{"id":1763,"date":"2026-06-12T11:29:56","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T09:29:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kaskade.be\/?p=1763"},"modified":"2026-06-12T11:38:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T09:38:15","slug":"2d-codes-on-your-packaging-why-should-you-start-preparing-for-the-2027-2028-standard-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kaskade.be\/en\/tips-guides\/2d-codes-on-your-packaging-why-should-you-start-preparing-for-the-2027-2028-standard-now\/","title":{"rendered":"2D codes on your packaging: Why should you start preparing for the 2027\/2028 standard now?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What if your labels finally became as smart as your products?<\/em><\/p>\n

By the end of 2027, all point-of-sale systems in Europe will be required to be able to read 2D codes<\/strong> in addition to traditional barcodes. And starting in 2028, manufacturers will even be able to replace the old linear barcode with a single 2D code<\/strong> on their packaging. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s not a rumor\u2014it\u2019s the new standard. And it\u2019s going to change the way your products communicate\u2014on the shelf, in the warehouse, and beyond. <\/p>\n

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What's changing in practice<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Less code, more info<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Today, a typical package may feature an EAN barcode, a marketing QR code, an organic logo, a recycling symbol\u2026 A veritable forest of symbols. With the transition to GS1 2D codes, a single code can replace some of these elements<\/strong> (particularly the various codes), even though certain logos will still be necessary (certifications, claims, recycling, etc.). <\/p>\n

This 2D code can contain much more information than a traditional barcode (depending on your industry, products, and systems): batch information, safety information, anti-counterfeiting measures, and more\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

A gateway to the digital world<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n

But the true potential of 2D barcodes goes far beyond the checkout. Thanks to GS1 Digital Link<\/strong> technology, a simple scan with a smartphone can provide access to: <\/p>\n