Sunrise 2027 FAQ: What Businesses Need to Know
Manufacturers, retailers, brand owners, distributors, and logistics providers are preparing for one of the most significant barcode changes in decades.
Known as Sunrise 2027, this global initiative is driving the adoption of 2D barcodes at the point of sale (POS) and throughout the supply chain. While the transition will unfold over several years, businesses should begin evaluating their barcode printing and scanning capabilities now.
To help organizations prepare, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Sunrise 2027.
What is Sunrise 2027?
Sunrise 2027 is a global initiative led by GS1 to transition from traditional one-dimensional (1D) barcodes, such as UPC and EAN codes, to two-dimensional (2D) barcodes at the point of sale (POS) by the end of 2027.
Unlike traditional barcodes, 2D barcodes can store significantly more information, including:
- Product identification numbers (GTINs)
- Expiration dates
- Batch and lot numbers
- Serial numbers
- Traceability information
- Sustainability and product data
As a result, the initiative is designed to create a more connected and data-rich retail and supply chain ecosystem.
Will 1D barcodes disappear in 2027?
No. Traditional 1D barcodes are not expected to disappear in 2027.
Instead, businesses should expect a gradual transition where 1D and 2D barcodes coexist for many years. In fact, many products will feature both formats during the migration period, allowing retailers and supply chain partners to adopt new technologies at their own pace.
Why is Sunrise 2027 important?
Sunrise 2027 represents much more than a barcode update.
In addition, the move to 2D barcodes can help organizations improve:
- Product traceability
- Inventory visibility
- Recall management
- Supply chain transparency
- Consumer engagement
- Data accuracy
As retailers and supply chain partners modernize their systems, organizations that prepare early may gain operational advantages while reducing future disruption.
Which industries are most affected by Sunrise 2027?
Although Sunrise 2027 is driven by retail point-of-sale modernization, much of the operational impact occurs upstream in the supply chain.
In particular, industries likely to see the greatest impact include:
- Manufacturing
- Packaging
- Warehousing
- Distribution
- Logistics
This is where products are labeled, encoded, and verified before they reach retail shelves.
Which 2D barcodes support Sunrise 2027 requirements?
Two barcode formats are expected to play a major role in Sunrise 2027.
GS1 QR Code
GS1 QR Codes combine QR functionality with standardized product data. They can include:
- GTIN information
- Batch and lot numbers
- Expiration dates
- Serial numbers
- Consumer-facing links
As a result, GS1 QR Codes are expected to become widely used in retail environments.
GS1 DataMatrix
GS1 DataMatrix codes are commonly used in industries requiring high traceability, such as healthcare and manufacturing.
Additionally, they provide a compact way to store structured product information while maintaining a small footprint on packaging.
What is GS1 Digital Link?
GS1 Digital Link is a standard that transforms product identifiers into web-enabled links.
Instead of only storing a numeric code, a GS1 Digital Link barcode can connect users to digital experiences such as:
- Product information pages
- Usage instructions
- Sustainability details
- Authentication resources
- Promotional content
Ultimately, this bridges physical products with digital engagement while supporting supply chain workflows.
Will retailers need to upgrade barcode scanners?
Possibly.
Many retailers will eventually need point-of-sale scanners capable of reading GS1-compliant 2D barcodes. However, timelines will vary depending on existing infrastructure and business priorities.
Therefore, retailers should evaluate:
- Current scanner capabilities
- POS software compatibility
- Firmware upgrade options
- Store infrastructure readiness
- Long-term operational requirements
By planning in phases, businesses can reduce disruption and improve readiness over time.
Will companies need to upgrade barcode printers?
Possibly.
However, organizations should first assess whether current printing systems can consistently produce high-quality 2D barcodes.
Key considerations include:
- Print resolution capabilities
- Barcode readability and verification
- Variable data support
- Media compatibility
- Print consistency in high-volume environments
- Printhead condition and lifecycle
Although older printers may still produce 2D barcodes, they may not always deliver the reliability required for consistent scanning performance.
How can businesses determine if printers are Sunrise 2027 ready?
To begin with, organizations should evaluate their current barcode printing environment.
Key questions include:
- Are barcodes consistently clear and readable?
- Does the printer meet required resolution standards?
- Are scan rates reliable across environments?
- Is the system compatible with variable data requirements?
- Is the printer nearing end of life?
In addition, businesses may benefit from print quality testing and consultation with barcode specialists to identify gaps early.
What should businesses look for in a barcode printer?
When evaluating solutions, organizations should prioritize printers that offer:
- Reliable 2D barcode printing
- High-resolution output
- Consistent print quality
- Variable data support
- Workflow integration
- High-duty cycle performance
- Industry standard compatibility
In industrial environments, rugged performance is especially important for producing small, data-dense barcodes at scale.
What are the risks of poor barcode printing?
Poor barcode quality can create serious operational issues.
For example, it may lead to:
- Scan failures
- Data errors
- Traceability gaps
- Shipment delays
- Supply chain disruptions
- Compliance issues
- Higher labor costs
As 2D barcode adoption increases, print quality becomes even more critical.
What happens if companies delay preparation?
If organizations postpone readiness efforts, they may face:
- Higher implementation costs
- Retail onboarding challenges
- Reduced efficiency
- Increased IT complexity
- Missed automation opportunities
- Competitive disadvantages
Consequently, early preparation helps ensure a smoother and more cost-effective transition.
How should businesses prepare for Sunrise 2027?
Organizations should start by assessing their current barcode ecosystem.
Recommended steps include:
- Auditing barcode printers and scanners
- Evaluating barcode quality and readability
- Reviewing print resolution and media compatibility
- Assessing traceability requirements
- Aligning with GS1 standards
- Identifying upgrade needs
Overall, early planning reduces risk and supports a more controlled transition.
How Toshiba can help with Sunrise 2027
As businesses prepare for Sunrise 2027, selecting the right barcode printing technology is essential.
Toshiba offers a portfolio of industrial and desktop thermal printers designed for demanding environments across manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and logistics.
In particular, the Toshiba BX Series industrial printers are well suited for the transition to 2D barcodes. They deliver high print quality, strong reliability, and workflow flexibility.
Additionally, Toshiba’s A-BRID operating system supports direct PDF printing. As a result, modern label designs with 2D barcodes can be sent directly to the printer without complex driver dependencies.
The BX Series also includes Print Data Conversion, which enables organizations to convert or add barcode data into 2D formats at the printer level. This capability allows businesses to begin transitioning without immediately redesigning labels or backend systems.
Together, these features help organizations:
- Accelerate 2D barcode adoption
- Extend existing system lifecycles
- Reduce IT complexity
- Minimize operational disruption
- Support hybrid 1D and 2D strategies
Whether evaluating current infrastructure or planning future upgrades, Toshiba can help assess readiness and identify scalable solutions.
The bottom line
Sunrise 2027 is not just a barcode change. Instead, it represents a broader shift toward data-driven supply chains, improved traceability, and enhanced customer engagement.
Ultimately, organizations that prepare early will be better positioned to adapt to evolving industry requirements while maximizing the benefits of 2D barcode technology.
