The GS1 Global Forum Highlights

The GS1 Global Forum is where Member Organisations (MOs) gather to align strategies, exchange insights, and push initiatives that shape industries worldwide.

This year, it took place from 17 to 20 February in Noordwijk, Amsterdam, with a hybrid setup for both in-person and virtual attendees.

It wasn’t just another industry event—it was a reunion. Everyone gathered in one location for the first time since 2017, making it the perfect setting for collaboration.

110 GS1 MO staff and board members were present, working to strengthen GS1’s global and local efforts. With over 2,000 participants worldwide, the level of engagement made it clear just how crucial GS1’s work is for industries, consumers, and patients alike.

This year’s forum covered a lot of ground for those following the transition from 1D to 2D barcodes, the adoption of GS1 QR codes in retail, and the evolution of retail POS systems. 

Beyond barcodes, discussions tackled regulatory trends, data registries, digital product passports, and sustainability initiatives, highlighting GS1’s expanding role in global supply chains.

Over the course of four days, key sessions tackled how industries are handling this shift, the challenges they’re facing, and the technologies pushing it forward. 

Since multiple sessions ran simultaneously, some topics overlapped—offering different perspectives but often covering similar ground.

Day 1

The first day of the GS1 Global Forum 2025 covered various topics, from regulatory changes and data synchronization to leadership development and future technologies. 

Several key sessions focused on the transition from 1D to 2D barcodes, and the evolution of retail POS systems—topics shaping how businesses, retailers, and consumers interact with product data.

Unveiling key insights: Learning from industry feedback on top GS1 retail priorities

A major discussion centered on the impact of 2D barcodes in retail. Industry leaders shared how businesses are transitioning from 1D to 2D barcodes, allowing for better inventory management, accurate product tracking, and more interactive consumer experiences. 

Retail POS systems are increasingly being upgraded to scan 2D barcodes, like GS1 QR codes. This enhances product traceability, customer engagement, and seamless data exchange. 

However, the shift requires significant investment in upgrading scanners, POS systems, and supporting technologies to handle 2D barcodes effectively.

Unlocking the potential of GS1 registries & Verified by GS1

GS1 Registries and the Verified by GS1 initiative were also discussed, focusing on how strong product data verification systems are crucial to ensuring the accuracy of information linked to barcodes. 

This session highlighted the importance of data consistency across industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and consumer goods. 

With 2d barcodes becoming more prevalent, businesses need reliable systems to verify product information and provide customers with accurate, traceable data. 

The focus was ensuring that every scan of a GS1 QR code or Datamatrix leads to correct product details, promoting transparency and trust.

Discussion on challenges and the latest software solutions supporting healthcare and retail 2D migration

This session delved into the challenges and solutions surrounding the complementing and eventually replacing 1D with 2D barcodes in the healthcare and retail sectors.

Key insights were shared regarding how businesses tackle the technical hurdles of integrating 2D barcode scanning into their systems. Several companies shared their strategies for gradual adoption, ensuring that the transition does not disrupt daily operations. 

The session also focused on scanning technology advancements, such as new scanners capable of handling 1D and 2D barcodes, ensuring a smoother business transition.

The retail revolution: The impact of 2D barcodes and trusted data

One of the most anticipated discussions was about the transformative potential of 2D barcodes, specifically GS1 QR codes. Experts highlighted how integrating these barcodes is reshaping retail operations and paving the way for more interactive and efficient POS systems. 

Real-world examples of businesses successfully implementing GS1 QR codes into their workflows were shared. 

These case studies demonstrated the benefits of this transition, including enhanced product information delivery, faster checkouts, and better customer engagement at the point of sale.

What's possible in 2025

The What's Possible in 2025 session focused on the future of barcode printing and scanning technologies. 

Key advancements in 2D barcode printers and scanners were discussed, emphasizing technologies that support the seamless integration of 2D barcodes in retail and healthcare systems. 

As industries continue their transition, faster, more efficient scanners capable of reading both 1D and 2D barcodes will be critical.

Other programs of Day 1

The Global Impact of Regulatory Change - CIRPASS II and Lessons from Asia-Pacific session explored regulatory changes in the global supply chain. 

It focused on how businesses can comply with these changes, which are essential for product data tracking and traceability across regions.

Other sessions, such as the Leadership Development Workshop and Legal Entity Identifier (LEI), centered on personal growth and financial identification. 

The LEI session discussed the financial realm, which does not intersect with barcode adoption or POS systems. At the same time, the Leadership Development Workshop was focused on leadership skills rather than technical aspects related to barcode transitions.

Welcome reception: A successful first day

The day concluded with the welcome reception, where attendees could network and connect after a full day of in-depth discussions. 

This social event allowed participants to exchange ideas and build relationships, marking a successful first day of the GS1 Global Forum.

Day 2

Credit: https://clients.davidplas.be/gs1-globalforum2025/

The second day of the GS1 Global Forum continued discussions on the global migration to 2D barcodes but also covered broader industry topics that impact GS1's role in retail, healthcare, brand visibility, and regulatory alignment. 

While 2D barcode adoption remains a key topic, today’s sessions emphasized practical implementation, sector-specific strategies, and the evolving landscape of data management.

Scaling 2D barcode Implementation in retail

While Day 1 covered the importance of transitioning from 1D to 2D barcodes, today’s sessions focused on practical steps to accelerate adoption at scale. 

Discussions centered on regional implementation strategies, stakeholder engagement, and overcoming technical barriers retailers face when upgrading their scanners and POS systems.

One key takeaway was that successful migration depends on collaboration between GS1 Member Organizations (MOs), retailers, and technology providers. 

Without a unified approach, the risk of fragmented adoption increases, making interoperability more difficult. The session also highlighted the need for upgraded printing technology to ensure high-quality, scannable GS1 QR codes across all retail environments.

GS1 MOs shared real-world experiences from markets where 2D barcode adoption is underway. The focus was on engagement strategies, including educating retailers, collaborating with manufacturers, and resolving integration challenges. 

A strong emphasis was placed on barcode data integrity, ensuring that the shift to GS1 QR codes does not introduce new inconsistencies in the supply chain.

Healthcare and GS1 Standards

A key session focused on the "One Product, One Barcode" initiative, which seeks to establish a single, globally accepted barcode format for healthcare products. 

The discussion highlighted how GS1 DataMatrix is already a regulatory requirement in many countries, ensuring patient safety, product traceability, and operational efficiency in hospitals and medical supply chains.

While the healthcare sector has unique requirements, speakers pointed out the parallels between healthcare barcode adoption and retail’s transition to 2D barcodes—both rely on standardization, industry cooperation, and regulatory alignment to succeed.

A separate session also explored how hospitals integrate GS1 standards into their operations, from inventory management to patient care. Experts shared how standardized barcodes reduce medication errors, improve supply chain visibility, and enhance efficiency in hospital logistics.

GS1 tools and resources for implementation

GS1 introduced new and existing tools designed to help MOs and industry partners implement GS1 standards effectively. 

A key highlight was the GS1 Toolbox, a suite of resources that support organizations in navigating data sharing, barcode implementation, and industry collaboration.

Another discussion covered the Links Registry, which facilitates secure and decentralized data sharing—a critical component in ensuring barcode accuracy and traceability across global supply chains.

Public policy and regulatory trends

Regulations and compliance play a major role in how industries adopt and implement GS1 standards. These sessions focused on public policy strategies and the growing importance of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) in global trade.

• Public Policy Strategies – Experts discussed how GS1 Member Organizations (MOs) can navigate regional and global regulations to support industry adoption of standardized data-sharing practices.
• Digital Product Passport (DPP) – As regulatory frameworks push for greater product transparency and sustainability, the DPP is emerging as a key tool for tracking product data throughout the supply chain. While multiple technologies can support this initiative, 2D barcodes are among the viable options for encoding and accessing this critical information.

With regulatory shifts shaping industry requirements, GS1’s role in ensuring compliance and interoperability is becoming even more significant. 

These discussions reinforced how standardized product identification and data-sharing—whether through GS1 QR codes, DataMatrix, or other solutions—can streamline global trade and regulatory reporting.

Brand strategy, training, and more

Other sessions of day 2 covered important aspects of GS1's role in branding, regulatory policy, and training.

Brand Building – Sessions explored how GS1 can position itself as a more customer-centric brand, increasing its visibility and relevance across industries.

Training & Education – GS1 shared insights on MO training programs, emphasizing the importance of education in successful standards adoption.

Future of Customer Service – A look at how AI and automation reshape customer interactions in various industries.

Regional Forums – GS1 hosted regional meetings focused on North America and Latin America(LATAM), bringing together industry leaders to discuss local challenges and opportunities.

Days 3

Day 3 of the GS1 Global Forum 2025 focused on innovation, efficiency, and global collaboration through GS1 standards. 

The sessions highlighted the transformative role of 2D barcodes in Transport & Logistics, the growing importance of trusted data and digital credentials, and how GS1 standards drove safety and efficiency in healthcare. 

Tools like the GLN Registry were also showcased as key enablers of seamless global collaboration. The day provided valuable insights into how GS1 standards created value and shaped the future across industries.

Driving efficiency and innovation in transport & logistics

The session on transport and logistics explored how GS1 standards are improving efficiency and compliance across the sector. 

Discussions covered digitizing transport documents, using 2D barcodes on transport and logistics labels, and the role of GLN-based location registries in ensuring accurate tracking. 

Additionally, the session highlighted the impact of customs and regulatory requirements on cross-border trade and how GS1 standards facilitate smoother operations in international logistics.

Enhancing product visibility with GS1 product image standards

Another session focused on the importance of GS1-compliant product images in an omnichannel retail environment. Industry representatives discussed the necessity of standardized images, with insights from GS1 MOs offering product image services. 

The session also introduced e-Academy training programs, quick-reference guides, and other tools to help businesses meet compliance requirements. 

Discussions also touched on emerging industry needs and the evolving role of product image standards in ensuring accurate and reliable product representation across digital platforms.

Future industry needs and GS1’s role

A panel of industry leaders shared perspectives on the evolving landscape of GS1 standards and their role in driving efficiency. 

The session featured discussions on the future needs of various industries, the efficiencies enabled by GS1 standards, and real-world case studies showcasing innovation and testing. 

Business leaders provided insights into how GS1 solutions support industry-wide transformation and how companies can better align with evolving global standards.

Trusted data, digital credentials, and verification

The increasing demand for trusted digital data was a key theme in this session. Discussions clarified buzzwords such as "trusted data," "digital credentials," and "Verifiable Credentials." 

The legal and policy frameworks governing Digital Product Passports and the concept of a digitally signed "verified GS1 identity" for improved data security were explored. 

A live demonstration showcased cryptographically secured product data, with OriginTrail featured as a key speaker. The presentation emphasized the role of advanced security measures in ensuring data authenticity.

Unique device identification (UDI) in healthcare

Healthcare-focused discussions centered on UDI and its role in regulatory compliance. The session provided updates on recent developments in UDI regulations and standards, along with a demonstration of data registration in EUDAMED led by Johnson & Johnson Vision. 

The importance of maintaining accurate and accessible GTIN data for healthcare providers was highlighted, with perspectives shared by Erasmus Medical Center on how UDI compliance directly impacts patient safety and operational efficiency.

GLN registry and Activate-Grade Certification

A hands-on session guided attendees toward GLN Activate-grade certification and connecting to the GLN Registry. 

The discussion covered self-certifying key issuance services and using the global GLN Activate component. 

Insights from over 35 GS1 MOs successfully implementing these processes were shared, providing valuable lessons on best practices and common challenges in global location number management.

Public policy and regulatory trends

Sessions on global and regional public policy strategies provided essential updates on regulatory frameworks influencing GS1 adoption. 

Discussions explored how policy shifts impact businesses and the role of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) in enabling greater transparency, compliance, and sustainability in global trade. 

While these sessions offered valuable insights into regulatory developments, they did not focus directly on 2D barcodes or their implementation in retail and supply chains.

Other sessions and the evening social event

Day 3  also featured sessions on sustainability, rail transport, and best practices. These sessions provided insights into industry challenges, operational improvements, and strategic initiatives.

• Rail & GS1 Standards - This session revolved around how railway operators like SNCF, Siemens Mobility, and Indian Railways are improving efficiency and safety in rail transport. Discussions covered real-world applications and emerging innovations within the industry.
• Sustainability Program -This session explored ongoing sustainability initiatives, focusing on progress in key workstreams, implementation roadmaps, and collaborative efforts to integrate sustainability into business practices.
• Managing Unauthorized Numbers - This session provided best practices for handling unauthorized number allocations and strategies to ensure compliance and data accuracy within operational systems.
•  Asia Pacific, EU, and MEMA (Middle East, Mediterranean, Africa) Regional Forums - These separate region-focused meetings covered governance, operational strategies, and industry-specific challenges across different global markets. Attendance was limited to regional representatives.
• Legal at GS1: Everything You Wanted to Know - This session addressed competition law, internal regulations, and compliance principles, offering legal guidance tailored to operational needs.

The day concluded with an evening networking event, allowing attendees to unwind, connect, dine, and enjoy the entertainment.

Day 4

Credit: https://clients.davidplas.be/gs1-globalforum2025

Day Four of the GS1 Global Forum 2025 emphasized collaboration, sustainability, and future horizons for GS1 standards. 

The sessions explored how global partnerships and innovative approaches were driving the adoption of GS1 standards across industries. 

Key discussions included the role of GS1 2D barcodes in enhancing supply chain transparency, the importance of sustainability initiatives in achieving circular economies, and the future of digital product passports. 

The day also highlighted the critical role of GS1 Member Organisations (MOs) in fostering industry engagement and ensuring the successful implementation of standards worldwide. 

It concluded with a forward-looking perspective on how GS1 standards would continue to shape global trade and innovation in the years to come.

Data registries as regulatory tools

This session explored how regulatory bodies increasingly rely on data registries to enforce compliance in customs, deforestation monitoring, and energy label legislation. 

Industry regulators and operators shared insights on how structured and standardized data can streamline regulatory processes, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance supply chain transparency. 

GS1 standards were highlighted as a key enabler for ensuring accurate and reliable data, particularly for industries with complex compliance requirements.

Strengthening the future of GS1 identification

As industries adopt new technologies and regulatory frameworks evolve, GS1 identification standards must also adapt. 

This session examined the transition to modern identification frameworks, emphasizing the need for a globally consistent approach to managing product and location identifiers. 

Discussions covered strategies to strengthen GS1’s role in shaping future identification standards, improve interoperability across industries, and ensure that GS1 standards remain relevant in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Master data / GDSN modernization – Data model

With businesses relying heavily on accurate product data, this session addressed the ongoing efforts to modernize master data management and the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). 

Speakers highlighted the operational impact of poor data quality, from inventory mismatches to incorrect labeling, and emphasized the need for harmonized data models across supply chains. 

The discussion also covered how better data governance, improved validation processes, and industry collaboration can enhance data accuracy and overall supply chain efficiency.

Standards development: adaptation and innovation

GS1’s ability to develop and refine standards is critical in keeping pace with changing industry needs and regulatory landscapes. 

This session explored how GS1 Member Organizations (MOs) and industry stakeholders can initiate projects within the Global Standards Management Process (GSMP) to address emerging challenges. 

Topics included developing new standards to align with evolving regulations, the importance of flexibility in standard-setting, and strategies for fostering continuous innovation. 

Participants also discussed how GS1 can maintain a balance between stability and adaptability in its standards framework.

RFID, NFC, and brand protection

A dedicated session on Loss Prevention, Brand Protection, and Engagement with RAIN RFID & NFC showcased how these technologies transform the apparel sector. 

Industry experts shared case studies on how RFID and NFC solutions help retailers prevent theft, improve inventory accuracy, and create seamless customer experiences. 

The session also explored how brands leverage these technologies for authentication, ensuring that consumers receive genuine products while enhancing post-purchase engagement through smart labeling and interactive packaging.

Closing a successful GS1 global forum 

The event concluded with the Closing Plenary, and Everyone Makes a Difference Awards, where GS1 President and CEO Renaud de Barbuat, along with regional MO CEOs. 

They reflected on key forum discussions and recognized exceptional contributions from 11 GS1 members worldwide. Congratulations, ladies and gentlemen!

Looking ahead to next year

With Sunrise 2027 just around the corner, next year’s GS1 global forum is expected to be even more critical. 

As more retailers and industries accelerate their POS upgrades and prepare for full 2D barcode adoption, we expect a surge in attendance, deeper technical discussions, and a stronger presence from GS1 solution providers and industry partners. 

The transition from 1D to 2D barcodes is no longer just a concept—it’s happening, and next year’s event will likely showcase more real-world implementations, success stories, and final preparations leading up to 2027.

It’s going to be a big one. See you next year!