It’s now also about data, sustainability, and speed. As we move through 2026, the industry is hitting a critical transitional point. Between shrinking labor availability and the approaching GS1 Sunrise 2027 deadline, manufacturers are feeling the pressure to modernize their products.
*WHAT IS THE GS1 SUNRISE 2027 DEADLINE?*
Consists of the compliance demand from global suppliers, asking manufacturers to now track product via 2D barcodes or QR codes instead of scanning only 1D regular barcodes. This allows for anyone, anywhere, to get the product details and simplifies your product recalls in case of production errors. 2D barcodes/QR codes store data both horizontally and vertically, packing more information into a small space. Highly readable and resistant to damage, they’re used across industries for product tracking, identification, automation, and connecting digital experiences, from factory floors to mobile scanning.
With Markem Imaje and Doverco, this also allows businesses to have a completely traceable line of production with direct technical service access and to connect their product manufacturing results to their phone, but also ensure full global compliance and traceability.
At Doverco, we’re seeing three massive trends reshaping Canadian production lines this year in coding & marking :
The Removal of the 1D Barcode (Sunrise 2027): The traditional "zebra stripe" barcode is reaching its limit. Retailers and consumers now demand more: batch numbers, expiration dates, and sustainability credentials. Doverco is helping our Canadian companies transition to 2D barcodes or (QR codes) with GS1 Digital Link. This isn't just a tech upgrade; it's a marketing goldmine. One scan can take a customer from your packaging to your brand’s origin story, full product ingredient list, or a recycling guide, all while ensuring your product is compliant for global retail by 2027.
Automation to fix the manufacturing/production labor gap: With worker availability at historic lows, manual labeling is a bottleneck most businesses can’t afford. We are seeing a surge in Print & Apply systems and Automatic Equipment that allow lines to run faster with fewer human touchpoints.
Sustainable Coding on New Substrates *(Eco-friendly materials): Eco-friendly materials are great for the planet, but can be tough to print on. Whether it’s recycled plastics or compostable films, you need coding and marking technology that easily gets the job done. New coding technology also allows companies to completely remove printed labels and focus on directly printing on products, which saves on paper consumption.
Our partnership with Markem-Imaje brings the world's most advanced solutions directly to the Canadian market:
Inkjet Coding: High-speed barcode, expiry dates, and lot numbers versatility for any surface.
