Industry transition
GS1 Sunrise 2027: Printing Data Matrix & 2D Codes
Retail is moving from the familiar 1D UPC barcode to 2D codes (GS1 DataMatrix and QR codes) that carry far more data. Under GS1’s Sunrise 2027, the goal is for retail checkout scanners to read 2D codes by the end of 2027. It’s a milestone, not a mandate, and UPCs keep working. Here’s what it means for your line, and how to print GS1 2D codes today.
Why the move to 2D matters
A 1D barcode basically holds one number — the GTIN. A single Data Matrix code can also carry the batch/lot number, expiration date, and a serial number in a small footprint. That supports freshness checks at the register, faster and more precise recalls, and end-to-end traceability.
For manufacturers, the practical change is on the line: you’ll need to print high-resolution, verifiable 2D codes with variable data — a different demand than a static pre-printed barcode.
What Sunrise 2027 is, and isn’t
What it is: an industry goal for retail point-of-sale systems to read and process the GTIN in a 2D barcode, as well as in today’s linear barcodes, by the end of 2027. GS1 calls it a milestone in the move to 2D.
What it isn’t:
- Not a mandate to drop the UPC. GS1 says UPC barcodes will continue to be accepted and scanned after 2027.
- Not a requirement to do everything by 2027. In GS1 US’s words, “it is not necessary to implement all the capabilities of 2D by that date.”
Dual marking: during the transition, GS1’s guidance describes packs carrying both the current linear barcode (EAN/UPC or GS1 DataBar) and a 2D code.
Which 2D codes: GS1’s retail options are GS1 DataMatrix, a QR code with GS1 Digital Link, and Data Matrix with GS1 Digital Link. Your customer or retailer decides which one.
Thermal inkjet is ready for 2D
Thermal inkjet (TIJ) suits GS1 2D coding: it prints high-resolution marks and handles variable data natively. Each package can carry its own batch, expiry and a unique serial number, drawn from your database or data feed. All four Anser NexGen printers (the Smart Printhead, A1, X1 Lite and X1) print GS1 DataMatrix, QR and GS1 DataBar codes alongside text and dates, at up to 600 dpi with a ½" head, directly on cartons, cases and packaging. No pre-printed labels.
Because it’s cartridge-based, you match the ink to your substrate (water-based for cartons and paper, solvent for plastic, film and foil) to keep codes sharp and scannable, with little scheduled maintenance.
Printing 2D codes inline: what matters
A 2D code is denser and less forgiving than a UPC. A slightly ragged linear barcode often still scans; a Data Matrix with broken or blurred cells can fail. Four things decide whether yours scans:
- Resolution. Up to 600 dpi with a ½" head. Speed follows resolution: 60 m/min (about 197 ft/min) at 300 dpi, about 30 m/min at 600 dpi. Choose the resolution the code needs, then check it against your line speed.
- Ink and substrate. The code needs contrast and adhesion. Water-based ink on cartons and paper, solvent ink on plastic, film, foil, metal and glass.
- A steady pack. The head prints up to 6 mm from the surface; keep the pack steady and the code zone clean and dry.
- Verification. Grade codes with a barcode verifier. ISO/IEC 15415 is the standard GS1 uses to measure 2D print quality. Verify on your own packaging at your line speed before you go live.
Getting GS1 2D-ready
- 1
Confirm your data
Decide what each 2D code must carry: GTIN, batch/lot, expiration and, if you serialize, a serial number. Know where the serial numbers come from (your database or data feed) before you set up the line.
- 2
Pick the right coder
Use a high-resolution coder that handles variable data. Thermal inkjet prints GS1 DataMatrix and QR codes inline, on the fly.
- 3
Match ink to substrate
Choose water-based or solvent ink so the code holds up and stays scannable on your packaging.
- 4
Verify code quality
Grade codes with a verifier to ISO/IEC 15415 on your own packaging, so they scan reliably at retail and across the supply chain.
Plan your GS1-ready coding
Tell us your packaging and the data your codes need to carry. A TPS coding specialist will help you specify a thermal inkjet setup for GS1 2D codes on your line, then connect you with the right distributor.
Frequently asked questions
What is GS1 Sunrise 2027?
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is the industry goal for retail point-of-sale systems to read 2D barcodes (GS1 DataMatrix, or a QR code with GS1 Digital Link) as well as traditional UPC/EAN barcodes by the end of 2027. 2D codes can carry far more data, including the GTIN, batch or lot, expiration date and a serial number.
Is GS1 Sunrise 2027 a mandate?
No. GS1 calls it a milestone in the move to 2D, not a regulation. It’s an industry goal for retail scanners to read 2D codes by the end of 2027. UPC barcodes will continue to be accepted and scanned after 2027.
Do I need to keep the UPC barcode?
For now, most likely yes. GS1’s guidance for the transition describes packs carrying both the current linear barcode and a 2D code (dual marking). Check with your retail customers on what they want on the pack.
When do I need to be ready for the 2D transition?
The goal is retail scanners reading 2D by the end of 2027, but GS1 says you don’t need every 2D capability in place by then, and UPCs keep scanning. Many brands are adding 2D codes now, alongside the UPC. If your customers will ask for a 2D code, plan your coder and test your substrate early.
What is a Data Matrix code?
A Data Matrix is a compact 2D barcode that stores much more information than a 1D UPC barcode in a small footprint. In coding & marking it carries product identity plus variable data like batch, lot, and expiration, which supports traceability, freshness checks, and recalls.
Should I print a QR code or a GS1 DataMatrix?
Both are GS1 options for retail: a GS1 DataMatrix, or a QR code (or Data Matrix) carrying a GS1 Digital Link. The choice usually comes from your retailer or brand. Our printers print both.
Can thermal inkjet print GS1 Data Matrix codes?
Yes. All four Anser NexGen thermal inkjet printers print GS1 DataMatrix and QR codes directly onto packaging, at up to 600 dpi with a ½" head, with variable data so each code can carry its own batch, expiry and serial number. Verify the grade on your own packaging before you go live.
Thermal inkjet or continuous inkjet (CIJ) for 2D codes?
Thermal inkjet prints at much higher resolution than CIJ, up to 600 dpi with a ½" head, which matters for a dense 2D code. CIJ suits very fast lines and awkward, curved surfaces. Our guide compares them.
Thermal inkjet vs. CIJ →Can each pack carry its own serial number?
Yes. All four Anser NexGen printers (the Smart Printhead, A1, X1 Lite and X1) print a unique serialized QR or GS1 Data Matrix code on each item. The serial number comes from a database or data feed, alongside the GTIN, batch and expiry. That’s a printing capability. Whether your program meets a specific regulation depends on your whole system, not just the printer. Tell us how your serial numbers are generated and we’ll work out the coding side with you.