Next generation 2D Barcodes contain not only the unique barcode number for point-of-sale but also business information from across the product lifecycle, as well as connection to the internet.
From farms and pack houses to distribution centres and retail shelves, right into the hands of the consumer, product information is readily available to all partners in the value chain.
All types of information can be packed into a 2D Barcode
Pack date and time
Pallet number and storage location
Purchase order number
Transport details
Batch/lot or serial number
Expiry date
Recall notifications
Sustainability information (recycling etc)
Multiple webpages from different locations to tell your brand story*
*when coupled with a GS1 Digital Link
2D barcodes contribution to primary industry
Product authenticity, traceability and consumer protection
Including information such as a product’s batch/lot or serial number, production date and/or country of origin in a 2D barcode, a product can be verified as genuine, anywhere in the world.
Growers and producers gain greater visibility of their products, wherever they may be in the supply chain, tracking them in real-time from paddock to store and into the consumer’s home. All by using a single on-pack 2D barcode.
View the case study where Citrus Australia used 2D barcodes for export to Asia
Cost savings and faster, more accurate product recalls
If a food product is not suitable for sale, the information encoded in a 2D barcode, such as the batch/lot code or serial number, can be used to isolate stock and block it from being scanned to any upcoming orders.
Additionally, the encoding of additional information reduces food waste as affected products can be identified anywhere across the supply chain and only those products need to be recalled or withdrawn.
All other unaffected products can remain available for sale, reducing unnecessary waste.
Digitally enhanced consumer engagement
One scan of a 2D barcode and a consumer is taken to multiple websites, where they can engage with product and brand information including product origin, production methods, nutritional information and sustainability facts. Whatever a brand wants to share.
Brand owners and growers can even see where the customer has scanned the barcode and when.
Promotions, discounts and more on-pack space
Brands can use 2D barcodes to link promotions and other incentives such as interactive games, encouraging consumers to engage even further with their products and strengthen brand loyalty.
By tracking customer engagement with 2D barcodes, companies can gain valuable insights into consumer behaviour, preferences and trends.
Additionally, the smaller size of a 2D barcode and the ability to include more on-pack information frees up valuable on-pack space for marketing and branding.
2D barcodes are providing consumers in export markets with an online game and survey, delivering a two-way flow of information between consumers and the producer/brand owner.
Commercial benefits and competitive advantage
Case Study
2D Barcodes have been used on table grape bags, clam shells and trays to deliver increased trust in export markets of 12 countries and in 5 languages. 2D Barcode scanning is simple, does not require any additional complex scanning equipment and has the potential to serve multiple purposes including consumer marketing, supply chain traceability, certification access and point-of-sale pricing.Upon scanning the 2D Barcode, consumers across various countries were able to view the following information about the product.
Producer, exporter and peak industry body branding
Verification that each product was genuine, combating food fraud
Grape variety description, including appropriate breeder branding, logos and trademarks
Storage instructions
Producer and exporter video
Farm region
Farm location map
Survey to provide feedback
Weblinks to the farm website, ATGA website
Serving suggestions