Sunrise 2027 and Smart-Jet® Printers

Printing GS1 2D Symbols and GS1 Digital Links

Can Smart-Jet® Printers print Sunrise 2027 compliant 2D symbols, as well as the GS1 Digital Link? Yes!

We are prepared to help you and your customers with Sunrise 2027 and GS1 Digital Link questions and compliance. Rather than try to explain what all this means, here is information directly from the source, GS1 (https://www.gs1us.org/industries-and-insights/by-topic/sunrise-2027):

What is Sunrise 2027?
The EAN/UPC bar code, or the one-dimensional (1D) linear bar code, has offered price lookup functionality for decades. However, it is no longer keeping up with today’s growing demands for greater product information transparency, traceability, and authentication. In response, the global supply chain is moving toward two-dimensional (2D) bar codes, including DataMatrix and QR Codes, that can carry more information.

Industry has set a date to make the transition to accepting 2D bar codes at point-of-sale (POS) or point-of-care (POC) — referred to as Sunrise 2027. By the end of 2027, retailers would need to ensure their POS systems are equipped with scanners capable of reading both traditional linear bar codes and 2D bar codes. The shift has already begun with the new technology being tested in 48 countries across the world, representing 88% of the world’s GDP.

2D bar codes allow for a single, standardized way to meet both supply chain needs and evolving consumer requirements. The information carried by 2D bar codes can also help enable:

• Improved inventory management
• Enhanced recall readiness
• Greater sustainability and ethical sourcing
• Better product authentication
• Greater brand trust

With a single scan on a smartphone, consumers can get the information they need, like nutritional information, allergens, sustainability and sourcing data, as well as any other web engagement activities all powered by GS1 Digital Link. That same bar code can be scanned at point of sale for price lookup, at the patient bedside for medication administration, and a variety of other supply chain processes related to inventory management and recall readiness.

GS1 2D Bar Code Generator

What is GS1 Digital Link?

Per GS1 GS1 Digital Link standard provides a,URI syntax 1.6 * 0 (Apr 2025):

Digital Link upgrades traditional 1D linear bar codes to 2D formats (QR codes/DataMatrix) by enabling a single, web-enabled URL standard. It connects physical products to digital information, such as manufacturing history, sustainability data, and marketing content, using GS1 identifiers (GTINs). This standard allows scanning via smartphones or scanners to unlock real-time, personalized, and traceable data, enhancing consumer engagement, supply chain efficiency, and authenticity verification. 

Key Features and Benefits

  • One Code, Many Functions: A single 2D bar code replaces multiple bar codes, serving POS, inventory management, and consumer engagement simultaneously.
  • Web-Enabled Identification: By embedding a URL, it connects products to the internet, allowing for dynamic, up-to-date content.
  • Enhanced Traceability: Facilitates tracking of batch/lot numbers and individual serial numbers for improved recall management and anti-counterfeit measures.
  • Consumer Engagement: Enables brands to deliver rich content (videos, recipes, allergens) directly to consumer smartphones, boosting loyalty.
  • Future-Proofing: Prepares retailers for the transition toward 2D bar codes by 2027 (Sunrise 2027). 

Structure of GS1 Digital Link

The standard follows a structured format that typically includes: 

  • Domain Name (for example, www.msscllc.com)
  • Key Qualifier (for example, Application Identifier 01 for GTIN)
  • Additional Identifiers (for example, Application Identifer 10 for LOT Code, Application Identifier 17 for Expiry/Use By Date)

How It Works

A 2D bar code containing the GS1 Digital Link is scanned. A “resolver” (service that redirects the URL) enables the user to connect to the specific information they need. For instance, a consumer might see product usage instructions, while a logistics provider scanning the same code sees batch details.

GS1 Digital Link Information

How to Create GS1 2D Symbols for Sunrise 2027 Compliance and GS1 Digital Link Symbols with Smart-Jet® Printers

We have created a presentation that walks you through the steps of creating Sunrise 2027 compliant symbols, as well as GS1 Digital Link symbols. To access the information, please click on the link below that takes you to a Dropbox folder that contains the information.

Creating GS1 Sunrise 2027 Symbols and GS1 Digital Links with Smart-Jet® Printers

We understand there is a lot of information available regarding Sunrise 2027 and GS1 Digital Link. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us. We are happy to answer your questions, guide you through the programming and creation of the symbols, and provide any assistance you need.

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