For decades, the traditional 1D barcode has been the standard method of product identification across UK retail and manufacturing.
From supermarket shelves and warehouse distribution to checkout systems and supply chain management, the familiar linear barcode has supported the movement of products through the global retail system.
However, the retail and manufacturing landscape is changing rapidly.
Consumers want greater transparency. Retailers require stronger traceability. Regulators expect improved compliance and accountability. Manufacturers need smarter packaging, better recall capability and more reliable product data.
Traditional 1D barcodes are no longer capable of carrying the level of information modern supply chains require.
That is why manufacturers across the UK are now preparing for the transition to GS1-compliant 2D barcodes.
This move - commonly referred to as the 2D barcode rollout - will affect almost every product category sold through UK supermarkets and retail environments.
Food and beverage manufacturers are expected to be among the biggest adopters, but the changes will also impact:
As retailers prepare for full 2D barcode scanning capability by 2027, manufacturers are now entering a critical preparation period.
At Industrial Printer Services (IPS), we help manufacturers prepare their production lines, coding equipment and packaging operations for this next generation of industrial coding and traceability.
A 2D barcode is an advanced barcode format capable of storing significantly more information than a traditional 1D barcode.
Unlike standard linear barcodes, which typically hold only a product identifier, 2D barcodes can contain multiple layers of data within a compact code.
This may include:
The two most common formats involved in the UK rollout are:
These codes can be scanned not only by retail point-of-sale systems but also by smartphones, helping bridge the gap between manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is the global initiative driving the move toward widespread 2D barcode adoption.
By the end of 2027, retailers are expected to have point-of-sale systems capable of scanning and processing 2D barcodes alongside existing 1D barcodes.
The goal is not to remove traditional barcodes overnight, but to enable retailers and manufacturers to transition toward smarter product identification and enhanced traceability.
The rollout is already underway across the UK retail sector.
Major supermarkets and retailers are actively upgrading scanning infrastructure, testing GS1-compliant 2D codes and preparing supply chains for wider adoption.
For manufacturers, this means preparation should begin now - not at the final stage of the rollout.
The transition toward 2D barcodes is about far more than simply changing the appearance of packaging.
It represents a significant shift in how products are tracked, managed and verified throughout the supply chain.
For manufacturers supplying supermarkets and major retailers, 2D codes provide substantial advantages.
2D barcodes allow manufacturers to include:
This creates much stronger traceability throughout manufacturing, distribution and retail.
In the event of a recall, manufacturers can identify affected batches more accurately and respond faster.
As supermarket systems evolve, manufacturers that fail to prepare risk:
Preparing early helps avoid last-minute disruption.
Retailers and manufacturers increasingly rely on real-time data visibility.
2D barcodes improve:
This is especially important within food and beverage manufacturing, where traceability and shelf-life management are critical.
Food and beverage manufacturers are expected to experience some of the biggest operational changes during the rollout.
Supermarkets and retailers are placing increasing focus on:
2D barcodes support all of these requirements.
Manufacturers can encode key product information directly into a single scannable code, improving data accuracy across the supply chain.
For consumers, smartphone-compatible codes can also provide access to:
This creates a more connected packaging experience without overcrowding labels or redesigning packaging layouts.
One of the most overlooked parts of the 2D barcode rollout is print quality.
Unlike traditional 1D barcodes, 2D codes require:
A code that looks visually acceptable may still fail to scan correctly.
Poor print quality can lead to:
This makes printer performance, integration and maintenance more important than ever.
Different manufacturing environments require different coding solutions.
The correct system depends on:
At IPS, we help manufacturers assess which coding technology best suits their production environment.
CIJ systems are commonly used across:
Modern CIJ systems are capable of producing reliable 2D codes for many industrial applications.
TIJ systems provide:
These systems are often used on cartons, labels and retail-ready packaging.
Laser systems offer:
Laser coding is increasingly popular across food, beverage and FMCG production environments.
Where larger or data-heavy codes are required, high-resolution systems help maintain scan reliability and GS1 compliance.
For many manufacturers, the biggest challenge is not simply printing a 2D barcode.
It is integrating 2D coding into existing production processes without causing disruption.
Implementation may involve:
Without proper planning, the rollout can introduce unnecessary operational complexity.
That is why early preparation is so important.
Industrial coding upgrades, validation projects and packaging transitions often take much longer than expected.
Waiting too long may create:
Manufacturers that act early gain time to:
Early preparation also allows businesses to future-proof production infrastructure before the rollout reaches full scale.
At Industrial Printer Services (IPS), we help manufacturers prepare for the transition toward GS1-compliant 2D coding.
Our focus is on helping production environments remain reliable, compliant and efficient throughout the rollout process.
We support manufacturers with:
Every production environment is different. Different substrates, packaging formats, line speeds and retailer requirements all influence the most suitable coding solution.
Our role is to help manufacturers implement practical, reliable systems that meet both current and future requirements.
The 2D barcode rollout is not simply another packaging update.
It is part of a much larger shift toward smarter supply chains, connected packaging and improved product traceability.
Manufacturers that prepare early will be in the strongest position to:
The transition is already underway. Retailers are preparing. Manufacturers are upgrading. The question is no longer whether 2D barcodes are coming to UK retail. It is whether production lines are ready for them.
As the UK retail and manufacturing sectors continue moving toward GS1 Sunrise 2027, businesses that begin preparing now will place themselves in the strongest possible position.
For food and beverage manufacturers in particular, the move toward 2D coding offers significant advantages in traceability, compliance, supply chain visibility and operational efficiency.
At Industrial Printer Services (IPS), we help manufacturers prepare production lines and coding systems for the next generation of industrial product identification.
From upgrading coding equipment to implementing reliable GS1-compliant 2D barcode systems, we work with manufacturers to ensure production remains efficient, compliant and future-ready.
The next generation of retail coding is already here. Now is the ideal time to prepare for it.
Industrial Printer Services (IPS) supports manufacturers across the UK with:
Whether you are beginning to explore the 2D barcode rollout or planning a full production upgrade, IPS can help assess the most effective solution for your operation.
Contact us today and we would be more than happy to discuss your options.
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