QR Squared to help brands move beyond stripy barcodes

QR Squared, a new digital service designed to help brands of all sizes future-proof their packaging through certified QR codes, launches today (3).

Powered by GS1 standards, QR Squared will introduce a fully compliant, approved, and secure platform to create and download Digital Link QR codes for the food and grocery sectors. In an industry first, this will provide a seamless transition from traditional barcodes to 2D barcodes, from enterprise businesses to challenger brands of all sizes.

Ahead of packaging change initiatives, including the discontinuation of barcodes and the introduction of Digital Product Passports, QR codes will become an essential tool for businesses.

The QR Squared solution enables brands to easily upgrade their current barcodes to QR codes, which will scan securely at point-of-sale at retailer checkouts. The same QR code is scanned by customers to access more information on the brand or product.

QR Squared’s analytics dashboard service enables brands to know how their on-pack QR codes are performing. GS1 standards enable batch-level inventory management, as well as the option to include expiry dates and serial numbers in the QR codes to unlock next-generation supply chain opportunities.

Part of the Polytag Group, QR Squared allows brands to efficiently manage complex supply chain challenges. By owning the domain within QR code URLs, brands can build trust with consumers while tracking engagement in real-time to understand when and where products are being consumed to effectively optimise marketing initiatives.

Brands can quickly create and manage customised landing page content for each product - at scale - through their QR Squared account. This content, accessible via a simple scan of the QR code, provides consumers with relevant and engaging information.

The platform also allows brands to easily update and edit landing pages in real-time, even after products have been labelled, ensuring timely and relevant messaging for consumers.

Anne Godfrey, CEO of GS1 UK

Anne Godfrey, CEO of GS1 UK said, “The launch of QR Squared marks a significant step forward in transforming how we track, trace and engage with packaging.

"The GS1 UK team has worked closely with Polytag to ensure that the platform meets the highest requirements for GS1 standards, a collaboration that illustrates how innovative thinking and partnerships can lead to actionable solutions that deliver real value to businesses, consumers, and the planet alike.”

Alice Rackley, CEO of QR Squared and Polytag commented, "To brands that want to elevate their on-pack labelling and leverage next-generation QR codes powered by GS1, QR Squared provides the best value solution in the market today.

"QR codes can operate at barcode level unlocking meaningful consumer communication opportunities to those businesses that want to get ahead of the curve. The team behind QR Squared are confident that the solution launching today - in partnership with GS1 - will transform many industries.”

The QR Squared platform is designed for ease of use, featuring a simple three-step process and an easy-to-navigate dashboards. Subscription to the platform starts at just £10 per month with no payment required until the QR codes are live on pack.