Aqualine first to use GS1 New Zealand’s new QR Code generator
It’s always nice being first - first to cross the finish line, or first to answer that tricky quiz question. For Steven Irvine, Product Manager at Aqualine, he was first to download a QR Code powered by GS1 from the new barcode generator in the MyGS1 member portal.
The QR Code generator launched in December 2025. MyGS1 users now have the option of downloading a linear barcode or a combined QR Code and linear barcode, recommended for use until all retailers are able to scan QR Codes powered by GS1.
Steven, a self-confessed ‘tech head’ had been following QR Code developments for a while and could see the benefits for Aqualine products. “I was excited to have a look at what was going to be the future. It was extremely easy, click a few buttons, and I got an output I can use instantly,” says Steven.
Aqualine is a supplier to the plumbing and building industry, servicing over 600 plumbing and building merchants across New Zealand. They supply products across four major categories: ‘Piping Systems’, ‘Plumbing & Gas’, ‘Storm & Waste’, and ‘Consumbles. Everyday’.
From PVC Pipe Glue and traps, to Cylinder Restraint Kits & Stud and Joist Brackets, some of these products can be really small, with packaging equally as small. “I’m looking forward to saving space on our packaging. We’ve already been using regular QR codes on packaging to link to installation instructions and product pages. I’m excited to implement QR Codes powered by GS1 on more products,” says Steven.
QR Codes powered by GS1 differ from the QR codes Steven has been using. Aqualine’s first QR Code powered by GS1 is encoded with the product’s GS1 barcode number (Global Trade Item Number), allowing it to go ‘beep’ at QR Code powered by GS1 enabled points-of-sale, and a weblink allowing consumers to scan with their smartphone to see the product page. In the future, Aqualine will be able to have one QR Code powered by GS1 on their packaging that can do both functions.
Working with retailers and product manufacturers, GS1 NZ is aiming for all retail point-of-sale systems in New Zealand to scan QR Codes powered by GS1 by the end of 2027, something Steven is eagerly awaiting. “I’m definitely looking forward to industry moving in this direction. QR Codes powered by GS1 hold a lot of value.”
Want to try out the QR Code generator for yourself?
Downloading your own QR Code is easy! Login to the MyGS1 member portal or sign up to license barcodes, assign a barcode number to your product in MyGS1, choose the QR Code powered by GS1 option to generate your barcode graphic, and you’re ready to go!