# SmartLinks Blog

Long-form writing on Digital Product Passports, GS1 Digital Link, ESPR readiness, retail operations and the connected product economy.

Canonical URL: https://www.smartlinks.app/blog

- [The 20p Pivot: Why the UK's DRS Mandate Is a Secret Weapon for Beverage Brands](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/uk-drs-20p-deposit-beverage-brands-smart-packaging) — Exchange for Change has confirmed a flat 20p deposit for the UK's October 2027 Deposit Return Scheme — but Wales is going its own way. Here's why a single intelligent QR code is now the smartest move for beverage brands. _(News, 2026-04-28)_
- [UK Supermarkets Lead the Charge: The Traditional Barcode Is Being Replaced by 2D QR Codes](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/uk-supermarkets-barcode-replaced-2d-qr-codes) — Major UK supermarkets including Tesco are phasing out traditional 1D barcodes in favour of dynamic 2D QR codes — marking the biggest shift in retail packaging in decades. _(News, 2026-03-27)_
- [EU Digital Product Passports: 2026 Is When the Real Work Begins](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/eu-digital-product-passports-2026-real-work-begins) — The EU's Digital Product Passport regulation is no longer a future concept — it's becoming enforceable reality, with mandatory deadlines starting in 2027 and a central registry expected by mid-2026. _(News, 2025-12-22)_
- [Sunrise 2027: The Barcode Wake-Up Call Every Retailer Needs to Hear](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/sunrise-2027-barcode-wake-up-call-retailers) — GS1 US has issued a wake-up call to the retail industry: the transition from traditional barcodes to 2D QR codes is happening, and retailers must be ready by the end of 2027. _(News, 2025-09-15)_
- [SmartLinks Launches Free Self-Serve Platform for Connected Packaging](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/smartlinks-self-serve-launch) — SmartLinks unveils a free self-serve platform empowering brands of all sizes to create GS1-powered QR code experiences and meet Digital Product Passport regulations. _(News, 2025-06-15)_
- [Earth Positive x SmartLinks: Revolutionising Sustainable Fan Merchandise](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/earth-positive-partnership) — Earth Positive and SmartLinks team up to create eco-conscious fan merch with NFC-powered digital experiences, launching with Band of Skulls. _(News, 2025-04-08)_
- [GS1 Digital Links Are Going Global — The QR Code Revolution Gains Momentum](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/gs1-digital-links-going-global) — GS1's campaign to replace traditional barcodes with Digital Link QR codes has reached 449 million people worldwide, signalling a seismic shift in retail. _(Industry Insights, 2025-01-15)_
- [Transformulas Partners with SmartLinks to Revolutionise Skincare Packaging](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/smartlinks-transformulas-integration) — Leading skincare brand Transformulas integrates SmartLinks QR technology across its entire product range, setting a new benchmark for connected beauty packaging. _(Case Studies, 2024-08-10)_
- [Tesco Trials QR Codes in What's Being Called the 'Second Barcode Revolution'](https://www.smartlinks.app/blog/tesco-trials-qr-codes-barcode-revolution) — Tesco is piloting GS1 Digital Link QR codes on its products, giving shoppers access to dynamic product information and marking a major milestone in UK retail. _(News, 2024-07-11)_