Why QR Codes Are Replacing Traditional Barcodes for Product Labels
QR codes store more data, link to dynamic content, and support the new EU digital labelling requirements. Here's why the switch is happening.
For decades, traditional barcodes have been the standard for product identification. But as regulations evolve and consumers expect more transparency, QR codes are quickly becoming the new standard.
The limitations of traditional barcodes
Traditional 1D barcodes can only store about 20-25 characters of data, typically just a product number. They require a dedicated scanner and can't link to dynamic online content.
What QR codes offer
QR codes can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters and can be scanned by any smartphone camera. More importantly, they can link to dynamic web content that can be updated without changing the physical label.
The regulatory push
The EU's Digital Product Passport regulation specifically requires products to have a unique digital identifier accessible via a "data carrier" on the product. QR codes are the recommended data carrier because they support GS1 Digital Link standards.
Making the transition
Switching from barcodes to QR codes doesn't have to be complicated. With QR Digital Label, you can generate compliant QR codes that link to rich digital product information, all managed from a single dashboard.