For product identification and packaging, GS1 QR codes are now being widely adopted as the new standard.
Did you know?
More than 2 million businesses around the world use GS1 standards. These standards create unique product IDs and allow for reliable scanning in various industries.
These QR codes help brands share extra product details, track items better, and prepare for future retail trends.
A. What is a GS1 QR Code and How Does It Work?
A GS1 QR Code is a 2D barcode created using GS1 Digital Link standards. Unlike traditional barcodes, a GS1 QR code carries structured data like:
- GTIN (product ID)
- Batch or lot number
- Expiry or manufacturing date
- Serial number
- Price or weight (for variable products)
- Web links to product pages, manuals, recalls, or certificates
These codes can be scanned by POS scanners as well as smartphones. They help to improve inventory control, enable real-time tracking, and ensure precise product identification.
Jon R. Moeller, CEO of Procter & Gamble, asserts that today’s shoppers and regulators want way more info than a standard barcode can hold. He believes the fix is switching to 2D barcodes (like QR codes). He explains that these "smart" barcodes can store everything a customer wants to know and track a product’s journey, all while still working perfectly at the checkout scanner.
Picking the best GS1 QR code generator helps brands make QR codes that follow standards, are flexible, and work well on product packaging.
B. What Are the Best GS1 QR Code Generators?
When picking a GS1 QR code generator, it’s important to consider a few key things:
- Must follow GS1 Digital Link rules for global use.
- Should support dynamic QR codes that can be updated anytime.
- It allows bulk creation and GTIN-based QR codes for many products.
- Offers customization to match your brand’s look.
- Includes scan tracking, analytics, and secure hosting for better control.
Below are some of the top tools that businesses commonly use for creating GS1-compliant QR codes for product packaging and retail use.
1. Scanova
Scanova provides a reliable platform to help brands create, customize, and manage GS1-compliant QR Codes. You can use a GS1 subdomain, Scanova’s domain, or your own custom domain to keep your branding consistent.
It also supports backward compatibility, so the QR Code works even with older scanners or if it gets slightly damaged.
With dynamic GS1 QR Codes, you can update links, product details, or offers even after the code is printed. These QR Codes can link to websites, apps, or files so customers get information quickly.
Scanova allows bulk QR Code creation, making it easy to manage many products at once. You can customize the QR design and track scans to see how customers interact with your product.
2. QR TIGER
QR TIGER is a popular QR platform that supports GS1 Digital Link QR codes with dynamic functionality. GS1 Digital Link QR codes can hold all product details in one place, like product IDs, links, files, and more. All this information can be updated anytime without changing the QR code.
QR TIGER lets you edit your GS1 QR code data whenever you want, so there’s no need to reprint packaging and waste money. You can also see how people scan your QR codes, including the time, place, and device used.
The QR codes can be customized with your brand colors, logos, and styles to look more trustworthy and familiar. It connects easily with tools like Zapier, HubSpot, Canva, GA4, and Facebook Pixel.
With fast servers, high uptime, and 24/7 support, your QR codes work smoothly anytime you need them.
3. Bitly (2D Barcodes)
Bitly offers GS1 Digital Link–enabled 2D barcodes that combine QR code functionality with advanced link management.
Each GS1 QR code includes the product’s GTIN, so it can be scanned easily at checkout. The same code can also be scanned on a smartphone to open a product website.
Brands can update links or content anytime without changing the packaging. These codes help track the product through its full journey, from store shelf to recycling.
Scan data shows when, where, and how people are scanning the code. All QR codes and links can be managed from one central dashboard. The same code works across packaging, ads, emails, and in-store displays.
4. Orca Scan
Orca Scan focuses on operational and supply chain use cases for GS1 Digital Link QR codes.You can easily create and print GS1-compliant QR codes that work perfectly on product packaging and labels.
Your branding stays consistent because your logo, colours, images, and links are automatically added.
You control what customers see after scanning, like product details, updates, or special offers. Customers can scan the QR code with any smartphone camera—no app needed at all.
Whether you have a few products or thousands of SKUs, everything is quick to set up and easy to manage.
C. Why Should Businesses Use GS1 QR Codes?
1. GS1 QR Codes Are Becoming the New Product Identification Standard
GS1 QR codes are taking over traditional barcodes. They are becoming the global standard for product identification in many industries.
2. One Scan Shows Complete Product Information
GS1 QR codes show detailed product information with one scan. This makes it easy for users to access and understand key details right away.
3. Builds Customer Trust Through Transparency
Clear product information helps customers decide better. It boosts transparency and builds trust between businesses and consumers.
4. Enables End-to-End Product Traceability
GS1 QR codes allow businesses to track products smoothly from manufacturing to warehouses and all the way to retail stores.
5. Supports Smart Packaging and Digital Engagement
GS1 QR codes link physical products to digital content. This smart packaging boosts information sharing and improves customer interaction.
6. Works for Checkout and Customer Engagement
You can scan these QR codes at billing counters for checkout and payment. They also support offers, feedback, and product education.
7. Dynamic Codes Reduce Reprinting Costs
Dynamic GS1 QR codes can be updated anytime. This means you don’t have to reprint or change packaging over and over.
D. Who Should Use a GS1 QR Code Generator?
GS1 QR codes can be used by many different industries because they help store and share product information in a clear and standard way.
1. Retail and FMCG Brands
Retail and FMCG brands use GS1 QR codes to show important product details. These include price, ingredients, expiry dates, and usage instructions. They also engage customers with offers, promotions, and brand content.
2. Manufacturers
Manufacturers use GS1 QR codes to identify products accurately. This helps reduce data errors and manage product information easily across production, warehousing, and distribution.
3. Food, Pharmaceutical, and Healthcare Companies
These industries use GS1 QR codes for transparency and compliance. They share batch numbers, expiry dates, safety info, and other key details with consumers and authorities.
4. Logistics and Supply Chain Teams
Logistics and supply chain teams use GS1 QR codes to track products during storage and transportation, helping them monitor movement, verify shipments, and improve delivery efficiency.
5. Marketing Teams
Marketing teams use GS1 QR codes in smart packaging to link physical products with digital experiences. This includes websites, videos, product stories, and promotional campaigns.
6. Businesses Connecting Physical and Digital Products
Any business that wants to connect physical products to online information can benefit from GS1 QR codes. These codes help customers access digital details quickly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right GS1 QR code generator makes product labeling simple and future-ready. Tools such as Scanova, QR TIGER, Bitly, and Orca Scan help businesses. They create GS1-compliant QR codes, update information anytime, and manage product data easily. The best choice depends on your needs. These tools help track products, improve customer experience, and boost efficiency.
