What every food & beverage executive needs to know about GS1 Digital Link

How GS1's 2027 deadline, digital transformation, and transparency needs are changing packaging compliance - and why leading brands are adopting GS1 Digital Link now.

The following is Part 1 of a 3-part series that supports the strategic approach to food & beverage labeling and packaging solutions that comply with Sunrise 2027 (the GS1 Digital Link mandate).

GS1 Digital Link compliance deadline is closer than you think

2027 may feel far off - but for global food and beverage enterprises, the clock is already ticking. A full transition from legacy barcodes to GS1 Digital Link-enabled dynamic QR codes must happen across every SKU - and the timeline is tightening fast.

This is not just a packaging update - it’s a fundamental shift in how brands connect products to digital experiences, enable traceability, and meet ever-evolving industry regulations and mandates. Forward-thinking brands are already implementing GS1 Digital Link, while late adopters risk non-compliance, increased operational costs, and weakened market position.

Rising pressure, growing complexity

For manufacturers juggling thousands of SKUs, decentralized brands, and global markets, the transition to GS1 Digital Link is no small task. Every department touched by packaging is feeling the heat: 

• Compliance managers worry about missing deadlines and audit readiness.
• IT leaders face challenges around integrating dynamic QR code platforms into legacy enterprise systems. 
• Packaging and operations teams must coordinate updates across printers, suppliers, and production lines - without bottlenecks. 
• Marketing leaders are eager to turn static barcodes into gateways for rich, personalized content. 
• C-level executives are concerned about the impact on the bottom line. 

Waiting until 2026 to start this transformation is a recipe for expensive reprints, disjointed rollouts, and potential market disadvantages.

Early movers will set the standard - and reap the benefits

There’s good news: this isn’t just about compliance. Brands that move early on GS1 Digital Link gain a significant strategic advantage.

By modernizing packaging now, early adopters can: 

• Transparency: Deliver real-time access to product provenance, safety, and sustainability 
• Data capture: Unlock scalable, first-party data at scale through every QR code scan 
• Risk mitigation: Streamline recall readiness and enhance product authentication 
• Localization: Tailor campaigns dynamically across regions, languages, dates, time, and device 
• Engagement: Transform connected packaging experiences into brand touchpoints that engage, educate, and convert 

 With GS1 Digital Link, compliance is just the beginning. This is the foundation for smarter operations, richer customer interactions, and future-ready packaging strategies.

Avoid the last-minute rush with a trusted GS1 partner

GS1 Digital Link transformation affects everything - IT, packaging, marketing, supply chain - and trying to navigate that complexity without a partner can lead to avoidable missteps and unnecessary friction.

That’s where Loftware comes in. As a trusted GS1 partner, we offer proven technology, a deep bench of implementation expertise, and real-world success stories from some of the most admired brands in the world.

Our BL.INK Enterprise platform delivers enterprise-scale control, security, and speed - but just as importantly, our onboarding, strategy, and compliance support ensure your teams aren’t reinventing the wheel. We guide you step-by-step to reduce disruption and unlock full value, all with less headache than going it alone.

Conclusion: Compliance is just the beginning

GS1 Digital Link isn’t simply a deadline to meet. It’s a chance to build brand trust, unlock digital agility, and improve the way products connect with the world.

Leading companies aren’t just preparing — they’re gaining ground. Your team can too, with the right plan and the right partner. What’s Next: Turning Strategy into Execution.

In Part 2 of this series, we’ll dive deeper into the operational roadmap for achieving GS1 Digital Link compliance, helping your teams prioritize tasks, align stakeholders, and start the transformation with confidence.

Don’t wait until the final hour. Start preparing now - and turn compliance into a competitive edge.

Explore how BL.INK accelerates GS1 Digital Link readiness. Learn more here.