2D Barcode

An important deadline for participating in a baseline survey related to the transition Sunrise 2027 for 2D barcodes on packaging is fast approaching. Manufacturers of folding cartons in the United Kingdom and Ireland are being encouraged to participate before the survey closes on this Friday, July 10.

O UK Folding Carton Digital Readiness Index 2026 (UK Digital Readiness Index for Foldable Cartridges 2026) aims to provide the sector with a “clear and honest” view of the industry’s current status regarding the adoption of digital printing for production, variable-data workflows, and the implementation of 2D barcodes compatible with the standards of the GS1. The initiative is being coordinated by the Jet Tech Group and by the Fujifilm UK.

The survey takes less than five minutes to complete, and all responses will remain anonymous in the published results.

Steve Andrew, CEO of Jet Tech Group, commented:

“The flexible packaging sector is, overall, in good shape. Demand is strong, the market is evolving, and converters are as capable as they’ve ever been.
But no company can plan with confidence in the face of uncertainty, and there is currently a great deal of uncertainty about what GS1 Sunrise 2027 actually means at the operational level. This survey is designed to replace that uncertainty with concrete information that the entire industry can use.”

The results will be presented at an event called The Next Frontier, which will take place on July 14 in Fujifilm Innovation Center, in Luton, England.

During the event, experts will present analyses, practical guidance, and open discussions on the impact of the transition to digital production and 2D codes on companies in the foldable cartridge industry. There will be morning and afternoon sessions, and attendance is free.

The event will also mark the UK debut of the digital printer Fujifilm Revoria PC2120.

Andrew added:

“When we present the results on July 14, we want participants to see themselves reflected in the data presented. This will only happen if the entire industry participates: large and small converters, companies that are already well into their digital journey, and those that are just beginning to ask questions.
The more voices that contribute, the more accurate and useful the picture of the industry will be for everyone.”

What is GS1 Sunrise 2027?

The program GS1 Sunrise 2027 It is a global initiative that encourages the gradual replacement of traditional linear barcodes (EAN/UPC) with 2D codes, such as GS1 QR Codes and GS1 Data Matrix. These codes can store much more information, including:

• Product Number (GTIN)
• Lot
• Date of manufacture
• Expiration Date
• Serial number
• Links to digital product information

Starting in 2027, retailers and manufacturers will need to be prepared to read and process these 2D codes at points of sale and throughout the supply chain. This is likely to have a direct impact on pre-printing workflows, variable data printing, and packaging quality control.