The Great Product Transparency Reset: GS1 2D Barcodes Set to Revolutionize Retail by 2027
By December 2027, all retail POS systems must scan GS1 2D barcodes, unlocking unprecedented product transparency and ethical data sharing.
Why this matters for the Ethical Transparency Alliance:
This reset is the single most important infrastructure change for ethical supply chain transparency in a generation. Without a dedicated 'gs1:ethics' link type, the opportunity to embed verified ethical data into every product scan will be lost. ETA's mission is to ensure that as retailers upgrade their systems, they also adopt standards that empower consumers to make ethical choices. The 2027 deadline is a call to action: we must advocate now for ethics to be a core part of the GS1 Digital Link standard.