GS1 Digital Link QR Code Solutions
Turn every product pack into a connected digital experience with GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes from Markem-Imaje, available through Al Thika Packaging LLC across the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
A single GS1-compliant 2D barcode can connect a product to digital information such as ingredients, allergen details, batch number, expiry date, traceability data, product authenticity and promotional content. When scanned, it directs customers, retailers or supply-chain partners to the right information for that specific product, replacing the need for multiple codes on one pack.
What is GS1 Digital Link?
GS1 Digital Link is a global standard that embeds a product's GS1 identification number, such as its GTIN, into a 2D barcode or QR code that resolves to online information.
Instead of using separate codes for different purposes, one 2D barcode can support product identification, traceability, consumer information, loyalty campaigns and supply-chain visibility, all from a single scan.
This standard is central to the global transition from traditional linear barcodes to 2D barcodes at the retail point of sale, a shift already underway through the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative.
What is GS1 Sunrise 2027?
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is the global initiative setting the target date for retail point-of-sale systems worldwide to accept 2D barcodes, including GS1 Digital Link QR codes, alongside traditional linear barcodes.
After 2027, manufacturers that have adopted GS1 Digital Link will be able to use a single 2D barcode on packaging to serve both checkout scanning and digital engagement, replacing the current approach of printing multiple codes for different purposes.
For manufacturers in the UAE and across the Gulf, preparing ahead of the Sunrise 2027 deadline means avoiding last-minute line changes and ensuring packaging is ready for retailers that begin requiring 2D barcodes at point of sale.
Markem-Imaje provides the coding, software and verification technology needed to introduce GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes into a production process, giving manufacturers the tools to act now rather than react later.
A Complete GS1 Digital Link Solution
Markem-Imaje provides an end-to-end approach for creating, printing, managing and verifying GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes on the production line.
Create and manage 2D barcodes
Generate GS1-compliant 2D codes for a product, including dynamic or unique serialised codes. Codes are managed through an intuitive software platform and can be adapted to product, market and campaign requirements.
Print codes on the production line
GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes can be pre-printed on packaging or printed inline during production using compatible Markem-Imaje coding technologies, including thermal transfer overprinters, laser coders and print and apply labelling systems.
Add live production information
Variable production data can be added directly to the 2D barcode, including:
- Batch or lot number
- Best-before or expiry date
- Serial number
- Product weight or price
- Manufacturing information
This supports more accurate traceability and inventory management across the supply chain.
Verify every printed code
Vision and verification solutions check that each 2D barcode is correctly printed, readable and GS1-compliant before the product leaves the line. This helps protect retailer acceptance and reduces coding errors that could cause rejections at goods-in.
Connect scans to digital content
Each scan can open a branded, mobile-friendly landing page. Content can be updated without changing the printed packaging artwork.
Possible content includes:
- Ingredients and allergen information
- Product origin and sustainability details
- Usage instructions
- Promotions and loyalty campaigns
- Product authentication
- Recall or safety information
- E-commerce links
- Brand stories and videos
Benefits for Food and Beverage Manufacturers
GS1 Digital Link helps manufacturers make packaging more useful for both operations and customers and supports the traceability expectations behind HACCP, BRCGS and IFS audits.
- Improve batch-level traceability with 2D barcodes that carry production data
- Share clearer product and allergen information directly from the pack
- Support product recalls and expiry-date management
- Create a direct digital connection with consumers
- Reduce the need for multiple codes on packaging
- Prepare for the GS1 Sunrise 2027 retail compliance deadline
- Gain insight into how and where consumers engage with products
Suitable for Multiple Industries
GS1 Digital Link helps manufacturers make packaging more useful for both operations and customers and supports the traceability expectations behind HACCP, BRCGS and IFS audits.
GS1 Digital Link 2D barcode solutions can support:
- Food and beverage
- Dairy and bakery
- Meat, poultry and ready meals
- Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
- Cosmetics and personal care
- Retail and FMCG
- Industrial products and spare parts
For industrial applications, unique 2D barcodes can also support authentication, anti-counterfeiting and supply-chain visibility.
GS1 Digital Link Solutions in the UAE
Al Thika Packaging LLC is a Markem-Imaje distributor in the UAE, supporting manufacturers with coding, marking, traceability and production-line integration solutions across the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
The Al Thika Packaging team can help assess an existing packaging line, select suitable coding technology and explore how GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes can be introduced into a production process, ahead of the Sunrise 2027 deadline.
Request a GS1 Digital Link Demonstration
Discover how a printed 2D barcode can connect packaging to traceability data, product information and customer engagement.
Contact Al Thika Packaging LLC to discuss a GS1 Digital Link solution for a production line in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and across the UAE.
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is the global deadline for retail point-of-sale systems to begin accepting 2D barcodes alongside traditional linear barcodes. Manufacturers in the UAE that adopt GS1 Digital Link ahead of this deadline can avoid rushed line changes and ensure packaging meets future retailer requirements across the Gulf and international export markets.
GS1 Digital Link is not currently mandatory in the UAE, but it reflects the direction set by GS1 Sunrise 2027, the global move towards 2D barcodes at the retail point of sale. Introducing it early helps manufacturers stay ahead of future retailer and regulatory requirements rather than reacting to them later.
In many cases, yes. Compatible Markem-Imaje coding technologies, including thermal transfer overprinters, laser coders, continuous inkjet printers and print and apply labelling systems, can print GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes, often without a full line change. An assessment of the existing line will confirm compatibility.
A regular QR code typically links to one fixed piece of content. A GS1 Digital Link code is built on a product's GS1 identification number (such as its GTIN), so the same 2D barcode can carry structured data like batch, expiry and traceability information while also linking to consumer-facing content, replacing the need for multiple separate codes on one pack.
Food and beverage, dairy, meat and poultry, pharmaceuticals and personal care manufacturers benefit most, particularly those exporting to markets where 2D barcode adoption is accelerating ahead of GS1 Sunrise 2027. Any manufacturer handling batch traceability, expiry management or product recalls can use GS1 Digital Link to improve accuracy and visibility.