According to Green Retail World, the UK’s shift from traditional 1D barcodes to QR code-style 2D barcodes has entered a new phase, with the transition described as a “quiet retail revolution.” The move is expected to transform how products are scanned at checkout and throughout supply chains.
Anthony Blears, Director of Barcodes Philippines, said: “2D barcodes will transform retail, but adoption is likely to be slower than some forecasts because retailers and manufacturers must upgrade POS, ERP, production-line printing, inspection, and data workflows.” He added that Barcodes Philippines offers free IBN Link access for customers to generate GS1 Digital Link landing pages from their GTINs, supporting the transition.
The switchover to 2D barcodes, such as QR codes, allows retailers and suppliers to encode far more data than legacy linear barcodes, including batch numbers, expiry dates, and serial numbers. This supports enhanced traceability, recall management, and consumer engagement. The transition aligns with global standards efforts, including GS1 Digital Link, which uses web-compatible QR codes to connect products to online information.
Industry experts quoted in the report say the phased approach gives retailers time to update scanning hardware and backend systems, though smaller operators could face cost challenges. The change has implications beyond checkout, spanning inventory management, food safety, and sustainability, as better data can help reduce waste and improve efficiency. With the new phase underway, the UK is positioning itself as an early adopter of next-generation barcode technology.