July 24, 2025
The future of barcodes is here: QR codes powered by GS1. This innovative code does it all, from seamless transactions at the checkout to conveying your brand’s story and values. Unlike generic QR codes, which can lead to scan fatigue, broken links and outdated information, QR codes powered by GS1 deliver a unique opportunity to establish trust and deepen relationships with your customers.
QR codes powered by GS1 guarantee up‑to‑the‑minute, accurate product information, delivering consumers real‑time, SKU‑specific data, including sustainability credentials. Fully transparent and universally accessible, these smart QR codes can adapt content for different markets, languages and can support users with visual or hearing impairments.
Upgrading from a generic QR code to a QR code powered by GS1 is straightforward and positions your brand as a customer‑first industry leader. With full personalisation, real‑time updates and advanced analytics, you’ll deliver an exceptional experience every time your code is scanned.
Ready to get started? Explore these inspiring use cases that put customers at the heart of every interaction.
Unilever: empowering the visually impaired
Did you know that 340,000 UK consumers cannot access product information on packaging due to visual impairments?
To address this challenge, Unilever is pioneering true inclusion by embedding accessible QR codes powered by GS1 on packaging so that every shopper, including those with visual impairments, can retrieve vital product details with a simple smartphone scan.
Try this quick experiment: grab a sleep mask, tea towel, or an old t shirt and cover your eyes. Now, without peeking, go to your kitchen cupboard. Try selecting a gluten free item or anything with a specific feature without being able to see. Almost impossible, right? That is the reality for many people.
Unilever’s solution shows a genuine commitment to inclusion by allowing every consumer to access the same product information regardless of visual ability. It shows they care.
Sunew Med+ in Poland: reaching the deaf community
For the 87,000 UK consumers whose first language is British Sign Language, audio channels like TV ads, radio and social media can leave vital product details out of reach.
Sunew Med+ in collaboration with GS1 Poland have embedded QR codes powered by GS1 on-pack to unlock a VR experience that delivers essential product information in sign language. This innovative approach powerfully reinforces that no customer should ever be excluded.
Sunew Med + have embedded GS1 standards into their QR codes on pack, offering a unique virtual reality experience that delivers essential product information in sign language.
Vinca Wine: one label, global reach
Under new EU regulations, wine labels must feature QR codes that digitally convey essential product and recycling information. No promotional content is allowed. While designed to inform, this rule also removes a prime opportunity for wineries to engage customers and showcase their brand personality.
To avoid missing out on such opportunities, Vinca Wines streamlined their global packaging with dynamic QR codes powered by GS1 that adapt by location.
In the EU, these codes link to a compliant digital label showing only mandatory product details. In other markets, the same code unlocks Vinca’s brand story, engaging content and deeper customer connections.
This approach has allowed Vinca Wine to maintain a unified global packaging design while navigating strict regulatory requirements. It is a brilliant example of how one smart code can remove barriers and unlock deeper consumer engagement without compromise.
The wine tastes delicious too if you have not yet given it a go.
Nobody’s Child: delivering trust and transparency
This is an incredible example of transparency throughout the supply chain.
As Digital Product Passports reshape the apparel sector, Nobody’s Child has integrated QR codes powered by GS1 into each garment, capturing and sharing SKU‑specific data across the supply chain.
With two‑thirds of consumers now preferring sustainable brands, this granular transparency not only delivers the detailed information shoppers demand but also guarantees compliance with emerging regulations.
Making this information available to customers is a clear win for brand trust and loyalty.
With QR codes powered by GS1, you still retain the flexibility to link shoppers to promotions, gamification experiences or your website. It’s the familiar QR journey you know, now underpinned by GS1’s universal standards for even richer engagement.
