New packs
GS1 announces plans for 50% smaller bar codestevenkiernan, 1 August 2006Be the first to comment on this article GS1, the not-for-profit standards organisation, has announced that, from 2010, some product packaging will carry a 50 per cent smaller bar code, replacing the version which has been in existence since 1973. The Reduced Space Symbology (RSS) system means that smaller bar codes will be capable of carrying more information, including best-before and expiry dates, serial and lot numbers, giving manufacturers and retailers higher levels of traceability. The reduced size – less than half that of current bar codes – will leave more space for design and allow retailers to mark previously non-coded products, such as fresh foods, variable measure and over- the-counter pharmaceuticals. The new labelling system is voluntary and, from January 1, 2009, brand owners will be able to choose whether or not they wish to adopt it. However, global FMCG giants will almost inevitably introduce the RSS labelling to many of their brands. The announcement was made following a business-case review, involving a global task force comprising retailers, FMCG manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, GS1 member organisations and trade bodies. These included Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Woolworths. Andrew Osborne, GS1’s chief technical officer, said: “RSS is a simple solution for trading partners looking for advanced information-sharing who cannot justify the investment in RFID yet. It provides a good migration path.” Speak Your Mind |
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