cloudlabel.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The birth of the barcode<\/strong><\/h2><\/h2><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Consumers’ new demands<\/h2><\/h2><\/div>
Next step: 2D barcodes<\/span><\/h2><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Several advantages of 2D barcodes<\/h2><\/div>
Sunrise 2027: An industry initiative for a smooth transition to 2D barcodes<\/span><\/h2><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Focusing on consumer engagement<\/h2><\/div>
![\"barcode](\"https:\/\/www.grafokett.se\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/photography-web-subcat-hero-fis-mv-fixed-scanners-4x3-3600.jpg.imgw_.3600.3600-400x300.jpg?_t=1743521697\" "\\"photography-web-subcat-hero-fis-mv-fixed-scanners-4×3-3600.jpg.imgw.3600.3600\\"")
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