Future-Proof Your Packaging with Next-Gen 2D Barcodes.
Retail giants are upgrading their scanners. The traditional "zebra stripe" barcode is evolving into the GS1 2D Barcode—a single QR-style code that scans at checkout and connects customers to your brand. Skip the confusion of new retail standards and let us bridge the gap for you.
Why smart brands are switching to IBN Link:
- Scans at Checkout: Powered by retail standards, these codes replace traditional barcodes for point-of-sale scanning.
- Connects with Customers: Unlike static barcodes, these contain a "Digital Link" that redirects phones to your product info, promos, or recipes.
- Holds More Data: Embed expiry dates, batch numbers, and net weights directly into the code to streamline inventory.
- Risk-Free Trial: Try the IBN Link platform free for 1 year. No commitment, just premium benefits.
The Evolution of the Scan
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The clock is ticking: Sunrise 2027.
By 2027, retailers worldwide (including the Philippines) are expected to fully support 2D scanning at the register. It's the biggest change in retail since the 70s. We recommend adding both the traditional EAN image and the new 2D barcode to your packaging now, so you are ready when the switch flips.
Straight Talk on 2D Barcodes
Navigating the shift from stripes to squares doesn't have to be a headache. Here is what you need to know.
You might hear this technology called by many names: 2D Barcodes, Product QR Codes, or GS1 Digital Link. In the Philippines retail industry, these terms are often used interchangeably.
While it looks like a regular QR code, it is backed by a GS1 Resolver. This invisible engine allows the code to be scanned at the register for the price, or on a phone for the product info. Our system handles all that complex resolver tech for you.
You have some breathing room, but the clock is ticking. The global retail industry (including the Philippines) has set a target called Sunrise 2027. By that date, all retailer Point-of-Sale (POS) systems should be able to scan 2D barcodes.
Since packaging redesigns take time, we recommend adding a 2D barcode alongside your traditional barcode now. This future-proofs your product so you don't have to panic in 2027.
No. If you already have an EAN-13 number, you keep it. That number is simply encoded inside the new 2D square image.
Think of it like getting a new ID card: the photo looks different, but your ID number stays the same. If you don't have a barcode number yet, you will need to buy barcodes from us first.
Not yet. While modern scanners can read the new 2D codes, many smaller shops and older systems still rely on the traditional EAN stripes.
For now, the safest bet is "Dual Marking"—printing both the EAN image and the 2D barcode on your package. Eventually, once the transition is complete globally, you will be able to use just the 2D code.
They look similar, but they act very differently. A standard QR code usually just opens a website link.
A 2D Barcode is smarter. It follows strict retail standards (GS1 Digital Link) to encode your product's GTIN (EAN number), batch numbers, and expiry dates plus a web link. This allows it to go "beep" at the checkout register, whereas a normal QR code cannot be scanned for purchase.
Yes! You can register on our free Customer Portal to generate basic 2D barcodes using GTINs purchased from us.
However, for the full "smart packaging" experience, including premium product data management and editable links, we recommend our IBN Link subscription (which is currently free for the first year).
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