GTIN
In common parlance, many people know the GTIN as a barcode, but technically the GTIN is the number below the barcode symbol itself, and can therefore also be used for other technologies such as 2D barcodes and RFID tags.
In common parlance, many people know the GTIN as a barcode, but technically the GTIN is the number below the barcode symbol itself, and can therefore also be used for other technologies such as 2D barcodes and RFID tags.
The retail and grocery industry is currently undergoing a transformation from classic linear barcodes to QR codes based on GS1 standards - two-dimensional (2D) barcodes.
Simply put, trading goods takes on an extra dimension and brings new benefits to consumers, businesses and society. Discover what QR codes with GS1 standards can do for your business.
2D barcodes are two-dimensional symbols used on packaging, typically in QR code and GS1 Data Matrix variants. These barcodes contain a lot of information about the products that can be scanned in-store.
Two-dimensional barcodes enable both traditional scanning at POS and by mobile phone. As a data carrier, the 2D barcode offers efficient communication throughout the logistics flow as well as directly with the consumer.
2D barcodes are not new in Denmark. Already back in 2019, the healthcare sector adopted GS1 Datamatrix to avoid counterfeit medicines in the supply chain.
In 2024, a number of industry leaders signed a global joint statement calling for a transition to QR codes with GS1 standards.
They want to be at the forefront of revolutionizing the consumer experience and make data about products, their carbon footprint, ingredients, etc. available with just a simple scan with a phone.
The goal is that by the end of 2027, QR codes with GS1 standards will be widely adopted.
Get an introduction to 2D barcodes and why this transition is in focus right now.
In this free webinar you will also learn when and how to get started. Just find a date that suits you
Consumers today have a greater need for information about products than ever before. Governments, the UN, EU, organizations and industries are pushing for more sustainable development, increased traceability and visibility in the supply chain.
The classic linear barcode only contains the product's GTIN (GS1 barcode number) and is therefore no longer sufficient to meet these requirements.
With QR codes based on GS1 standards, companies can add more data to the barcode as it has a much higher data capacity.
QR codes based on GS1 standards give consumers direct access to information about your brand and product.
Combine that with GS1 Digital Link and you can offer the consumer a wealth of engagement opportunities.
Consumers will be able to access information and interact with the product long after it has been bought and paid for in the supermarket.
This could be promotions or recipes that include your product.
Interacting with and providing feedback on a product gives you increased and valuable insight into what consumers think.
This provides better data and better opportunities to develop and analyze your product in the future.
Are you interested in how QR codes with GS1 standards can reduce food waste?
Then download our white paper - 'Less food waste through smart barcodes' now.
In 2019, Meny in Norway launched a pilot project where they implemented 2D barcodes on 14 of their own meat products.
This led to an 18% reduction in food waste measured in dollars and cents, as they got a better overview of goods and optimized inventory management.
They started rolling out 2D barcodes on several product groups such as fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat, and expanded to external brands.
In 2019, Woolworths in Australia began piloting 2D barcodes on fresh meat and poultry.
This led to a reduction in food waste of up to 44% and a 21% improvement in productivity.
The transition makes it easier for stores to identify products close to their expiration date and proactively lower prices. Food safety has also been enhanced by preventing the sale of outdated products. The success has led to ambitions to expand the use of 2D barcodes to other product categories.
Get better inventory management, less administration, increased availability, strengthen the 'first in, first out' process and achieve less food waste.
Verify product authenticity, ingredient and origin information, increase consumer trust and transparency in the flow of goods.
Take care of your brand, discourage the sale of expired or recalled products and stop counterfeit products.
Get information on recycling, contribute to circular economy, reduce food waste via automatic price reduction on computer goods.
Provide easy access to product information, promotions, recipes and increase brand engagement.
Improve marketing space on packaging, prepare for upcoming legislation and create an enhanced consumer experience.
Today, it's not uncommon to have multiple and different types of barcodes on one product - each with their own purpose. Not only does this take up unnecessary space on the packaging, it can also create confusion when using scanning equipment for instance at cash registers.
This could be a good reason to use a 2D barcode with GS1 standards on your product. With a 2D barcode, you can save a lot of space as you can consolidate a lot of data into one barcode.
A 2D barcode can contain a much more data. For example:
This way, the cash register can scan your products, while customers with their smartphone can engage with your brand by scanning the barcode and being redirected to your website via GS1 Digital Link.
* This can also be a GS1 Datamatrix
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Get help and input from a GS1 specialist based on your specific business needs. This ensures you get off to a good start and are prepared for the transition to 2D barcodes and the opportunities they can offer you
Price:
5.500 DKK
Price:
from 10.750 DKK
Are you a brand supplier, retailer or merchant solution provider looking for end-to-end guidance to get started with 2D barcodes?
This implementation guide takes you and your business through the journey from 1D barcodes (e.g. EAN-13) to 2D barcodes (e.g. QR codes with GS1 Digital Link) that revolutionize suppliers' consumer communication capabilities.
The guide is structured and divided into chapters, so no matter where you are in the value chain, you will find specific knowledge for you.
Please contact GS1 Denmark if you have any questions about the guide.
A global transformation is underway, with companies and retailers working together to label packaging with a single 2D barcode based on GS1 standards. The initiative covers all retail and grocery product categories, including variable weight goods.
Read more about 2D barcodes on a global scale:
Below you can find some of the questions and answers we have already received. Maybe it's something you're looking for too.
If you have questions about 2D barcodes or need further information, we are always ready to guide you.
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