GS1 India is set to host the prestigious GS1 General Assembly 2025 in Mumbai from May 20 to 22. This global gathering is set to welcome industry leaders, including CEOs and Chairpersons from over 100 countries, to shape the future of commerce and supply chains.
Top speakers at the event include Mr. Renaud de Barbuat, President and CEO of GS1; Mr. Mark Batenic, Chairman of the GS1 Global Management Board; and Mr. S. Swaminathan, CEO of GS1 India. One of the biggest milestones expected at the event is the formal approval of GS1 Vision 2030 — a transformative strategy to make global supply chains smarter, more efficient, and transparent through the power of global standards and emerging technologies. Hosting the event in Mumbai shows India’s growing role in shaping the future of global trade and supply chains.
As the organisation behind the barcode — scanned over 10 billion times a day — GS1 is pioneering a significant leap forward. The shift from one-dimensional (1D) barcodes to two-dimensional (2D) barcodes is being championed under the Sunrise 2027 initiative. They shared deep insights into how GS1 is spearheading digital transformation by driving the adoption of next-generation barcodes, fighting counterfeiting, and leveraging AI for greater transparency across industries.
“The traditional barcode has served us well for over 50 years,” said Mr. Renaud de Barbuat, President and CEO of GS1, “But as the world shifts toward greater transparency and digitization, we need smarter, scalable tools to serve consumers, regulators, and supply chain partners alike. 2D barcodes are the gateway to that future.”
Sunrise 2027: The Global Countdown
The barcode of the future is here. With Sunrise 2027, GS1 aims for worldwide readiness to scan and interpret 2D barcodes at points-of-sale (POS) and points-of-care (POC). Unlike 1D barcodes, which require database connectivity, 2D barcodes such as QR Codes and GS1 DataMatrix embed far more data, including:
- Product origin and ingredients
- Batch/lot numbers and expiry dates
- Sustainability and sourcing details
- Web links for deeper consumer engagement
“This isn’t just about barcodes — it’s about building trust, improving safety, and creating better shopping and healthcare experiences,” added Mr. S. Swaminathan, CEO of GS1 India.“From farmers to consumers, everyone benefits when data is accurate, accessible, and secure.”
The Rise of 2D Barcodes Across Key Sectors
Retail:
2D barcodes empower consumers with instant access to product details, sustainability info, and interactive features like digital coupons and loyalty programs. Retailers benefit from cleaner packaging and smoother checkouts.
Healthcare:
GS1 DataMatrix codes enhance medication safety by meeting regulatory standards, preventing counterfeits, and improving traceability and recall efficiency.
Logistics:
In supply chains, 2D barcodes boost accuracy and speed with omni-directional scanning, automated sorting, and improved traceability—critical for post-pandemic agility.
AI and Next-Gen Tech: Enablers of the New Barcode Era
Artificial Intelligence is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the power of barcodes. AI-driven analytics and automation tools are helping businesses interpret barcode data at scale, predict supply chain risks, and drive personalized consumer experiences.
The GS1 General Assembly 2025 is more than a conference — it’s a catalyst for global change. With bold initiatives like Sunrise 2027 and Vision 2030, GS1 is redefining how industries embrace digital transformation, it’s clear that standards are no longer behind the scenes — they are at the forefront of transformation. From barcodes to blockchain, GS1’s leadership is building the bridges for a more transparent, efficient, and trustworthy tomorrow.
