Supermarkets plan major change that will replace the barcode system

Supermarkets and major consumer goods companies are preparing for a transition away from traditional barcodes towards QR-based “intelligent” codes, according to industry reporting on retail technology developments. The change is being led through global standardisation work coordinated by GS1, the international organisation responsible for barcode systems used in retail and supply chains worldwide.

The proposed system would gradually replace the familiar black-and-white barcode with two-dimensional QR-style codes capable of storing significantly more product information. The shift is expected to take place progressively over the coming years rather than as an immediate replacement.

What is replacing the barcode

The new system being developed is based on QR codes designed under the GS1 “Digital Link” standard. Unlike traditional barcodes, which contain a limited numerical identifier linked to a database, the QR-based system can carry detailed information directly within the code structure. This includes product identifiers, batch numbers, expiry dates, allergen information, country of origin, and additional supply chain data.

The same code can also link to online product pages, allowing manufacturers to update information without changing packaging. The technology is designed to function both at retail checkouts and within logistics systems, meaning a single code could be used across the entire supply chain.

Limitations of the current barcode system

The standard barcode, widely used for more than 50 years, typically encodes a short numerical string such as a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). This number is then matched against a database when scanned at checkout. While effective for basic product identification and pricing, the system has limited capacity.

It does not store detailed product data directly and relies on external systems to retrieve information such as ingredients or expiry dates. Industry bodies involved in the transition have stated that this limitation restricts the ability of retailers and manufacturers to provide real-time product information or improve traceability at item level.

Benefits of QR-based codes

The proposed QR system allows significantly larger data storage within a single code. It can include both fixed product identifiers and dynamic information that can be updated without changing packaging.

Retail and standards organisations involved in the development say this could improve stock management, reduce food waste through better expiry tracking, and allow consumers to access more detailed information at the point of purchase.

The system is also designed to support better traceability, enabling products to be tracked more precisely through supply chains, including batch-level identification in the event of recalls.

Industry rollout and timeline

The transition is being coordinated internationally through GS1, which has indicated that QR-based codes could be widely adopted in retail environments within the next phase of global standards updates. Retailers in several countries have already begun testing QR-enabled checkout systems, with adoption varying across regions and product categories.

Some retailers have started introducing QR codes alongside existing barcodes on packaging as part of pilot programmes. The move is being described by industry bodies as a gradual transition rather than a complete immediate replacement, with traditional barcodes expected to remain in use during the early stages of implementation.

Impact on packaging and retail systems

The shift to QR-based codes will require changes to packaging design, printing processes and checkout infrastructure. Retailers will need scanning systems capable of reading both traditional barcodes and 2D codes during the transition period.

Manufacturers will also need to integrate product databases with QR code systems to ensure information is accurate and consistently updated across different markets.

Because QR codes can store more information in a smaller space, they may also allow for simplified packaging layouts, particularly for products requiring extensive regulatory labelling.

How product information will change

Under the proposed system, consumers could access detailed product data directly by scanning a code with a smartphone or in-store scanner. This could include nutritional information, allergen warnings, recycling instructions and sourcing details.

The system is also designed to support updates after packaging has been printed, meaning changes to ingredients or compliance information could be reflected digitally without redesigning labels.

Outlook

Supermarkets and global retail manufacturers are preparing a gradual transition from traditional barcodes to QR-based codes under GS1 standards. The new system will allow significantly more product information to be stored and accessed through a single code, with phased adoption expected across supply chains and retail environments in the coming years.