GS1 Norway: Standards Driving Sustainable Supply Chains

 
Contact information:

Address: Brynsveien 11, 0667 Oslo

Contact no: +47 22 97 13 20

Email: medlemsservice@gs1.no 

Introduced initiatives and collaborated campaigns

GS1 NO works with industry leaders to enable the adoption of global standards that support digital innovation and efficient supply chain systems.

GS1 NO, Invig and InformatIQ

The GS1 organization with Invig (traceability solutions) and Informatiq (software systems) has built smart tools that automate supply chains in the energy sector.

Using GS1 standards, companies in the oil industry can track equipment accurately, access real-time data, and keep all documentation in one place. This cuts down on manual work, improves control, and lowers both costs and environmental impact.

With technologies like RFID (Radio-frequency identification), IoT (Internet of Things), and QR codes, every piece of equipment gets a digital identity. These identities create a “digital twin,” a virtual copy that shows the condition of the real asset.

Oil companies can then monitor performance, plan maintenance, and spot problems before they happen. This collaboration makes operations cleaner, safer, and more efficient.

GS1 NO and Sustainable Eaters 

They contributed to the Sustainable Eaters research project to explore how consumers can help cut food waste and how technology can support smarter choices. Their key focus was on the use of GS1 QR codes. These codes give stores a clear view of product expiry dates, reduce manual work, and allow automatic price reductions or blocking of recalled goods.

They extend traceability into the consumer’s fridge by sending push notifications about items nearing expiry and offering recipes, tips, and guidance through a “digital fridge” experience. The project also showed how GS1 standards can be applied in research, teaching, and innovation. 

GS1 NO and Grønt Punkt Norge

Partnered with Grønt Punkt Norge to improve Norway’s waste management and solve the packaging challenge. The goal is to create efficient, sustainable systems where packaging is sorted, recycled, and reused instead of being thrown away or burned.

Recycling ensures fewer natural resources are taken and each material is used to its fullest. Both organizations share the vision of building circular solutions for packaging in the country. GS1 standards play a key role in improving control and efficiency.

GS1 Norway services for businesses

GS1 offers tools and services that help businesses work more productively and support innovation across different sectors.

Barcode verification

Barcode verification ensures that your printed barcode can be scanned correctly without errors. They can verify barcodes (at no cost for its members) that follow GS1 standards, such as EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC, GS1-128, ITF-14, GS1 Databar, GS1 QR code, and GS1 Datamatrix.

You can send the original product label by post to their address in Oslo; clearly mark the envelope as “Verification of barcode” with your contact details for feedback. You can instead send a high-resolution PDF (minimum 300 dpi, same size as the original) via email.

Verified by GS1

Verified by GS1 is a global search tool that helps businesses check whether GS1 identification standards are being used correctly. It makes sure products, companies, and locations all have valid identifiers. It also confirms the organization behind each GS1 key.

This service supports supply chain transparency by providing a reliable way to validate data. To use the service, you simply enter a product’s GTIN (for product identification), GLN (Global Location Number) (to verify companies and location), or other GS1 keys such as SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code).

Each user can perform up to 30 searches within 24 hours.

Verified by GS1 – API

Verified by GS1 – API service is suitable for those businesses who need unlimited searches for product identifiers. It allows you to connect your own computer systems directly to GS1’s global platform. With it, you can automatically update and verify product identifiers and location data, ensuring your records are always correct and reliable.

The GS1 organization offers two versions of this service: API Basic and API Pro. Both are designed to give businesses unlimited lookups and smooth access to trusted GS1 information.

With API Basic, you can perform unlimited searches for GTINs (product codes), GLNs (location numbers), and other GS1 IDs, as well as check verified addresses.

API Pro includes all these features plus advanced options like GLN lookup, GTIN creation, activation or deactivation of your own codes, and profile management.

Check digit calculation

GS1 provides a check digit calculator for companies with 6-digit, 7-digit, or 9-digit GS1 Company Prefixes. The prefix length does not change the calculation method. It only determines how many digits are entered before the check digit is calculated.

To calculate a single check digit, select the barcode type and enter one GTIN without its check digit. The calculator then generates the check digit for that specific GTIN.

You can also calculate check digits for a number series. A number series is a group of GTINs created from the same GS1 Company Prefix by increasing the item or serial number. In this mode, you enter a starting number and the number of GTINs to generate, and the calculator assigns a check digit to each one.

My GTINs (MINE GTIN)

The My GTIN service helps members easily manage the product codes (GTINs) they create. When you register products in My GTIN, the information is made available through GS1’s global data infrastructure, including Verified by GS1.

The information you enter can be exported to Excel and shared with partners, which simplifies collaboration. You access the service through My Page, but you need to create your own user account to log in.

Because the information is used internationally for product identification and verification, it is important that all data entered is accurate, consistent, and kept up to date. This helps businesses worldwide trust and rely on the GTINs.

Applications of 2D barcodes across industries in Norway

By 2027, retail POS systems will be able to scan 2D barcodes. Unlike the old 1D barcodes, these new ones can store much more information. This makes it easier to track products and build stronger customer connections.

The rollout isn’t mandatory for all sectors. Industries not bound by traceability rules, or outside the EU’s Digital Product Passport regulation, can continue using 1D barcodes if they choose.

Many businesses are already using dual marking (printing both 1D and 2D codes on packaging). This way, existing systems keep running smoothly while preparing for future upgrades.

To get ready for Sunrise 2027, brands have two options. They can either create GS1‑compliant 2D barcodes themselves by following GS1 official guidelines, or they can use trusted third‑party tools like QR Tiger’s GS1 QR code generator.

For companies lacking time or technical expertise, external tools provide a quick and reliable way to adopt next-generation barcodes. This makes the transition smooth, efficient, and future‑ready.

Sørlandet Hospital Trust delivers specialized medical services to residents of Agder and other regions.
The hospital aims to make everyday tasks easier and quicker (like tracking down equipment) by using smarter data access. This will not only lighten the workload for staff but also free up more time to focus on patients. It will help create a smoother and more efficient hospital experience.

It used GS1 standards to make daily routines faster and more efficient. With RFID tags, beds can be easily tracked for maintenance and availability. Medical equipment like insulin pumps can be located in seconds instead of wasting time searching.

Waste bins are labeled with QR codes that have GS1 identifiers, so when one needs emptying, staff simply scan it, creating an instant queue for caretakers who can see what jobs are pending. This replaces time‑consuming phone calls and makes the workflow more efficient.

Results: Apart from saving time, the system also reduces errors in hospital workflows. By standardizing processes and labeling equipment, medicines, and utilities with RFID tags, GS1 QR codes, and GS1 DataMatrix codes, staff can ensure patients receive the right treatment at the right time. 

Moods of Norway

Founded in 2003, Moods of Norway has become Norway’s biggest international fashion brand, known for its slogan “Happy Clothes for Happy People”.

The brand’s management saw big opportunities to improve and streamline how products and information moved across the company. They focused on better planning of purchasing and transport from suppliers to their main warehouse in Stryn, smarter stock trading, and storage at the warehouse.

They also focused on smoother distribution to stores, improved inventory control in brand outlets, and stronger security through Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS).

In 2014, the brand teamed up with GS1 NO to launch a pilot project aimed at improving inventory control and boosting financial performance. The project tested RFID technology in selected stores to check if it increased sales compared to other brand outlets. It also tested whether it provided better stock management and reduced out-of-stock situations.

RFID tags were applied to the chosen products, and the two pilot stores were set up with hand‑held RFID readers. After seeing strong results, the brand rolled out the RFID system across all 14 brand stores in Norway.

The Serialised Global Trade Item Number (SGTIN) is used to uniquely identify each item and provides key details like its location, color, size, and manufacturing origin at any time.

Results:  With RFID, the brand gained strong control over store inventory, allowing it to successfully sell this stock online. By autumn 2015, 25% of internet orders were shipped directly from brand stores. The brand plans to let its customers pick up their orders at the store.

Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital

Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital is a non‑profit facility founded in 1894. It aims to improve how surgical equipment is managed and tracked so as to boost efficiency and patient safety.

Sorting and packaging instruments were done manually. The hospital also found it challenging to restock and reorder different medical devices and implants after surgeries.

Since each operation required a wide range of components, it was essential for the warehouse to deliver the right items at the right time. The hospital needed a system that could track equipment and supplies more effectively, simplify inventory management, and give staff clear visibility of where components were at any particular time.

Between 2013 and 2017, the hospital worked with APX Systems, a solution provider, and GS1 NO to pilot and build a traceability system using GS1 standards.

By 2017, the solution was fully implemented across the Surgical and Sterile departments, allowing automatic identification and tracking of surgical equipment. The data is updated and shared across relevant systems and registers.

To track surgical tools and supplies, the trays and instruments are given the GS1 Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI). The staff scans these identifiers during cleaning and sterilization to update data at each step.

In the operating rooms, equipment and implants are scanned and automatically linked to hospital records and national registries. This makes documentation accurate and easy.

Other items are marked with GS1 barcodes (such as GS1‑128 and GS1 DataMatrix) that store details like batch number, serial number, and expiry date. When scanned, the system checks that everything is safe to use, helping staff avoid expired products, protect patients, and keep inventory organized.

Results:

• Staff training time dropped from 12 months to just 3 months per healthcare professional.

• Equipment data is automatically uploaded to national implant registers and hospital records. This helps staff access useful statistics and improves surgery quality and patient safety.

• With automation, ordering medical equipment now takes minutes instead of 2 hours daily.

• Devices and implants can be quickly traced to specific patients. This reduces recall checks from days to only minutes.

• Better tracking of surgical tools has made sterilization safer and more reliable across the department.

NorgesGruppen

NorgesGruppen is Norway’s biggest grocery retailer. It uses 2D barcodes to solve the food waste challenge.

2D barcodes can hold detailed data like expiry dates, batch numbers, and weight; all these details are easily accessible in a single scan. The QR code powered by GS1 makes tracking food products faster, easier, and more accurate for both retailers and consumers.

The codes also keep food safer. If a recall happens, retailers can quickly pull the affected batches, so customers only get fresh, safe, and good-quality products.

NorgesGruppen started testing 2D barcodes in 2019 through a pilot on 14 products by partnering with GS1 Norway and Matvett (an organization from Norway’s food, retail, and hospitality sectors focused on cutting waste).

Results:

• Stores reduced waste by 18% by quickly spotting and discounting items close to expiry.

• By mid‑2024, overall waste across all outlets had dropped by 44%.

NorgesGruppen aims to use AI with GS1-powered QR codes to give shoppers automatic alerts when their groceries are close to expiring.

GS1 Norway: Building Trust Through Sustainable Standards

GS1 Norway supports businesses across industries by providing global standards that make product identification, tracking, and data sharing simple and reliable. These services help companies operating in Norway meet growing demands for transparency, efficiency, and compliance in both local and international markets.

Its tools and services enable organizations to strengthen traceability, reduce errors, and drive sustainable supply chain practices. By joining GS1, companies gain access to global standards that support smarter trade, sustainability, and competitiveness.

FAQs

1. What industries in Norway benefit from GS1 standards?

GS1 standards benefit multiple industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, transport & logistics, and construction. GS1 standards help these sectors improve, reduce data-based errors, and boost product traceability in the supply chain.

2. How does GS1 support businesses?

GS1 helps businesses implement GS1 standards such as GTINs and GLNs, and 2D barcodes. They also provide training, webinars, and partner support to make sure companies can effectively adopt these standards.

3. Does GS1 provide online courses?

Yes, GS1 offers online courses that help companies understand and apply GS1 standards to improve efficiency, traceability, and control over products and services. They are flexible; you can take them anytime, repeat them as often as needed, and stay accessible for four months after registration.

It’s designed to show how GS1 standards help businesses work faster, cut costs, and keep better records.