Confused About 2D Barcodes - Let Us Debunk Some Common Myths For You!

The Sunrise 2027 initiative is a global industry move being led by GS1 with the aim that all POS (Points of Sale) and POC (Point of Care) systems will be capable of scanning 2D barcodes by the end of 2027, replacing the simple 1D barcodes we're used to seeing on packaging today.

The new QR codes powered by GS1 will become central to how brands share product information, improve traceability and enhance consumer engagement moving forwards, as well as eliminating complex supply chain labels containing multiple 1D codes, due to their ability to store more information. 

Yet in our experience, a lot of companies are wary about adopting 2D barcodes, so we've decided to bust five common 2D barcode myths to help clear up any confusion:

Myth 1: “2D barcodes are just QR codes.”

Fact: While QR codes are one type of 2D barcode, the category includes many formats, such as Data Matrix, Aztec, and PDF417, each designed for different environments and use cases and they've been around for years. New QR Codes Powered By GS1 are more evolved 2D barcodes, which have the ability to link to multiple websites, showing consumers important allergen and nutritional information as well as providing a full history of the product's manufacturing process, tracking it all the way for raw materials to the customers hands.

Myth 2: “QR Codes are only useful for marketing.”

Fact: Yes, QR codes have been used in the past to drive consumer engagement and as a bit of a gimmick, but they were limited to being permanently connected to a single web page, which meant that overtime consumers were more likely to get a 404 Error than any useful product information. With the new QR codes powered by GS1, their value goes far deeper with numerous benefits for use within the supply chain, as well as product marketing. They can be used to support:

• Supply chain visibility - track products at every stage of their journey

• Authentication and anti‑counterfeit measures

• Recall efficiency - ensure the returns process is seamless, improving consumer satisfaction.

• Sustainability and recycling - direct consumers in how to recycle products effectively and even where their nearest recycling facilities are.

• Regulatory compliance, especially in food, medical devices and pharmaceuticals, for full traceability.

Moving forwards, QR codes powered by GS1 will become the backbone of connecting companies with consumers, not just a tool used in marketing campaigns.

Myth 3: “Scanning and printing 2D barcodes requires special equipment.”

Fact: You may not know it, but many data capture devices and barcode scanners used at POS or in logistics already read 2D formats, so switching to 2D barcodes is as simple as turning on extra symbologies within the scanner configuration. Additionally, professional label design and print software packages like Loftware and BarTender already have the ability to produce 2D barcodes and whatever thermal printer you're using from manufacturers like Zebra, Honeywell and TSC/Printronix are already more than capable of producing 2D barcodes. This could mean that you can move to using 2D barcodes with no additional infrastructure investment at all. 

Myth 4: “2D codes take up too much space on packaging.”

Fact: 2D barcodes actually store more information in less space than 1D barcodes. A Data Matrix code, for example, can hold hundreds of characters while remaining smaller than a standard linear UPC. That means more capability with less visual footprint and a reduction in the size of labels required for packaging, which in turn means a reduction in cost. QR Codes powered by GS1 even have built in error correction, meaning that codes can still be scanned, even when damaged, unlike traditional 1D barcodes, which often do not read if poorly printed or damaged in transit.

Myth 5: “QR Codes are only used by larger brands”

Fact: In reality, the new QR Codes powered by GS1 can be used by any size of business and are actually more of a playing field leveller, if managed correctly, giving brands the chance to tell customers about the more unique features of their products and back story of their company, without costly advertising. Major retailers like Tesco and Lidl are already supporting the Sunrise 2027 initiative and it's expected that more will follow suit, meaning that 2D barcode adoption is particularly important for any brand trying to get onto supermarket shelves. Brands, regardless of size, have always had to comply with supermarket demands in order to be stocked and as there are no additional costs associated with using 2D barcodes on either customer facing packaging or supply chain labels, it makes sense for smaller businesses to be early adopters.

2D barcodes are not a trend, they’re a transition and an imminent one at that. As industries move toward next‑generation, data-rich product identifiers, 2D codes enable stronger supply chains, smarter packaging and better consumer experiences.

If you're unsure whether your existing data capture and label printing infrastructure is capable of producing and tracking 2D barcodes, contact us at sales@barcode-it.co.uk and we'll answer any questions you might have to ensure you're ahead of the game when the 2D barcode revolution begins.

Maybe we need to rebrand in light of the 2D barcode revolution?