Get Ready for Sunrise 2027 with HSA Systems

Are You Sunrise 2027 Ready?

The retail and supply chain world is currently preparing for a major transformation known as GS1 Sunrise 2027.

But what exactly is Sunrise 2027?

What does it mean for you and your business? How can you prepare yourself properly?

It can all seem quite overwhelming, but it is actually not as confusing as it may seem. Let's go through Sunrise 2027 together, and dive into what it means, how it affects you, and what you can do to prepare. We are here to help you!

What Is GS1 Sunrise 2027? 💭

GS1 Sunrise 2027 is a global initiative setting a clear goal: by the end of 2027, the retail industry must be ready to scan and process 2D barcodes, like QR codes and Data Matrix, at checkout. The ultimate aim is to replace the traditional linear UPC and EAN barcodes we’ve relied on for decades with newer, more functional 2D barcodes. 

But why the change? All in all, 1D barcodes are just no longer enough. Today's supply chains demand much more when it comes to traceability, detailed product data, sustainability information, and even the ability to connect consumers to digital experiences. That’s where 2D barcodes come in.

These next-generation codes have an expanded data capacity, meaning they can hold far more information in less space than traditional linear barcodes. They can include everything from product IDs and expiration dates to web links and batch numbers — all in a single scan. This makes them ideal not just for logistics, but also for marketing purposes, safety, and compliance.

By 2027, it is the goal that we no longer use linear barcodes but instead make a full switch to 2D barcodes.

So, what does this mean for your business?

You might be wondering: Do I really have to follow Sunrise 2027?

The short answer is no – it’s a standard, not a requirement. But if you want to stay competitive and aligned with the direction of the retail and supply chain industries, it would be a good idea to start preparing now.

To be Sunrise 2027–ready, you should be able to:

• Print high-quality 2D barcodes (like GS1 DataMatrix or QR codes) with the correct GS1 data — GTINs, batch numbers, expiration dates, etc.
• Follow GS1’s formatting rules (including GS1 Digital Link).
• Ensure your scanners and vision systems can read and verify the 2D codes correctly.
• Use dual marking during the transition – printing both 1D and 2D barcodes to stay compatible with current systems.

As long as you live up to the above requirements, you will be able to print GS1 codes that are compliant with the new standards.

THE ERA OF DUAL MARKING

Until the end of 2027, businesses are encouraged to use dual marking – printing both a traditional 1D barcode and a 2D barcode (like a Data Matrix) on packaging. This allows a smooth transition and keeps products compatible with existing scanning systems.

In the long run, GS1 plans to move fully to 2D barcodes (GS1 Digital Links), which can store more information and even connect to web-based data or digital content.

To get ready, focus on three key areas:

📦 Printing readiness – Make sure your printers can produce high-quality, GS1-compliant 2D barcodes.

🔧 System compatibility – Your software and data systems need to handle more complex, data-rich barcodes.

🔄 Smooth transition – Prepare your production setup to print both 1D and 2D barcodes without slowing down your operations.

It’s important to start by looking at the capabilities of your current printing system. Check whether it can print GS1-compliant barcodes. If it can't, don't worry – we can help with that.

AI-generated image of products, barcodes, and a scanner created using ChatGPT (DALL·E) by OpenAI

How we can help you get ready for Sunrise 2027

If you’ve realised that your current printing setup isn’t quite ready for Sunrise 2027, you might be having some concerns.

You could be asking yourself things like:

• How do I make sure I comply with the new GS1 standards?
• Will switching to a new printing system be too difficult and costly?
• Can my printers produce clear and readable 2D barcodes on all substrates?

Don’t worry – with HSAJET® printers, you’re already one step ahead.

At HSA Systems, we offer printers that are Sunrise 2027–ready, by utilising professional barcode libraries in combination with our software, to effortlessly meet all GS1 requirements. You can find the list of barcodes that our printers support here. Our systems support data input from multiple sources and can be fully automated by remote control.

You’ll also benefit from fast changeovers, allowing jobs to be switched within seconds even while staying in print mode. In addition, you can take advantage of the extensive selection of HSAJET® inks designed for various materials, along with the flexibility to combine different ink types within a single print job. Our TIJ printers are highly user-friendly and require minimal maintenance thanks to their cartridge-based design. This helps you significantly reduce maintenance and service costs – particularly when compared to other print technologies

HIGH-QUALITY PRINTS & READABILITY WITH HSAJET®

HSAJET® printers deliver durable, reliable, and high-resolution prints of 2D codes and text with sharp edges and consistent contrast – ensuring readability throughout the supply chain, from production to retail. With print heights ranging from 0.5" to 8", HSAJET® printers produce 2D codes large and detailed enough to include all required GS1 data.

Sunrise 2027 codes can easily be printed with HSAJET® printers. HSAJET® Premium TIJ 2.5 printing systems are available with up to 16 pens, in any printhead configuration, for printing on multiple positions simultaneously. HSAJET® Infinity TIJ 4.0 systems can run for days without intervention, significantly increasing uptime and throughput while keeping ink cost down with our large HSAJET® bulk ink supply system. Even our smaller HSAJET® MCX makes it easy to generate Sunrise 2027-ready barcodes, offering a simple yet powerful solution for everyday coding needs. Our printers come with multiple adjustment options, making it simple to ensure sharp prints and easily scannable results.

With our design software, you can easily create GS1 Digital Link barcodes and print your designs directly using our printers. The software offers an intuitive interface that simplifies the creation of Sunrise 2027-compatible layouts and the linking of variable data between objects in the layout. The data you define and add to the layout are the data that will be printed.

With HSAJET® printers and software, you get more than just compliance – you get speed, flexibility, and future-proof reliability.

Get in touch with us!

While the end of 2027 may still seem far away, now’s a smart time to start preparing. Don't wait until the last minute to get started! Starting early means you can make the switch more smoothly, without the usual last-minute pressure or production headaches. 

Contact us today for a talk with an Account Manager, who will help review your current setup, recommend the optimal printing solution, and deliver a streamlined plan for living up to Sunrise 2027 standards.

Together, we’ll make sure you’re not just ready, but ahead.