While 1D barcodes are quite popular, they do have some limitations. 1D barcodes encode less data than 2D barcodes, can only be scanned in one direction, and contain general information, nothing about the actual product, which lacks visibility for end users and traceability for businesses.
What is a 2D barcode?
2D barcodes have a two-dimensional representation of the data. They’re stacked in a matrix design with squares or rectangles, consist of vertical and horizontal bars and have the capability to store and encode more data in a smaller space. 2D barcodes can include thousands of different characters compared to only a few dozen in 1D barcodes. Because they can include more characters, they can hold more information specific to the product. 2D barcodes have many purposes such as storage for UPC codes, importing or exporting data, and sharing URLs.
Common types of 2D labels
There are a few common types of 2D barcodes. The common symbologies are QR codes, Data Matrix, and PDF417.
QR codes: QR codes, short for “Quick Response Code,” are popular 2D barcodes known for their fast readability. Made of black and white squares, they typically store URLs and can be scanned by smartphones, tablets, or 2D barcode scanners. Common uses include accessing product details, nutritional information, videos, and PDFs.
Data Matrix: Data Matrix barcodes are compact 2D codes made of black and white cells in a square or rectangular pattern. Ideal for small spaces, they’re often used on individual product parts or packaging. These barcodes require 2D camera scanners for reading.
PDF417: PDF417 is a linear stacked 2D barcode, commonly found on U.S. driver’s licenses and used in industries like transportation, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Its name refers to four bars, four spaces, and 17 units of data, which can be encoded vertically or horizontally. Larger data content increases the barcode size.
The rise of 2D barcodes
2D barcodes are becoming widely used in many industries because they encode more information than 1D barcodes. They were developed due to the increase in consumer demand, data capacity, error correction, and scanning abilities.
Transparency
Consumers are becoming more conscious about the products they buy and consume, which is driving the adoption of 2D barcodes. They care about where their product came from, how it arrived at the store, what the product contains, and who the brand behind the product is. So, more industries are using this to their advantage and implementing QR codes on their products to get that brand awareness, improve the consumer experience, and gain loyalty from their customers.
Durability
2D barcodes also have error correction capabilities which allows them to be readable and scannable in any direction and even if the barcode is partially damaged. This is essential for industries such as transportation and logistics (T&L) and healthcare, where labels are exposed to different environments.
Accessibility
Being able to be scanned by a phone or tablet transforms the way businesses and consumers can interact with 2D barcodes. In a technology-driven world, it provides consumers with a resource to access all kinds of product information right at their fingertips. This not only provides visibility but can help individuals make informed decisions about purchasing. 2D barcodes continue to be adapted worldwide and businesses are starting to use both 1D and 2D barcodes when designing labels.
Adoption
The healthcare industry was among the first to adopt 2D barcodes, but now they’re widely used in retail, T&L, food & beverage, and even by marketing teams because they enhance user experiences via product packaging. UPC barcodes don’t contain information that is accessible to the consumer, whereas QR codes can link to an entire website on the brand or product the consumer is interested in. Due to their small size, they can also help free up packaging for a clean look.
Uses
Along with product information or loyalty programs, some QR codes will pull up information such as warnings, a product recall notification, handling information, ingredients, and allergens. This creates a sense of visibility for consumers and is a resource to help quickly identify products on the shelves. QR codes are not only changing the game for industries in the supply chain but for consumers too.
GS1 Sunrise 2027
As demands for product information transparency and traceability grow, GS1 introduced Sunrise 2027 to increase the adoption of 2D barcodes.
Sunrise 2027 is an initiative for distributors, retailers, and consumers to move towards 2D barcodes and accept them at point-of-sale (POS) or point-of-care (POC). At the end of 2027, retailers must ensure their POS systems can scan or read 2D barcodes.
Sunrise 2027 is industry driven and not mandated for businesses. 1D barcodes are not being sunset and will still be used by many industries. Adopting 2D barcodes before 2027 can help businesses gain a competitive edge.
The world of 2D barcodes
2D barcodes open a world of possibilities in the barcode and supply chain industry. They’re creating unique consumer experiences, expanding the way barcodes work, and integrating with modern technology. 2D barcodes are expected to play a key role throughout the supply chain by streamlining operations. As systems evolve and integrate more deeply into daily operations, selecting a labeling solution that supports 2D barcode creation is essential.
