The QR Code Revolution Is Gaining Pace
The QR code revolution is accelerating. GS1 is gaining significant exposure for its campaign to drive awareness of the new Digital Link standard currently being rolled out across global retail.
Since launching its landmark Financial Times report in November — "A New Era of Transparency: How UK Retail Will Meet the Demands of the Informed Customer" — GS1 has achieved an extraordinary audience reach of 449 million, syndicated across global media.
Why This Matters for Brands and Retailers
The Digital Link standard doesn't just replace the barcode — it transforms products into interactive digital experiences. Key benefits include:
- Contextual commerce — turn every product into a point of sale
- Customer engagement — deliver personalised content, offers and loyalty programmes
- Operational efficiency — streamline supply chain logistics with richer product data
- Customer service — provide instant access to support, recalls and product information
It's easy to see why businesses are rapidly adopting this exciting new standard. It will change the retail landscape for generations to come, just as the original barcode did over 50 years ago.
UK Press Coverage Highlights
The campaign has generated widespread media attention across major UK publications:
- Metro — "Major change to supermarket checkouts as 50-year shopping feature is being axed"
- Mail Online — "Why it will soon be the end of the line for barcodes"
- The Sun — "Huge change to supermarket checkout as shopping feature AXED from all products"
- The Guardian — "End of the lines? QR-style codes could replace barcodes 'within two years'"
- Daily Express — "Barcodes to be replaced by 'smart' QR codes in the next five years, experts say"
The Future of Product Information
Traditional barcodes are set to disappear in favour of modern QR codes. These new codes contain far richer product information — ingredients, allergens, recipe suggestions and more — all accessible instantly via a smartphone scan.
The barcode has become so crucial to daily retail operations that it's impossible to purchase a product without one. Now, the QR code is poised to take its place — offering everything the barcode does, plus a direct digital connection to consumers.
The brands that prepare now will lead this transformation. Get started with SmartLinks and make your products QR-ready today.