Can GS1 2D barcodes help with packaging waste?
New Zealand, like many other countries worldwide, is investigating ways of reducing waste as part of wider plans to reduce the amount of materials ending up in landfills or impacting the environment. “In 2022, New Zealand produced an estimated 263,000 tonnes of plastic packaging; 17 percent was recycled. Plastic packaging poses harm to freshwater and marine wildlife from ingestion and break down into microplastics and food chain contamination.” Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions & Transport.
Why is better packaging data needed?
Better data allows government regulators, industry and consumers to be more informed about the products – and their packaging – being consumed in New Zealand. This data can lead to more effective regulations, more informed consumer buying decisions, and ultimately, less waste.
GS1 New Zealand completes feasibility study on packaging
GS1 New Zealand completed a feasibility study on plastic packaging data sharing in the retail sector for the Ministry for the Environment. The study looked at how packaging data is shared currently – from distributor to brand owner, through to re-use, recycling or end of life - and how existing systems could be enhanced using GS1 standards – including unique identifiers and 2D barcodes.
The study focused on three main sectors; food and grocery, building and hardware, and agribusiness and included a sample data collection.
What would help reduce packaging waste in New Zealand?
A common packaging data foundation would create value/benefit for all, taking a 'collect once, use many times' approach to packaging information. The study report describes the foundations for a nationwide ecosystem approach to packaging data. It recommends using unique identifiers and building on existing data sharing foundations to enable access to data to support waste minimisation and resource efficiency objectives - without the need for centralised databases or platforms, or manual form-filling. In this way, packaging data can remain distributed but interoperable and serve as foundational data infrastructure that supports decision-making and policy.
Regardless of which future policy pathway is eventually adopted — product stewardship expansion, Extended Producer Responsibility, recyclability rules, reporting requirements — all pathways depend on accurate packaging data.
How GS1 2D barcodes can help create connected packaging
GS1 2D barcodes are being rolled out globally for product traceability and for retail point-of-sale systems. They can transform physical packaging into a digital gateway, enabling machines and humans to access authoritative product data instantly using the product’s unique identification number. Users can be directed to the brand owner’s online product pages with a simple smartphone scan to see product and packaging information like:
Product specifications
Packaging content (eg, resin type, recycled content)
Certifications and claims
Recycling, repair and recall information.
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