How to Use QR Codes to Boost Product Transparency

In today’s world, consumers are more informed and inquisitive than ever before. They want to understand the story behind the products they buy, where it comes from, how it was made, and whether it aligns with their values. This demand for information is driving a shift in how food and beverage brands approach packaging. One of the simplest and most effective ways to meet this demand is through the use of smart, scan-enabled packaging. A quick scan with a smartphone can reveal a wealth of information that goes far beyond what can be communicated through traditional labeling.

At OrijinPlus, we help food and beverage brands bridge the gap between their physical packaging and the digital world. By transforming labels into gateways of verified data, we enable consumers to make informed decisions based on transparency and trust. With connected packaging, the story of the product doesn’t end at the shelf, it extends to a digital experience that empowers consumers with knowledge at their fingertips.

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Why Transparency Strengthens Food and Beverage Brands

In an increasingly crowded marketplace, trust is the key to building lasting consumer loyalty. Shoppers are no longer satisfied with vague claims about quality, sustainability, or sourcing,they want proof. If they can’t find it with one brand, they’ll look for another that provides the transparency they’re seeking. The ability to verify a brand’s claims through accessible, reliable information is no longer just a luxury; it’s an expectation.

Transparency achieved through scan-enabled packaging not only answers consumer questions but also strengthens a brand’s reputation. It reinforces authenticity, demonstrating that a company is committed to its values and ethical practices. It also shows compliance with industry standards, ensuring that consumers can trust the products they purchase. Moreover, when consumers can easily verify claims about a product, they’re more likely to become repeat buyers and even advocates for the brand.

Ultimately, product transparency isn’t just about what you say; it’s about proving it with real, accessible information that consumers can trust.

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The Power of Scannable Packaging

A small digital code, such as a QR code can unlock a world of detailed, verified product information. These scan points act as bridges between the physical packaging and the digital world, providing an interactive experience for consumers that traditional labels simply cannot.

When a shopper scans the code, they gain instant access to important details, such as the origins of ingredients, the sustainability practices of the brand, and even batch-level production data. This transformation turns packaging from a simple container into a powerful communication tool. By providing traceable, reliable information at the point of sale, brands can build trust and respond directly to consumer concerns about the products they buy.

Consumers today are looking for more than just ingredients, they want to understand how those ingredients were sourced, whether the product is safe, and whether it aligns with their ethical values. By providing this kind of transparency, brands create an opportunity to engage with consumers in a more meaningful and authentic way, showing that they care about the products they make and the impact they have.

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Preparing for the Next Evolution: 2D Barcodes and the 2027 Standard

The global trend towards more data-rich product identifiers is already underway. Under the GS1 “Sunrise 2027” initiative, 1D barcodes are set to be replaced by more information-dense 2D barcodes, such as QR codes and Data Matrix codes. This shift is part of a broader move to make product identifiers more scalable and rich with data, enabling brands to provide even more detailed insights to consumers and regulators.

The adoption of 2D barcodes will allow food and beverage products to carry a scannable identity that connects the physical item to a secure online source, providing real-time updates and more detailed product information. As this transition begins, food brands will need to adopt these new codes to remain compliant with industry standards and to meet the increasing demand for transparency.

At OrijinPlus, we’re here to help brands prepare for this shift. We integrate smart codes into packaging workflows without disrupting compliance or design, ensuring that brands are ready for the 2027 standard while meeting consumer expectations for transparency.

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Creating Trust with Verified Digital Stories

Transparency isn’t just about providing data; it’s about telling a compelling, authentic story that consumers can connect with. When food brands use digital verification systems, each scan offers a glimpse into the journey of the product, helping consumers connect with the brand on a deeper, more personal level.

Leading food brands are already using digital packaging to enhance consumer trust by sharing real, verifiable stories about their products. For instance, brands are tracing the journey of ingredients from farm to table, offering interactive recipe content linked to specific product batches, and sharing sustainability insights backed by third-party data. These experiences turn routine purchases into moments of engagement, strengthening the connection between the brand and the consumer.

By telling these digital stories through scannable packaging, brands can create a sense of authenticity that’s difficult to achieve through traditional labels alone. These moments of engagement not only reinforce a brand’s commitment to quality but also help build long-term relationships with consumers who value transparency.

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How OrijinPlus Supports Transparency Initiatives

At OrijinPlus, we empower food and beverage brands to embrace transparency by digitizing their supply chains and connecting directly with consumers through secure, traceable product data. Our solutions allow brands to:

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• Embed scan-enabled technology into any packaging format, making it easy to integrate without disrupting existing workflows
• Manage verified digital profiles for each product, ensuring that the information consumers access is reliable and up-to-date
• Update and localize product information instantly, so brands don’t need to reprint labels or redesign packaging each time an update is needed

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Through these capabilities, we help brands bring transparency to life, ensuring that every product is backed by authentic, traceable data that consumers can trust.

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The Road Ahead

As the food industry continues to evolve towards a more digital-first approach to transparency, packaging is becoming more than just a label. It’s transforming into a powerful proof point, an extension of the brand that reinforces trust and authenticity. By integrating scan-enabled technology into packaging today, food brands can stay ahead of regulatory changes, build consumer confidence, and meet the growing demand for transparency.

At OrijinPlus, we’re helping brands take the first step into the future of product transparency. Every scan represents a moment of engagement, a moment of trust, and a moment of authenticity.

With OrijinPlus, every scan tells the truth, about your product’s origin, its production process, and the promises you make to your customers. Together, we’re building a more transparent, trustworthy food and beverage industry, where consumers can always feel confident in the products they choose.

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