Markem-Imaje Unveils New Solutions to Accelerate GS1 QR Code Adoption, Paving the Way for Ethical Transparency
In a significant step toward the future of retail transparency, Markem-Imaje has announced new software and consulting services designed to ease the industry's transition to GS1 2D barcodes. The solutions, CoLOS® 2D Activate and CoLOS® 2D Engage, empower brands to transform QR codes from a mere compliance requirement into powerful digital experiences that deliver real value to consumers. With GS1 Digital Link, a single QR code can now support retail checkout, supply chain visibility, regulatory transparency, and personalized consumer engagement.
This move comes as the retail industry prepares for GS1 Sunrise 2027, which will require 2D barcodes to be scanned at checkout. The new tools also support emerging regulatory frameworks such as the European Digital Product Passport (DPP), FSMA, PPWR, and Southeast Asian labelling requirements. By enabling brands to embed rich, machine-readable data into their packaging, Markem-Imaje is helping to create a new ecosystem where consumers can access verified information about a product's journey from farm to shelf.
For the Ethical Transparency Alliance, this development is a critical enabler. The ability to encode standardized data in 2D barcodes is the foundation for embedding ethics into the retail supply chain. As brands adopt these technologies, the opportunity arises to include dedicated link types, such as 'gs1:ethics', that can provide consumers with verifiable proof of ethical practices, from fair labor to sustainable sourcing. This is not just about compliance; it's about shifting market power back to ethical businesses and informed consumers who demand transparency.
The transition to GS1 2D barcodes is not merely a technological upgrade; it is a paradigm shift toward a more transparent and accountable retail landscape. Markem-Imaje's initiative is a testament to the growing recognition that data-driven transparency is the new currency of trust.
Why this matters for the Ethical Transparency Alliance:
This development is crucial for the Ethical Transparency Alliance because it demonstrates industry momentum toward the adoption of GS1 2D barcodes, which are the technological backbone for embedding ethical data into product packaging. By supporting standards like GS1 Digital Link, these solutions enable the inclusion of dedicated link types, such as 'gs1:ethics', that can provide consumers with verifiable proof of ethical practices. This aligns directly with ETA's mission to make ethics an embedded expectation in retail transparency. As more brands adopt these tools, the infrastructure for machine-readable ethical data becomes mainstream, empowering consumers to make informed choices and rewarding businesses that prioritize ethical supply chains.
