Industry Newsroom

UK manufacturers exporting to the EU must act now to meet Digital Product Passport requirements, or risk being locked out of a major market. The shift to serialized QR codes with GS1 Digital Link URIs means significant changes to labelling, data management, and supply chain processes. SMEs that invest early can gain a competitive edge, while late adopters may face costly retrofits and compliance penalties. This is a critical opportunity to future-proof operations and demonstrate sustainability leadership.

For UK retail and F&B businesses, Sunrise 2027 means that current barcode scanning systems will become obsolete if not upgraded. This could lead to checkout inefficiencies and inability to process new product labels. However, it also opens doors to better inventory tracking, reduced waste through expiry date management, and enhanced customer engagement via digital content. By preparing now, UK businesses can avoid last-minute disruptions and leverage 2D barcodes to gain a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market.

For UK retail and F&B business owners, this shift to 2D barcodes is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic imperative. With nearly half of UK retailers expected to adopt GS1 QR codes by 2026, businesses that lag behind risk being left out of a more connected and transparent marketplace. These codes enable direct consumer engagement, allowing brands to share rich product stories, verify authenticity, and provide real-time information that can build trust and loyalty. Moreover, the enhanced data capabilities support better inventory management and compliance with emerging regulations, such as digital product passports. Early adoption can provide a competitive edge, while delaying may lead to missed opportunities and potential supply chain friction as trading partners increasingly expect 2D barcode capabilities.

For UK retail and F&B businesses, this shift to smart barcodes is not just a technical upgrade but a strategic opportunity. By adopting GS1 QR codes, you can improve supply chain efficiency, reduce waste through better expiry tracking, and enhance customer engagement with interactive product information. Moreover, being an early adopter can set you apart from competitors and prepare you for the mandatory transition by 2027. Ignoring this change could lead to operational disruptions and lost sales as major retailers like Tesco phase out traditional barcodes.

For UK retail and F&B business owners, the adoption of 2D barcodes is not just a technical upgrade but a strategic imperative. Early adopters like Tesco are setting the standard, and suppliers will need to comply to maintain shelf space. The ability to embed dynamic content—such as allergen info, provenance, or loyalty links—directly into the barcode can boost customer engagement and brand loyalty. Moreover, the enhanced data capacity improves inventory accuracy and reduces waste, directly impacting the bottom line. Businesses that delay risk operational disruptions and competitive disadvantage as the industry moves toward a fully connected supply chain.

For UK retail and F&B business owners, this survey signals that the industry is actively moving toward 2D barcodes, which will soon become the norm. Participating in such surveys helps ensure that the voice of UK converters is heard, influencing standards and support mechanisms. Businesses that prepare now can avoid disruption and leverage 2D barcodes for better inventory management, product authentication, and customer engagement. The transition also aligns with sustainability goals by enabling more detailed recycling information on packaging.

For UK retail and F&B business owners, Twinings' move signals a shift towards inclusive packaging that meets the needs of all consumers, including the 2 million people in the UK with sight loss. Adopting accessible QR codes can enhance brand loyalty and differentiate products in a competitive market. Moreover, the use of GS1 Digital Link prepares businesses for the upcoming Sunrise 2027 deadline, ensuring compliance with future retail standards. This trend also opens opportunities for improved customer engagement through rich product information accessible via smartphone scans.

For UK retail and F&B businesses, the shift to GS1 Digital Link QR codes by 2027 is not optional—it's a regulatory and competitive necessity. Early adopters will gain advantages in recall management, supply chain transparency, and consumer engagement. Failing to prepare could lead to compliance issues and lost sales as retailers and regulators demand the new standard. UK businesses should start auditing their current barcode systems and planning for the transition now.

For UK small retail and food & beverage businesses that sell batteries or products containing batteries, this regulation means you need to start planning for digital product passports now. Even if you don't sell batteries directly, the same GS1 Digital Link infrastructure will be used for other product categories in the future. Preparing early can help you avoid last-minute compliance costs and ensure smooth trade with the EU. The February 2027 deadline is less than three years away, so integrating these standards into your inventory and labeling processes should be a priority.

For brand owners and manufacturers supplying Tesco, this change means packaging must be updated to include QR codes that meet GS1 Digital Link standards, requiring collaboration with packaging suppliers and potentially new design processes. Retailers across the UK should monitor Tesco's rollout closely, as it may signal the beginning of a broader industry shift that could affect point-of-sale systems and consumer expectations. The enhanced traceability offered by QR codes could lead to more efficient recalls and better food safety, benefiting the entire supply chain. Additionally, the ability to provide dynamic product information directly to consumers opens new marketing and engagement opportunities for brands. Ultimately, staying ahead of this transition will be crucial for businesses to remain competitive in the evolving retail landscape.

For brand owners, food and beverage manufacturers, and retailers in the UK, the shift to QR codes represents a fundamental change in how products are identified and interacted with. Adopting GS1 Digital Link-compliant QR codes will be essential to remain compatible with major supermarket supply chains, as traditional barcodes are phased out. This technology enables enhanced traceability, which is critical for food safety and regulatory compliance, and offers new opportunities for direct consumer engagement, such as providing product provenance, usage instructions, and personalised promotions. Retailers will benefit from improved operational efficiency and the ability to deliver richer in-store experiences, while manufacturers must update their packaging and data management systems to support the new standard. Early adoption will provide a competitive advantage, whereas delaying could risk supply chain disruption as the 2027 deadline approaches.

For UK brand owners, food and beverage manufacturers, and retailers, the transition to 2D barcodes represents a pivotal opportunity to enhance operational efficiency and consumer trust. By adopting GS1 Digital Link-compliant codes, businesses can future-proof their packaging against regulatory changes and meet rising consumer expectations for transparency. Early movers can leverage richer data to optimize supply chains, reduce waste, and create personalized shopping experiences, thereby gaining a competitive edge. Moreover, aligning with global standards ensures interoperability across markets, which is crucial for international trade. Ignoring this shift could leave businesses lagging as trading partners and regulators increasingly mandate 2D barcode capabilities.

For UK brand owners, food and beverage manufacturers, and retailers, Tesco's trial signals a significant shift towards 2D barcode adoption in the retail sector. The ability to provide accurate, real-time expiry data can reduce food waste and enhance customer trust, directly impacting operational efficiency and brand reputation. As EU data requirements tighten, UK businesses that export or operate within European supply chains will need to adopt GS1 Digital Link standards to remain compliant and competitive. Early adoption of 2D barcodes can position companies as leaders in data transparency, potentially opening new opportunities for consumer engagement through smart packaging. Retailers and suppliers should monitor Tesco's trial outcomes to inform their own packaging and technology investments.

For UK brand owners, food and beverage manufacturers, and retailers, the move to 2D barcodes represents a significant operational shift with potential long-term benefits. Early adoption can enhance supply chain visibility, reduce waste through better date management, and improve consumer trust via transparent product information. However, the investment in new systems and packaging processes must be weighed against uncertain consumer uptake. As industry standards evolve, staying informed and piloting solutions now can position businesses to lead rather than follow in the smart packaging revolution.

For UK brand owners, food and beverage manufacturers, and retailers, Tesco's pilot is a clear signal that 2D barcodes are moving from concept to reality. Businesses that proactively adopt GS1 Digital Link-compliant QR codes on their packaging can position themselves as early innovators, potentially gaining preferential shelf placement or trading partner advantages. The shift promises enhanced supply chain traceability, enabling faster recalls and better inventory management, which can reduce costs and improve food safety. Retailers will benefit from faster checkout times and the ability to offer dynamic consumer engagement, such as product provenance and usage instructions, directly on-pack. As major retailers like Tesco lead the charge, suppliers who delay adaptation risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.