The transition to 2D Barcodes such as GS1 QR Codes gathers momentum in NZ

The global transition to 2D barcodes, or GS1 QR codes is continuing to unfold. Globally, the ambition is to have these next generation barcodes scannable at retail point of sale by the end of 2027. To reach this date, a collective effort is needed from across the value chain from participants such as technology providers, brands, manufacturers, retailers and industry groups. The great news is we are seeing increasing interest from across these participants in New Zealand. In this article we provide an update on the transition, and the early signs of progress we are seeing towards adoption in the New Zealand market, along with what Kiwi businesses and organisations can do to experience the benefits.

Why are GS1 QR Codes so transformative?

Unlike the traditional GS1 barcodes, GS1 QR codes will go ‘beep’ at the point-of-sale and capture and link flexibly to trusted data for businesses, regulators, consumers, and patients alike, offering much more than just static links to webpages. They can tell a product’s “story”, where it comes from, if it contains allergens, is organic, how it can be recycled - and even what its environmental footprint is. This new level of transparency, scannable via a smartphone, will help consumers make smart decisions about what they buy and use.

Being able to encode more data on a product label will be transformative for operational processes in retail, for example deciding which products to mark down, blocking expired products at point of sale or targeting batch-specific product recalls. But being able to connect a consumer to more product information brings benefits to brand owners – you can provide up to date information about your product on their smartphone in real time. ‘Digital labelling’ will open up a world of flexibly-delivered information about your product to consumers. How-to-guides, ingredients, recipes, video tours, compliance information, certificates – all off the product’s packaging!

We have some exciting updates for you

1. Technology providers are gearing up for the change

We are continuing to see technology and packaging providers interested in the transition to 2D barcodes, and several new providers have joined the GS1 New Zealand alliance partner programme in recent months so that they can be assured of getting good advice and support GS1 members. 

The transition provides an opportunity for providers of hardware, software and packaging solutions to add value to existing customers and support customers with the transition. The reality is that technology providers are the ones who use GS1 standards every day – they help support the whole value chain and are critical to supporting New Zealand with adoption.

2. Brand and manufacturers are assessing capability

The GS1 New Zealand team has been kept busy with businesses wanting to understand their readiness for the transition. The starting place for this can be a conversation with your provider, or with our team at GS1 NZ. Initial capability assessment involves testing of hardware and software.

3. Retail NZ and NZ FGC educating members about the transition

We are also seeing increasing interest from industry organisations such as Retail NZ, and the NZ Food and Grocery Council in the transition to GS1 QR Codes. The team has been involved in presenting webinars to members from both organisations, and it is great to see New Zealand businesses actively wanting to learn more about the transition and how they can be involved. You can view the webinar recording from the Retail NZ webinar here.