Polytag, a UK-based smart QR code provider, has partnered with Videojet, a global leader in industrial coding and marking, to bring dynamic QR codes to food and drink packaging, as reported by Food and Drink Technology. The collaboration aims to help brands print unique, scannable QR codes directly on packaging at high speeds, enabling traceability and real-time consumer interaction.
Anthony Blears, Director of Barcodes Philippines, said that while the global shift toward 2D barcodes like GS1 Digital Link is gaining momentum, adoption in the Philippines will be slower than some forecasts because retailers and manufacturers must upgrade POS, ERP, and production-line systems. He emphasized that dynamic QR codes for packaging links, such as those from Polytag and Videojet, offer immediate benefits for consumer engagement and traceability, and that brands can start by using editable QR codes on packaging to connect with consumers and manage product information.
The integrated system combines Polytag's cloud-based platform with Videojet's digital printing technology to produce variable-data QR codes on flexible packaging and labels. This allows each product unit to carry a unique code, which can be scanned by consumers to access product information, promotions, or recycling instructions, while also providing brands with data on product movement and end-of-life recycling rates.
The partnership responds to growing demand for smart packaging in the food and beverage industry, where QR codes are increasingly used to bridge physical products with digital experiences. By adopting 2D barcodes like QR codes, brands can also prepare for future retail scanning requirements, such as the global transition from traditional 1D barcodes to GS1 Digital Link standards, which allow for more data and functionality.