Thermal Inkjets: Unlocking 2D Barcode Success Ahead of Sunrise 2027

The sun is setting on linear 1D barcodes. With 2D barcodes set to dominate the future, RYNAN Printing drives the 2D revolution with smarter coding and innovative Thermal Inkjet solutions. Are you ready to stay ahead of the game?

The linear barcode is getting a major update with GS1’s Sunrise 2027 initiative. This global transition from 1D barcodes to data-rich 2D barcodes promises to radically transform the retail landscape and revolutionize how manufacturers, brands, and consumers interact with products. But why are 2D barcodes becoming the new standard, and how can businesses set themselves up for success? RYNAN Printing helps companies navigate the shift into Sunrise 2027 with Thermal Inkjet solutions designed for the 2D barcode future.

Why 2D Barcodes Are Revolutionizing The Future Of Retail And Supply Chain

The black-and-white striped 1D barcode has been a hallmark on product labels since 1974. Most consumer products carry a UPC or EAN barcode with a unique GTIN for item identification and price look-up at retail checkouts. For 50 years, this innovation has been a cornerstone across industries, reliably delivering key information such as product type, color, size, and price for inventory management and product tracking. But, as consumer needs shift towards greater traceability and interactive experiences, it's clear that these linear stripes are reaching their limitations. 

Today's consumers expect authenticity, transparency, and personalized engagements throughout their purchasing journey, creating a growing demand for end-to-end product traceability. Almost 40% of QR codes scanned globally are attributed to marketing campaigns. Compared to traditional barcodes, 2D barcodes such as QR codes and Data Matrix can store exponentially more data in a compact space, offering enhanced versatility for advanced applications. Enabled by the GS1 Digital Link, the system transforms 2D barcodes into web links that connect products to dynamic, brand-curated digital content to enrich consumer experiences. Worldwide, 70% of brands use social media QR codes to boost engagement and grow follower counts by 35%. 

Scanning a QR code on a bottle of wine, for example, can unlock tailored content for consumers—such as wine accolades, authenticity checks, sustainable practices, and personalized offers—while equipping retailers with key information like stock levels, batch tracking, expiry alerts, and recall notifications. This dynamic capability showcases how these next-generation barcodes, powered by GS1 Digital Link, enhance transparency, traceability, and engagement across the supply chain to provide real-time value at every touchpoint. 

The 2D barcode has evolved into an indispensable tool in almost all industries. Since 2021, the consumer goods industry saw a 247% jump in QR code usage, while the marketing and advertising sectors recorded a whopping 323% increase in QR code scanning. As e-commerce grows and 2D barcodes prove well-equipped to handle data-rich demands, the ambitious goal of fully adopting 2D barcodes seems increasingly attainable.

Powering Business Growth With Thermal Inkjet For The 2D Future

The global move to 2D barcodes is more than a technological evolution — it's about ensuring businesses are ready for the future. With 2D barcodes set to become the gold standard, upfront investments and temporary workflow disruptions are inevitable.

As manufacturers and retailers work towards the 2027 milestone, they must invest in new scanning technologies to support both traditional and 2D barcodes. With 2D barcodes containing more data, robust data protection systems must also be in place to safeguard sensitive information. Additionally, training staff on new software and equipment will ensure a hassle-free and smooth integration with existing systems. 

High-quality 2D barcodes demand advanced printing solutions, and choosing the right coding and marking technology is crucial for ensuring accuracy and efficiency. While options such as Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) and Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) are commonly used, TIJ shines as the superior option for 2D barcodes. 

TIJ delivers precise, high-resolution prints needed for 2D barcode accuracy, using environmentally friendly solutions and maintenance-free cartridges with no risks of ink spills. In contrast, CIJ relies on solvent-based inks that emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during printing. 

Infrastructure investments, operating costs, and operational downtime are key considerations when deciding on the right coding and marking technology in anticipation of Sunrise 2027. TIJ printers are affordable, easy to install, and don't require regular maintenance. They also consume up to 80% less power than CIJ printers and are capable of high-speed printing. 

CIJ may have been commonly used to print barcodes, expiry dates, etc. However, TIJ systems have since become a reliable, more cost-efficient option for many substrate types, including non-porous, flexible packaging, glossy, and uneven and curved surfaces. For businesses prioritizing quality and sustainability, TIJ stands out with a clear advantage.

Step Confidently Into Sunrise 2027 With Thermal Inkjet Solutions By RYNAN Printing 

Advancing into Sunrise 2027 is a step towards smarter, future-ready systems. Adopting 2D barcodes compels retailers to upgrade POS and scanning equipment while ensuring seamless system integration to harness the rich data these barcodes offer. The end-to-end visibility also better protects companies against counterfeiting by enabling more robust authentication and tracking at every stage of the product journey.

By acting now, brands and retailers can unlock the full potential of 2D codes and connect with consumers in ways that enhance engagement, transparency, and personalized experiences. 

Begin your 2D Barcode Journey with RYNAN Printing and get a head start today. Explore our RYNAN TIJ Printers for high-speed printing that will take you into Sunrise 2027 and beyond.