The evolution of the barcode
The non-profit organisation GS1, which has been developing the world’s most widely used standards for more than 50 years, has set itself the goal of migrating to 2D barcodes by 2027.
Known for creating the barcode, which the BBC said was one of the fifty things that ‘made the global economy’, GS1 is now the benchmark for the identification of products along the supply chain.
Currently, most products on the market are still identified with the 1D barcode, an invention that has changed commercial activities in all sectors, from retail to healthcare, making transactions and traceability faster and more secure.
A relevant statistic is that it is estimated to be used more than ten billion times a day.1
However, this tool is no longer adequate due to new and growing market needs, such as:
For these reasons, GS1 has set itself the goal of migrating to 2D barcodes and GS1 Digital Link by 2027.
The transition will be gradual and will allow retailers to equip themselves with the necessary technology to read the new codes.
Until 2027, it will be possible to pair the 1D barcode (EAN-13) with a GS1 QR Code or a GS1 DataMatrix. After that, only one of the three symbologies should be present on the product, the most suitable one.
By the “Sunrise 2027” date, POS systems must be able to read 2D codes. EAN/UPC codes will remain valid, and full transition to 2D will occur when at least 90% of POS systems are ready.
The transition is already underway: the new standard is being tested in 48 countries representing 88% of global GDP, with major retailers such as Walmart, Carrefour, and Woolworths already engaged in pilot programs.
Both GS1 QR Codes and GS1 DataMatrix allow for much more data than current 1D barcodes (GTIN, expiration date, batch number, links to web pages with ingredient and allergen information, product images and videos, reviews, etc.). They also help reduce symbol clutter on packaging and make information easier to access.
The GS1 Digital Link is a real link between the physical product and its digital twin; a ‘passport’ that allows access to all information about the product through a single code.
It can be represented by different types of data carriers, such as QR codes, data matrix or Rfid tags. One of the main advantages of this tool is that it allows you to address different markets and languages, providing customized and multilevel information.
Structure:
The Digital Link consists of a URL pointing to a reference website and a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), a 14-digit code that identifies products (consumer units) and cases (logistic units) worldwide.3
More complex versions are available for tracking larger amounts of data, including batch number, serial number, and expiration date directly within the URL.
One of the most relevant developments in recent years is the connection between GS1 Digital Link and the European Digital Product Passport (DPP).
The ESPR Regulation (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation), which came into force in July 2024, introduces the DPP requirement: a structured set of digital information for each product, covering origin, materials, environmental impact, repair instructions, and recyclability, accessible to all stakeholders in the supply chain.
GS1 Digital Link is the standard recommended by GS1 to implement the DPP: a single QR code compliant with the standard can simultaneously support supply chain needs, consumer information, and regulatory compliance, eliminating the need to multiply symbols on packaging. (Learn more about what the DPP is in our article)
Case history
One successful case is that of COOP Italia, a system of Italian cooperatives comprising a network of supermarkets and hypermarkets, which adopted the GS1 Digital Link for the COOP brand wine category.
The organisation decided to include a QR code on the label to provide information about the production area, the grape varieties and the preservation method.
It also added another QR code on some wines to communicate nutritional values and allergens.
Mrs. Maura Latini, President of Coop Italia, defines the label as the crucial tool for communicating information and, in an interview for GS1, states that it is becoming too “narrow” for the amount of information to be conveyed, adding that consumers are demanding more and more transparency.
She concludes by saying that the QR code has shown that the EAN code needs an ally. 4
Graphimecc: the ideal partner for your transition to 2D
For over 20 years we have been designing and developing machinery for RFID application and coding, variable data printing and ZERO error quality certification in the finished product for the label and packaging industry.
Discover now our technology that, since 1999, has already successfully printed over 43 billion 2D codes worldwide!
Non-conforming product marking or reconciliation
We integrate Videojet 1280/ VJ1580+
The unit has been fully integrated into the machine control panel what enables a wide range of benefits
For the operator:
Possibility of having a single panel where every machining parameter can be configured
For net plant productivity:
Reduction of setup time and guarantee of constant and correct functioning of the unit
Non-conforming Product Marking Functionality
The machine process automatically handles the marking of non-conforming products by integrating it within the error management process chosen for production.
Functionality of printing on the back of the material
The machine process automatically manages the printing of variable data on the back of the material (liner) for each reconciliation requirement by integrating their management within the error management process chosen for production.
Ability to integrate other third-party CIJ systems
Other third-party CIJ printing systems can be integrated upon development of the command-and-control interface.
Thermal transfer printing
We integrate Videojet Dataflex 6530
The unit has been fully integrated into the machine control panel what allows a wide range of advantages
Ability to integrate other third-party TTO systems
Other third-party TTO printing systems can be integrated upon development of the command-and-control interface.
Spark Cam™
Vision inspection system
What is SPARK CAM?
SPARK CAM™ is a high-performance vision inspection system fully designed and built by our R&D department to control print quality during production.
The system reliability is also the result of more than two decades of direct market experience with some of the most popular inspection systems including: Decosystem and Lake image.
System fully integrated into the machine control panel
The system is fully integrated into the machine control panel which enables a wide range of benefits
Single system to manage the Print Ǫuality of graphics and Variable
Single system where two control macro areas can be activated with different libraries related to specific production needs:
Print Ǫuality Inspection:
Libraries for the inspection of security elements, scratches, smears, streaks, stains, ink splashes, ghost effects, torn material, creases, color deviation, …
Thanks to our vision engineering department, it is, in addition, possible to directly develop customized control features.
Print Ǫuality inspection of Variable Data:
Libraries for OCR control (with a full range of fonts/special characters), machine readable codes also with grading features according to international standards:
With a wide range of codes and encoding protocols including: ǪRcode, Data Matrix, … and with GS1 coding standards, ….
Wide range of available templates
Due to the fact that we make our inspection systems in-house, Graphimecc can meet any production requirement.
Available are:
both black-and-white or color systems, and with a wide range of resolutions to fit every inspection specification.
Spark Jet™
Inkjet printer
What is SPARK JET?
SPARK Jet™, is an inkjet printing system completely designed and built by our R&D department to go beyond the frequent limitations of traditional printing systems.
The system reliability is also the result of more than two decades of direct market experience with some of the manufacturers of the most popular inkjet printing systems such as: Domino, Videojet, REA JET.
System fully integrated into the machine control panel
The system is fully integrated into the machine control panel which enables a wide range of advantages:
High performance and print quality
SPARK JET™ offers different print resolutions depending on the production speed. Thus, you can get a high-quality product (600x600dpi) or lose definition slightly to increase production speed.
Modular print height
Each printing module has a printing height of 54mm.
The SPARK JET printing system is fully modular and can be composed to achieve the desired print height without any limitation.
Wide range of inks that can be used
SPARK JET™ can be configured to print with different base inks:
This flexibility allows adaptation to the widest range of materials, managing every production requirement.
Single-color, multi-color system
SPARK JET™ is available in two versions:
Automatic cleaning system
To maximise the durability of SPARK JET™ print heads, we have developed an automatic cleaning system that is fully managed via the machine’s central panel. This system cleans the heads every X hours of printing (with X being a parameter that can be adjusted according to the characteristics of the print and substrate) and positions them so that they rest in a way that protects them from ink drying inside the nozzles.
Furthermore, as it is fully motorised, it allows for easy and precise adjustment of the print head’s height and transverse position relative to the material.
High-precision adjustment holder
Each SPARK JET™ system is equipped, as a basic feature, with a high-precision adjustment system that, in the absence of the automatic cleaning system, allows the adjustment of the printer position both in height (distance from the substrate) and in transverse position with respect to the material.
With this option, the head cleaning and resting activities are manual.
Spark RFID™
RFID antenna and reader
What is Spark RFID?
Spark RFID™ is a system completely designed and built by our R&D department and allows to control and encode any RFID TAG (UHF, HF, NFC, BLE and RF, …), ensuring maximum reliability and efficiency.
The system reliability is also the result of continuous collaboration with chip and Inlay manufacturers such as:
Modular system that can be configured according to individual needs
Due to its modular structure SPARK RFID can be configured in different modes to allow the best productivity according to production needs and the type of RFID to be processed.
Easy encoding, even for inexperienced operators
Thanks to our fully graphical GMG RFID Memory Map™ editor, the creation of any type of encoding finally becomes intuitive and accessible to everyone.
Ǫuick and intuitive setup, even for inexperienced operators
Setting up RFID production becomes quick and accessible to every operator; thanks to the high level of automation, our machines can be operated autonomously by any finishing operator without requiring specific knowledge of electronics or telecommunications.
System fully integrated into the machine control panel
The system is fully integrated into the machine control panel allowing a wide range of advantages
100% compliant with regulatory standards
Certified CE Marking
CE marking plays an increasingly important role in protecting operators and the enterprise.
For Graphimecc this is an indispensable value.
Advanced levels of automation
Integration with external software
The machine is natively integrable either directly or with the GM ENTERPRISE™ CMS with any ERP and enterprise database ensuring secure, real-time data exchange.
Usable by any operator
Fully graphical interface
Designed to be usable by any operator regardless of experience level.
Advanced operator login
Integration with user management via corporate Active Directory for machine access in compliance with internal security policies.
To certify the quality of production
Automatic production reports
The machine generates various production reports fully automatically and with customisable content.
Automatically eliminates all production errors
ZERO™: the technology that enables you to produce a 100% error free finished
Developed since 1999, it is now in its 5th generation and is the most advanced technology for:
ZERO™ represents the next generation of quality finishing in that it allows:
ZERO™: the technology that guarantees the highest productivity
ZERO™ enables productivity levels up to 10 times higher than other solutions available on the market.
ZERO™ enables productivity levels up to 10 times higher than other solutions available on the market.
ZERO™ allows you to choose between 21 different error management processes to meet every production need.
Detects all errors with absolute precision
Inspection of Variable data
You can manage the control of any type of variable data: OCR, Linear Barcode (1D and 2D), 2D Matrix Barcodes with different encoding types (Industrial, GS1, …).
Inspection of printing defects of the graphic products
You can manage the inspection of various printing defects typically related to the graphics part such as: scratches, smudges, streaks, spots, ink splashes, ghost effects, torn material, creases, color deviation, …
Modular control features
With our fully graphical GMG Layout EditorTM, configuration of each control feature becomes intuitive and accessible to everyone.
Ability to customize the vision system to your specific needs
Machine configuration also allows you to choose the vision system best suited to your production needs:
Our specialty since 1999
Print every type of variable data
You can manage the printing of any type of variable data: OCR, Linear Barcode (1D and 2D), 2D Matrix Barcodes with different encoding types (Industrial, GS1, …).
OCR
Linear barcodes 1D
Matrix barcodes 2D
Advanced Variable Data Printing Functionality
Thanks to our fully graphical GMG Layout Editor™, creating any type of variable data printout becomes intuitive and accessible to everyone.
Ability to manage any type of protocol and sequence
Variable data printing can be configured by choosing from a wide range of fonts and codes to which sequences of all types can be linked, being able to meet every production need.
Possibility to integrate a wide range of printing systems
The machine can be configured by integrating different printing units to best meet production needs and investment budget.
