Global shift to 2D bar codes
Zhejiang province is leading China and the world into a new era of two-dimensional (2D) bar codes and paving the way for the development of global digital trade rules, said Renaud de Barbuat, CEO of GS1, an international nonprofit and standards organization which assigns unique numbers for bar codes on products.
First used on a 10-pack gum at a supermarket in the United States in 1974, the GS1 bar codes have transformed the retail industry（零售业）, with stores (be) able to track their products easily and accurately. However, (not carry) more information, these bar codes have been upgraded into 2D for the needs of modern, digital commerce. For today's shoppers, a 2D bar code is (flexible) and efficient because it can store extra information. For example, consumer want to know the manufacturing and sell-by dates of products or their ingredients using smartphones, and that's why a 2D bar code comes.
In 2020, GS1 introduced the "Global Migration to 2D" initiative (improve) supply chain efficiency and enhance consumer engagement. In March 2021, Zhejiang first promoted 2D codes in the food industry. a "safety traceability system" is required by law. The codes have included both regular information, usually (see) on packaging, and also features such as customer service and test reports. At Zhejiang demonstration area, major breakthroughs (make) in standards, technology and patents, making the province a model case others across the globe to follow.
As we (enter) the next phase of the pilot project（试点项目）, more businesses from other industries and more international partners are expected to join.
