Closient Blog Product transparency, GS1 Digital Link, and the future of barcodes.
12 Tons of KitKats Disappeared. A QR Code Could Have Found Them. April 4, 2026
Theft Prevention
QR Codes
GS1 Digital Link
Supply Chain
413,793 KitKat bars were stolen in transit and Nestle asked consumers to manually check batch codes. Here's how a GS1 Digital Link resolver could have flagged every stolen bar automatically.
The Barcode is Evolving: Here's What It Means for Your Brand April 3, 2026
GS1
Sunrise 2027
2D Barcodes
QR Codes
GS1 Digital Link
GS1 says the industry is moving from UPC barcodes to 2D barcodes by 2027. Here's what that means for your brand -- and how to get ready.
Tesco, Walmart, and 60+ Retailers Are Already Moving to QR Codes: Is Your Brand Ready? April 2, 2026
GS1
Sunrise 2027
2D Barcodes
QR Codes
Retail
Tesco
Walmart
Tesco has already replaced barcodes on some products. Walmart, Kroger, and 60+ retailers are testing 2D checkout lanes.
What Actually Happens When Someone Scans Your QR Code? April 1, 2026
GS1 Digital Link
QR Codes
Resolver
Technical
How It Works
Everyone's talking about 2D barcodes replacing UPC codes. Nobody's explaining what happens after the scan.
Your QR Code Is a 30-Year Promise: Can Your Provider Keep It? March 31, 2026
QR Codes
Permanence
Pricing
Trust
Infrastructure
A QR code on a product could be scanned in 2050. What happens if your QR provider disappears before then?
The Recall That Found Every Affected Customer March 30, 2026
Recalls
Food Safety
FSMA 204
QR Codes
Compliance
What if a product recall could reach every affected customer and leave everyone else alone?
Three Regulations, One QR Code: The Compliance Case for GS1 Digital Link March 29, 2026
Compliance
FSMA 204
EU DPP
DSCSA
GS1 Digital Link
Regulations
FSMA 204, EU Digital Product Passport, and DSCSA all require the same thing: a data carrier that resolves to structured product data.
You Don't Need to Be P&G to Get Ready for Sunrise 2027 March 28, 2026
Sunrise 2027
Small Business
Getting Started
QR Codes
GS1 Digital Link
Sunrise 2027 coverage quotes PepsiCo and Walmart. But smaller brands have the advantage.