The iconic barcode, a staple of product packaging for nearly 50 years, is set to be replaced by an advanced alternative. QR codes, recognized for their flexibility and efficiency, are poised to take center stage in the retail industry. The transition, driven by the international standardization body GS1, is expected to become widespread within the next two years, bringing significant changes for both consumers and retailers.
Unlike old barcodes, new QR codes can hold more data, such as shelf life, allergens, ingredients, and ways to recycle. This added info helps beyond product tags, giving key tips to cut waste and boost green efforts. For example, Woolworths in Australia saw food waste drop by 40% with QR codes that allow quick price cuts before items expire.
GS1 UK leader Anne Godfrey said the pandemic sped up the use of QR tech. She noted how people got used to scanning QR codes for menus at cafes, making them more open to the idea.
Benefits for users and stores
QR codes have clear perks over old barcodes. They can handle wear and still work, making them better for checkout lines. They also help with eco-plans. Coca-Cola, for one, uses them in Latin America to track the reuse of bottles, aiding recycling goals. Big stores like Tesco and Woolworths are trying out the tech. Their early wins show how QR codes can help track goods, make shopping better, and push green goals.
Hurdles in the path to change
Switching to QR codes brings both promise and challenges. Significant investments are needed as retailers upgrade point-of-sale systems, and some items, like candles, may not fully benefit from the transition. Established supply chain routines could also face disruptions as they adjust to the new system.
Still, GS1 remains confident. President Renaud de Barbuat envisions global readiness by 2027, with nearly half of UK retailers already adapting. The move to QR codes marks a pivotal shift in retail, blending efficiency, sustainability, and greater convenience for consumers.