On 26 June 1974, history was made when the world’s first ever linear barcode – located on a multipack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum – was scanned at a supermarket in Troy, Ohio, USA. 

What started as a way to help a group of supermarkets check prices at the point of sale (POS) has since become the common standard for powering commerce around the world. While a lot has changed since 1974, linear barcodes are still scanned more than 10 billion times every day and play a vital role across e-commerce channels, from direct-to-consumer (D2C) and business-to-business (B2C) to online marketplaces.

We are living in the era of big data and consumers are increasingly demanding more information about the products they buy, from where it was produced to how best to use and recycle it. Businesses are also becoming overwhelmed by new legislative demands as well as the sheer volume of data that comes from multiple sources in different formats. This means barcodes need to start working harder.

Adapting to a changing world

As a result, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of brands utilising additional barcode formats to meet business and consumer needs.

They've responded to the growing demand for more data by adding secondary barcodes to their product packaging. A single product's packaging might include a QR code for consumer-facing applications alongside multiple other data carriers (including linear barcodes, 2D codes, or NFC and RFID tags) for use at POS, internal stock control, or supply chain operations management.

Having multiple barcodes is not only confusing for consumers, but it can also cause issues with scanning at POS and takes up valuable space on the packaging. With this in mind, GS1 is helping industry transition to a single, data-rich 2D code that allows everything from warehouse machinery and POS scanners, to specialised apps and smart fridges, to easily obtain information about a product. A single code, which could be used to improve supply chain visibility, ensure product safety, and bring a wealth of information to consumers, both at home and in store. 

Read the full story here: https://www.gs1uk.org/standards-services/get-market-ready/qr-codes-powered-by-gs1/future-of-retail