On the 50th anniversary of the first barcode scan, 22 industry leaders, including Alibaba.com, Carrefour, and Procter & Gamble, have signed a global joint statement calling for the adoption of QR Codes with GS1 standards. These QR Codes aim to revolutionize the consumer experience by providing extensive product information accessible via smartphones.
Since the first barcode scan in 1974, GS1 has facilitated the widespread adoption of barcodes, now scanned over 10 billion times daily. Today, industry leaders are advocating for the transition to QR Codes with GS1 standards. “The first barcode scan forever changed how we buy and sell products,” said Renaud de Barbuat, President and CEO of GS1. “This collaborative effort is set to transform in new ways how we shop, eat, and live. We believe this marks the start of a second barcode revolution.”
QR Codes with GS1 standards offer consumers detailed product information, including usage, recycling instructions, safety, nutritional information, and industry certifications. “Providing our customers with quality food and products is at the heart of Carrefour’s mission,” said Alexandre Bompard, Chairman and CEO of Carrefour. “2D barcodes are a promising way to honor this goal with more transparent and richer product information.”
The adoption of QR Codes with GS1 standards is expected to enhance supply chain efficiency, improve traceability, and provide consumers with essential information. “Consumers demand more information about the products they’re purchasing,” said Jon R. Moeller, Chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble. “We can resolve this with 2D barcodes with GS1 standards – a single barcode that has the power to provide all the information consumers need and desire, improve traceability through the supply chain, and scans at checkout.”
This industry initiative, supported by companies with a combined market value of over $1.5 trillion, aims for global adoption of QR Codes with GS1 standards by the end of 2027. The transition requires coordinated efforts between manufacturers and retailers, with manufacturers implementing QR Codes on product packages and retailers updating their point-of-sale systems. “We expect that the transition to QR Codes with GS1 standards will happen gradually around the world,” said Mark Batenic, Chairman of the Independent Grocers Alliance.
The shift has already begun, with new technology being tested in 48 countries, representing 88% of the world’s GDP. The initiative aims to set global standards for efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the retail and consumer goods industries.