Why 2D Code Printing and Inspection on Cases Are Surging in Food Packaging

In food production, especially, this shift impacts more than just the appearance of a label. It changes how traceability data is captured, how quickly recalls can be managed, and how effectively a brand can meet packaging compliance requirements without slowing production. At the same time, automation is removing traditional manual checks, making it vital to combine high-quality printing with inline 2D barcode inspection to verify accuracy at full speed.

The GS1 “Sunrise 2027” initiative is at the heart of the movement. This global standard will make GS1 Digital Link 2D codes accepted at the point of sale worldwide, replacing the need for multiple data carriers on a single package. One scan can now deliver point-of-sale data, feed warehouse inventory systems, or provide shoppers with direct access to ingredient lists, allergen details, and sustainability information.

Consumer expectations are pushing adoption just as much as regulatory updates. Recent data shows that over 75% of shoppers value detailed product information when deciding on a purchase, and nearly 80% are more likely to buy if they can scan a code on their phone for instant access. Brands are responding by adopting case coding systems capable of embedding this information in a single, scannable code.

For forward-looking manufacturers, early adoption is already paying off. 2D codes are being used to speed up stock rotation, run targeted promotions, reduce waste, and improve recall processes, all well ahead of the 2027 implementation date.

Compliance pressures are mounting. In the U.S., the FDA’s Food Traceability Final Rule (FSMA 204) requires end-to-end food packaging traceability for certain categories, with detailed records maintained at each stage of the supply chain. In Europe and other markets, similar requirements are in place or on the horizon.

A GS1 Digital Link 2D code allows those records to travel with the product itself. A scan by a retailer’s POS might confirm batch and tax data, while a consumer scanning the same code could view recipes, farm-of-origin details, or storage recommendations. The same system supports packaging compliance by keeping all required information accessible without crowding the physical label.

On the operations side, rich code data can streamline product changeovers, reduce labeling errors, and feed directly into automated quality control systems. By aligning compliance and transparency goals within a single automated print inspection system, manufacturers can achieve both regulatory compliance and customer trust.

The transition to 2D codes is not just a matter of swapping printers. Dynamic, variable data has to be applied inline, at the speed of production, and often to materials that vary in texture, shape, or finish. High-speed case coding environments can process hundreds of units per minute, making code stability and readability a significant challenge.

Automation compounds the need for integrated verification. When palletizing robots replace manual stacking, there’s no operator looking for smudges or missing codes. This is where automated print inspection systems are needed to validate every mark before it leaves the line, without slowing production or adding manual steps.

Conventional setups often separate printing and inspection, requiring more equipment, more setup time, and more chances for misalignment. Without integrated inspection, defective codes might only be caught during random checks, if they’re caught at all.

The CC-1000 Series combines case coding and automated print inspection systems in a single unit, reducing equipment footprint, setup time, and waste. Fewer unreadable codes mean fewer rejected cases, faster recalls when needed, and better compliance performance. As 2027 approaches, it’s already capable of meeting the data capacity requirements for GS1 Digital Link 2D codes.

The rise of 2D code printing is reshaping how food packaging connects to data. For manufacturers, it’s a direct route to better food packaging traceability, smoother compliance, and stronger customer engagement.

The MK-G Series continuous inkjet printers and the CC-1000 Series make it possible to apply and verify high-quality codes in a single process, even in the most demanding production environments. It’s a solution built for speed, accuracy, and the evolving demands of modern packaging compliance.

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