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Home - Blog

Why Brands Are Switching From Barcodes to 2D Codes

  • Author: Danny
  • December 8, 2025
7 min read

After 50 years of service, the UPC barcode will finally reach its retirement. While it worked as well as possible and we appreciate its service, it’s time to say bye-bye to our one-dimensional friend and move on to the 2D barcode – the GS1 Digital Link QR Code, which will take over by the end of 2027. The matrix pattern of QR codes that store information horizontally and vertically allows users to encode much more information in them than in the same old linear barcodes of the past.

With the new wave of AI, the technological revolution, social media, digital shopping, and the desire to gain more and more on the retail front, 2D barcodes, or QR code barcodes, have become the new center of attraction. In this article, we’ll show you why brands are transitioning from 1D to 2D barcodes and how you can make an easy transition as well.

The Industry-Led Transition to 2D Barcodes: Sunrise 2027

Now’s the time to begin adding your data to GS1 Digital Links. “Sunrise 2027” has taken storm in the retail world, replacing the 1D barcodes with its need to add more information to smarter and more sustainable packaging. The demand for information is high. 

  • Supply chains need to streamline operations with growing populations and the incessant desire to overconsume
  • Regulators need to ensure fair and ethical practices and sourcing, and to emphasize legal use of food and drug products
  • Consumers want more sustainable products and are willing to pay more for proof of sustainability measures
  • Another benefit for the brand and the consumer is QR code marketing, which encourages two-way engagement and enables sharing offers like promos  

 

Moreover, 2D barcodes can work with up to 30% damage, as long as the center isn’t obstructed. (Although you can upload logos in the center for brand recognition). And as long as the corners of the QR code barcode aren’t obstructed either. 

Sunrise 2027 also takes into account that antiquated barcodes get scanned on POS systems that will become outdated soon. Smartphones are now replacing old barcode scanners with smartphones, enabling anyone in the supply chain or consumers to scan the code, not just certain individuals.

Where can you fit all of these demands into one place? In a 2D barcode and 1D codes are no longer cutting it.

Barcodes Were Built for Stores, Not for People

The original barcode was created to help speed up the checkout process and automate inventory. But it was never designed with the end consumer in mind. 2D barcodes can do both things. People demand QR codes on product packaging for things like nutritional information, allergen warnings, product instruction manuals, country-specific labeling, and more. To meet industrial, regulatory, and technological demands, the transition is happening, and retail stores are encouraged to get on board sooner than later.

With a Barcode QR Code GS1 Digital Link, one scan can do all of the above and more. Different audiences (consumers, retailers, regulators) can be shown different content based on device, language, location, or role.

This not only saves packaging space; it simplifies your entire labeling strategy.

a necklace in a pink jewelry box with a qr code with logo on packaging Image description - pink jewelry box with qr code with logo

QR Code Barcodes Enable Easy Adherence to Regulations

Although Sunrise 2027 is industry-led by GS1, regulations regarding sustainability, especially in the EU, are causing companies to not only rethink their packaging but completely reinvent the way they convey information. The 2D barcode is the fastest and most effective way to tie together the digital world of concrete information and the physical world of intelligent packaging that mitigates waste, while saving the information in mobile phones. QR code barcodes prove to be a genius idea on both fronts. This unbeatable match hasn’t been outdone by any other technology yet.

a barcode on the left and a QR code barcode on the right

Since POS systems are now able to go mobile, QR code barcodes are the best way for all stakeholders to receive targeted information based on who they are as an audience. Imagine one QR code barcode that enables the scanner to read information based on real-time recalls, country-specific information, manufacturers using it to read lot numbers, luxury brands serializing individual products, and the list goes on. The 2D barcode is one smart code that is doing it all, and so far has not been surpassed.

QR Code Analytics Are Telling

QR code tracking makes it easy for companies to see when, where, and on what devices codes were scanned, as well as the number of scans, but they do not have access to anyone’s personal information.

A QR code generator with analytics is the most beneficial for any sort of brand, whether it be an SME or a large supply chain. Static QR codes can’t be tracked or edited; therefore, dynamic codes are always the way to go for GS1 Digital Links and any sort of packaging.

Not only are QR code analytics necessary for marketing purposes, but they also enable brands to see who values the information that is presented, or if they need to create better content or a more compelling CTA to scan, if scanning is important to them. It depends on the reason you’ve created the code and what you hope to achieve with it. It can also raise red flags if there are too many scans in one location but none in another. Maybe the product doesn’t work, and they need help, or maybe everything is fine, and there’s no reason to scan. Your reasons for analyzing QR code barcodes will vary and you’ll see the benefits as you go along depending on industry, product, and audience. 

2D Barcodes Allow Effective Inventory Management

When moving products either in the warehouse or out to DCs, inventory tracking is key. Telling a digital story with your QR code enables supply chains to add logistics and procurement information every step of the way. All they have to do is scan the code and even a URL with lot information or shipping documents that have been uploaded, making it easier on logistics departments to move stock without having to call different departments, interrupting their routines, in order to search for paperwork. This is perfect for swift and smooth operations. 

Furthermore, brands are already using QR codes for serialization and security purposes. But with a QR code barcode, traditional, 1D barcodes no longer have to coexist with QR codes on the same package. Now they can join forces for a winning combination. In fact, some labels and products carry up to four or five different types of codes for different purposes regarding manufacturing, regulations, logistics, consumerism, etc. It becomes an eyesore and more complicated. The ideal solution is that now, 2D barcodes combine them all enabling up to 7,089 numeric or 4,296 alphanumeric characters to be recorded, which surpasses what any 1D code could hold.

QR Code Barcodes Are Future-Ready, Period

Trueqrcode is the best QR code generator to manage your needs across the supply chain. It’s reliable, easy-to-use, and secure! Try our QR code generator for a few of your products and experience how simple it is to keep all of your data in a centralized location for every stakeholder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 2D barcodes customizable?

Yes, customizable QR codes are possible with Trueqrcode. Just choose your branded colors and upload your logo. This also works when making a 2D barcode. 

Are 2D barcodes dynamic?

All of Trueqrcode’s 2D barcodes for GS1 Digital Links are dynamic QR codes.

Can I edit a QR code barcode?

Any dynamic QR code can be edited, which is perfect for keeping information up to date in real time.

Do QR code barcodes ever expire?

As long as you have a paid subscription, your QR code barcodes never expire.

Picture of Danny

Danny

Danny van der Ham is the Co-Founder of Trueqrcode, a SaaS platform that helps businesses create, manage, and track dynamic QR codes. Since 2022, he has led the platform’s growth to millions of scans worldwide, with a focus on innovation in Multi-Link, PDF, vCard, WiFi, and GS1 Barcode QR Codes.
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