Folding carton converters are being urged to act ahead of the GS1 Sunrise 2027 deadline, which mandates a global shift from traditional 1D barcodes to 2D barcodes like QR codes carrying the GS1 Digital Link. The transition aims to enable richer product data, traceability, and consumer engagement directly from packaging.
According to industry experts cited by Printweek, converters must upgrade printing equipment and software to handle the higher data density and quality requirements of 2D codes. Early adoption is recommended to avoid bottlenecks as the 2027 deadline approaches, especially for high-volume production lines.
The GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative is part of a broader industry push toward omnichannel retail and digital supply chains. Converters who fail to adapt risk losing business to competitors who can offer compliant packaging, as retailers and brand owners increasingly demand 2D barcodes for inventory management and consumer interaction.