The Definitive Guide to the GS1 Sunrise 2027

Is your company ready for the 2D coding revolution?

In today's industrial ecosystem, information is just as valuable as the product itself. The shift towards GS1 standards isn't simply a change of label: it's an upgrade to the "operating system" of global trade.

What is GS1 Sunrise 2027?
Until now, the linear barcode (EAN-13) has only ever answered one question: what product is this? But the market demands more. GS1 Sunrise 2027 is the moment when points of sale across the world will accept 2D codes (GS1 DataMatrix or QR with GS1 Digital Link), capable of holding, in a minimal space:

- Best-before date (for automatic discounts at checkout)
- Batch number (for more precise product recalls)
- Variable weight
- Unique unit-level serialisation, key to tackling counterfeiting

The challenge isn't just designing the code, it's printing it properly. A poorly printed 2D code is a product that won't make it onto the supermarket shelf.

S-PRINT (S_Coding): high-resolution piezoelectric inkjet printing for cardboard and wooden cases, with optimal contrast for high-speed reading and a Grade A/B rating on the GS1 scale.

Kortho (TTO): ideal for primary packaging (bags, flow-wrap, snacks), with variable data management in milliseconds and native connectivity to your ERP or MES.
3 steps for your transition:
- Audit which extra data you need to include (batch, date, weight)
- Check that your hardware can achieve the required resolution (min. 300 dpi)
- Introduce machine vision or verifiers to ensure GS1 compliance

GS1 Sunrise 2027 isn't just a compliance requirement: it's the gateway to a more transparent relationship with consumers and more efficient processes.

Would you like to see what a GS1 DataMatrix code would look like on your real packaging? We can run a free print trial with S-PRINT or Kortho on your own samples.