For over 50 years, the familiar "beep" of barcode scanning has accompanied the global retail industry. But is its time coming to an end? GS1, an international non-profit organization specializing in barcode technology, predicts that within the next two years, the more advanced QR codes will gradually replace traditional barcodes, sparking a revolution in retail.
According to GS1, QR codes can store significantly more information, including expiration dates, product descriptions, allergens, recycling methods, ingredients, and pricing—all within a single scan. Additionally, QR codes remain scannable even with slight creases, making them more practical for real-world applications.
Global retailers are leveraging QR codes to store additional information such as expiration dates and product descriptions, improving operational efficiency and reducing waste. (Image/Source: Pexels)
Some retailers have already embraced QR codes. British supermarket chain Tesco uses QR codes on fresh produce to track expiration dates, enabling more flexible discount strategies and reducing food waste. In Australia, Woolworths employs QR codes to monitor perishable goods, cutting food waste by 40%. Even Coca-Cola utilizes QR codes to track refillable bottles, ensuring each bottle is reused at least 25 times before recycling.
Beyond efficiency and waste reduction, QR codes also support environmental sustainability. Consumers can scan QR codes to easily access product recycling information, aligning with environmental regulations.
Non-food products have lower information requirements, and considering the cost of packaging changes, traditional barcodes will not disappear in the short term. (Image/Source: Pexels)
GS1 is optimistic that the widespread adoption of QR codes during the pandemic—for tasks such as viewing digital menus and making contactless payments—has accelerated their integration into daily life. The organization forecasts that by the end of 2027, retailers worldwide will have fully implemented QR codes.
However, traditional barcodes still hold value. Experts note that non-food products require less detailed information, and considering the costs of reprinting packaging, traditional barcodes are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Additionally, QR codes rely on cloud computing, potentially increasing carbon footprints—an issue that warrants further attention.
While QR codes offer undeniable convenience, they also pose risks. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned that scanning unknown QR codes could lead to identity theft or malware infections. Consumers should remain vigilant, verifying sources before scanning, to safely enjoy the benefits of this evolving technology.
