GS1 Sunrise 2027 Is Fast Approaching: Is Your Business Ready for 2D Barcodes?
The barcode is evolving, and the deadline is getting closer.
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is a global initiative encouraging retailers, manufacturers, and solution providers to prepare for the next generation of product identification. By the end of 2027, retailers are expected to have point-of-sale (POS) systems capable of scanning both traditional 1D barcodes (UPC/EAN) and newer 2D barcodes, including GS1 QR Codes and GS1 DataMatrix symbols.
While traditional barcodes have served the industry for more than 50 years, they can only encode a product identifier. New 2D barcodes can carry significantly more information within a single symbol, including GTINs, lot numbers, expiry dates, serial numbers, and links to digital product information using GS1 Digital Link standards. This creates new opportunities for improved traceability, food safety, inventory management, consumer engagement, and regulatory compliance.
Why Does Sunrise 2027 Matter?
Manufacturers and retailers are increasingly looking beyond simple product identification toward richer product data that supports the entire supply chain.
Benefits of 2D barcodes include:
- Improved product traceability
- Faster and more targeted recalls
- Enhanced inventory visibility
- Product authentication and anti-counterfeiting
- Batch and lot-level tracking
- Expiry date management
- Consumer access to product information
- Sustainability and recycling information
- Improved retail checkout experiences
During the transition, many products will carry both a traditional 1D barcode and a 2D barcode, allowing businesses to adopt the technology at their own pace while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
How Can IBC Help?
Preparing for Sunrise 2027 involves more than simply printing a new barcode. Organizations should evaluate whether their printers, barcode scanners, software, label designs, and enterprise systems are ready to support 2D barcode standards.
IBC provides complete implementation services, including:
- GS1-compliant barcode consulting
- 2D barcode label design
- Industrial label printers
- Barcode scanners and mobile computers
- Loftware NiceLabel programming
- Print-and-apply automation
- Product serialization
- ERP and warehouse system integration
- Traceability system design
- Barcode verification
- RFID and Automatic Identification & Data Capture (AIDC) solutions
Whether you’re a food producer, beverage manufacturer, consumer packaged goods company, healthcare provider, distributor, or retailer, IBC can help you prepare for the transition while improving traceability and operational efficiency.
Start Planning Today
Although Sunrise 2027 is a milestone rather than a hard cutover date, organizations that begin planning now will be better positioned to implement 2D barcodes without disrupting production or retail operations. Early adoption also provides opportunities to enhance product information, improve supply chain visibility, and create better customer experiences.
IBC works with businesses across North America to develop scalable barcode, labeling, RFID, and traceability solutions that support today’s requirements while preparing for tomorrow’s standards.