Preparing for GS1’s Sunrise 2027: What It Means for Packaging and Product Traceability
The packaging industry is on the edge of a major shift. By 2027, the global standard-setting organization GS1 will officially transition from traditional UPC barcodes to 2D data carriers—like QR codes and Data Matrix codes—in a move known as Sunrise 2027.
For decades, UPC barcodes have been the foundation of retail scanning. Today, supply chains demand more than a simple 12-digit code. With consumer expectations for transparency, evolving food safety regulations like FSMA 204, and growing retailer requirements, the industry needs smarter, data-rich labeling. Sunrise 2027 answers that call.
What is Sunrise 2027?
Sunrise 2027 marks the industry-wide deadline for 2D barcodes to be accepted and ready to replace or supplement the traditional UPC. Unlike UPCs, 2D barcodes can hold much more information—everything from:
- Expiration dates
- Lot and batch numbers
- Traceability data
- Sustainability details
- Direct links to brand or regulatory information
This shift opens the door to more efficient inventory management, stronger recall preparedness, and enhanced consumer engagement.
Why Does It Matter to Brand Owners?
For manufacturers, packagers, and retailers, Sunrise 2027 is more than just a technical update—it’s a transformation of how products connect across the supply chain. The benefits include:
- Improved Traceability: Align with FSMA 204 and global food safety initiatives.
- Consumer Transparency: Share product sourcing, nutritional details, and brand stories right at the shelf.
- Retailer Readiness: Major retailers, including Walmart, are already preparing for the shift. Early adoption reduces compliance risks.
- Operational Efficiency: Better data means fewer errors in inventory and logistics.
How Squid Ink Helps You Prepare
Transitioning to 2D barcodes doesn’t have to be complicated. At Squid Ink, we’re helping brands and packaging operations meet Sunrise 2027 requirements with high-resolution printing systems designed for variable data.
Our CoPilot® Printing Systems deliver:
- GS1-compliant 2D barcodes (QR codes, Data Matrix, and more)
- Lot-specific, serialized, and traceability data printed directly on packaging
- Durable, high-contrast inks for flexible films, labels, cartons, and more
- Integration-ready solutions to keep your production line efficient and compliant
Whether you’re printing expiration dates on food packaging, QR codes for retail engagement, or serialization data for regulatory compliance, Squid Ink has the tools to help you make a seamless transition.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The countdown is on. Sunrise 2027 will be here before we know it, and early adopters will be the ones leading the way in transparency, compliance, and consumer trust.
At Squid Ink, we understand the urgency—and the opportunity—this transition brings. By preparing now, you’ll not only be compliant but also positioned to thrive in a smarter, more connected supply chain.
Are you ready for Sunrise 2027? Let’s get started.
