2D Barcodes

A traditional barcode can only express a single number. This is no longer enough for products that move through complex supply chains or require detailed tracking. A 2D barcode can contain identifiers, batch information, production dates, expiry information and other essential elements that give context to the product. This additional data makes the symbol far more useful throughout the product’s lifecycle.

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Food and beverage brands rely heavily on the ability to understand where each unit has come from and what conditions it has gone through. Ingredients, origin records, processing steps and quality checks all form part of a product’s history. A 2D barcode allows this information to sit in one place so that it can be accessed whenever needed. The result is a clearer picture of every batch and a more confident handling of the product as it moves from production to consumption.

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As regulations evolve and consumers expect more transparency, packaging must convey more information without becoming crowded or difficult to read. A 2D barcode allows multiple data elements to be consolidated into a single mark. Design teams can keep packaging clean while operational teams still benefit from full, actionable product information.

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This balance between clean design and data-rich identification is one of the key reasons 2D barcodes are being adopted across modern supply chains. They maintain visual simplicity while carrying the depth of information needed behind the scenes.

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Introducing 2D barcodes requires more than producing a new symbol. It demands accurate data, correct formatting and proper validation. Orijin Plus manages the full implementation, from preparing and structuring the necessary product information to generating the GS1-aligned symbols and embedding them into your packaging files. Once created, the codes are tested across real scanning environments to ensure they behave exactly as expected.

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The process does not require changes to your existing systems. Instead, the barcode becomes a natural extension of the way your products are already managed. The result is a trustworthy identification system that fits smoothly into your existing workflow.

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Food and beverage products carry requirements that many other sectors do not. Shelf-life information, ingredient variations, allergen considerations and origin details all contribute to how a product must be represented.

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A 2D barcode is well suited to this environment because it can store these elements in a structured, reliable format. Whether you produce a single product line or a portfolio of SKUs, the structure remains consistent and scalable.

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This creates a stable foundation for product identification that grows with your business while maintaining the accuracy needed for a responsible food system.

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Orijin Plus provides a complete pathway for brands who want to upgrade to 2D barcodes with confidence. If you want to understand what this change means for your packaging, production and traceability systems, we can walk you through a full review and provide clear guidance on the next steps.