New codes for retail: preparing for the implementation of 2D codes until 2027
The big retail chains around the world are preparing to modernize the systems at the cash registers, which will bring important changes for producers in the food industry. The common goal of retailers and manufacturers is to implement 2D codes on packaging by 2027. This transition will affect the packaging processes for most food manufacturers, who will have to make significant adjustments in the way they mark products.
What does this change imply for producers?
Currently, most manufacturers use pre-printed 1D barcodes directly on the packaging. These codes provide basic information, but with the introduction of 2D codes, manufacturers will have to include more data on the packaging, such as TRACEABILITY data (expiry date, lot number, exchange number, date-time of production, unique codes identification), useful links, nutritional information, promotional campaigns, etc. Unlike 1D codes, 2D codes contain information specific to each batch of products, which means that they must be applied directly in the production line. At this stage, most of the existing printing systems are not able to provide the ability to generate and the resolution required to print these complex codes.
The advantages and requirements of 2D codes
Although there is no legal regulation that requires the use of 2D codes, manufacturers who want to be prepared for the future must act early. This change is not only a requirement of retailers, but also comes with benefits for all market participants. Among the main advantages of 2D codes is the fact that they can contain much more information than 1D codes, such as expiration date, batch number and URLs for additional details about the product.
New codes, new technological challenges
The implementation of 2D codes implies changes not only in the packaging proccess, but also in the printing equipment. 2D codes cannot be pre-printed on the packaging, as is the case with 1D codes. They must be applied at a specific moment in the production process, where the expiration date and batch number are currently printed. Because of the complexity and the amount of information they contain, 2D codes require a much higher resolution than that offered by many of the printers used today.
This means manufacturers must carefully assess whether their existing equipment can handle these new printing requirements. If not, it will be necessary to invest in new technology to ensure that they can meet the quality standards imposed by retailers.
Requirements for marking quality
One of the most important aspects of 2D codes is print quality. In the retail industry, the standards for marking products are already high, but they will become even stricter with the introduction of 2D codes. The codes must be readable not only at cash registers, but also by consumers, using their smartphones. Therefore, manufacturers must constantly check the quality of the printing to ensure that these codes are perfectly readable in all conditions. This check is carried out with the help of high-resolution cameras, integrated in the production line.
Integrated solutions for maximum efficiency
Until now, many companies have implemented printers and other marking equipment separately from the rest of the production line. But, with the introduction of verification cameras for 2D codes, this way of working becomes ineffective. The individual coordination of each component requires a lot of time and can lead to errors in production.
To solve this problem, more and more companies choose integrated modular systems, which include not only printing and code verification, but also labeling, weighing and even metal detection or other inspections. These systems are adapted to the specific needs of each manufacturer and allow the control of all functions through a single centralized interface. This makes switching to another product, configuring items and making layout changes much simpler and less prone to errors.
The transition to 2D codes until 2027 represents a challenge, but also an opportunity for manufacturers to align with the modern requirements of the retail market. This not only improves stock management and customer experience, but also ensures greater transparency of product information. The producers who now prepare their production lines and adopt the new technologies will be the ones who will benefit the most from this transition.
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