On June 26 1974, the very first barcode was scanned on a packet of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum and set into motion a vital, global system that would revolutionise how we live, shop and work.

From its earliest known beginnings as lines drawn in the sand on a beach in 1948, the universal barcode came to be over 50 years ago when industry leaders in the grocery sector agreed on a single universal standard for product identification.

Fast forward to 2024, and barcodes now appear on over one billion products worldwide. Barcodes are scanned more than 10 billion times a day and the BBC even heralded the barcode as one of the 50 things that made the modern economy1.

Beyond the retail check-out, barcodes are vital to pharmacies, hospitals, transport & logistics, and multiple other sectors like the building and construction industry, to deliver operational efficiencies and patient safety throughout entire supply chains.  

Australia’s barcode standards body GS1 Australia is celebrating the 50 year “scan-iversary” of the barcode by honouring its beginnings and looking brightly towards the future with the roll out of 2D “Next Generation” barcodes.

The Next Generation Barcode

To keep pace with the modern world and support the growing needs of the consumer, the supplier and the retailer, Next Generation 2D barcodes have started rolling out across Australia, predominantly in the fresh food departments of major supermarkets.

One simple scan at a register and from a smartphone will open up a wealth of product and supply chain information. Consumers will be able to see where their product has come from and how best to recycle its packaging, while retailers can better manage waste and markdowns, inventory and the customer experience.

GS1 Australia CEO Maria Palazzolo says: “Exactly 50 years ago today, the shopping experience changed forever with a simple scan at the checkout, making it possible for product information to be shared throughout the supply chain.

Without accurate and scannable barcodes, retailers cannot stock or sell their products and consumers cannot buy them. Now fast forward to 2024 and the barcode experience is being transformed once again.

New, multi-purpose “Next Generation” 2D barcodes are being rolled out across supermarkets now, making it possible for businesses and consumers to have instant and accurate information right at their fingertips.”

Mars Wrigley Australia Gum and Mints Portfolio Director Fran Birsa says: “Juicy Fruit chewing gum has been loved the world over for more than 100 years, and we’re proud to hold this place in history as the very first product with a barcode to be scanned.

Barcodes are what make all of our products accessible and trackable and are an important part of the FMCG industry. It’s an exciting time with the Next Generation iteration rolling out and we look forward to continuing to work with GS1 on this initiative.”