2025 Barcode Statistics: Key Industry Insights to Know

Barcode statistics reveal that barcodes are scanned over 10 billion times daily and help more than two million organizations across the retail, healthcare, and logistics industries. 

For over 50 years, barcodes have transformed these industries. They store valuable data that assists companies in managing inventory, reducing errors, and increasing productivity. 

This compilation of key barcode stats on usage and emerging trends tells a lot about the future of this technology and the promising changes industries will experience.

Table of Contents

1. A quick look at the barcode history
   • The story of Norman Joseph Woodland
   • Rise of the Universal Product Code (UPC)
   • Transition to 2D barcodes
2. Top barcode statistics in 2025
   • 1. 90% of major global retailers use barcodes for inventory and sales systems
   • 2. UPC barcode must be on at least 70% of a grocery store's products
   • 3. Millions of UPC barcodes were issued to over 150,000 businesses worldwide
   • 4. Barcode evolution shows that 25% of businesses use sustainable materials
   • 5. Over 10 billion GS1 barcodes are scanned daily
3. QR code usage statistics 
   • 1. 99.5 million smartphone users in the US are expected to scan QR codes
   • 2. In the U.S., 68% of consumers used QR codes, with 51% of millennials and 49% of Gen Z scanning codes weekly
   • 3. 68% of all QR code users are aged 24 to 54
   • 4. 33% of restaurants support QR codes 
   • 5. QR code payments are estimated to rise to $3 trillion by 2025
   • 6. QR code payments in Europe are expected to rise to USD 2.3 billion by 2025
4. Barcode trends to look forward to beyond 2025
5. Unlock the power of barcodes

A quick look at the barcode history

Barcodes have shaped the world for over 50 years, starting with their adoption by the US grocery industry in 1973. This innovation introduced an era of traceability and data-driven decision-making. 

The story of Norman Joseph Woodland

Barcode history began in 1949 when Norman Joseph Woodland drew the first barcode in the sand on Miami Beach. 

Inspired by Morse code, he envisioned lines representing information, a concept that later became the modern barcode. 

In 1952, Woodland and Bernard Silver patented their idea, including linear and circular designs.

Rise of the Universal Product Code (UPC)

Despite challenges, Woodland's persistence paid off when IBM advanced his linear barcode concept in the 1970s. 

With George J. Laurer's design and industry support, the UPC became the barcode standard in 1973. The first barcode was scanned in 1974 on Wrigley’s gum, a key milestone.

Today, barcodes power global commerce, ensuring productivity and safety across industries from supermarkets to hospitals. 

Over 2 million companies, mainly in retail, use barcodes daily, showing how this invention continues transforming daily life.

Transition to 2D barcodes

Adopting two-dimensional (2D) barcodes, like GS1 Digital Link QR codes and Data Matrix, indicates a remarkable shift in retail and several other industries. 

Unlike linear barcodes, 2D barcodes store more complex information. 

They can store product details, batch numbers, source tracking information, expiry dates, digital files or website links, and other information to ensure enhanced efficiency and transparency. 

The advancements in mobile scanning technologies are also ongoing. They drive the transition and make the 2D barcode examples above accessible to consumers through smartphones.

Innovations like RFID integration and blockchain-enabled barcodes are opening the door to even more efficient tracking and data management systems. 

Thus, these innovations ensure that the adoption of 2D barcodes will help industries stay competitive.

Top barcode statistics in 2025

Over five billion barcodes are scanned worldwide daily, highlighting their essential role in daily business operations. 

The global market for barcode technologies is expected to grow significantly, boosted by the increased use of GS1 retail barcodes and QR codes. 

Below are some of the key barcode stats to know in 2025: 

1. 90% of major global retailers use barcodes for inventory and sales systems

An increasing number of major global retailers rely on GS1 2D barcodes to ensure high efficiency in inventory management, supply chain logistics, and sales tracking. 

According to GS1 US, international adoption rates of barcode technology have escalated from 2024 to 2025, with around 90% of major retailers using barcodes in their inventory and sales systems.

Barcodes help streamline operations by allowing quick and accurate product tracking. This technology improves productivity, reduces errors, and speeds up transactions. It is an essential tool for retailers to maintain smooth operations and improve customer satisfaction.

These barcodes support a “digital link” feature, allowing you to connect the code to digital or online content such as your website or authentication checks. Hence, the GS1 Digital Link QR code benefits consumers with a more interactive experience.

2. UPC barcode must be on at least 70% of a grocery store's products

For grocery stores to operate smoothly, at least 70% of their products must incorporate the UPC barcode (International Business Machines Corporation). This fact ensures faster checkouts, accurate inventory tracking, and fewer pricing errors. 

UPC barcodes streamline operations for stores to manage stock and provide a better shopping experience for customers.

3. Millions of UPC barcodes were issued to over 150,000 businesses worldwide

Millions of UPC barcodes were sent to 150,000+ businesses globally. Companies can buy GS1 UPC codes and everything that goes with them, including product data, GTIN assignment, and EPS barcode formats. (UPCs.com)

These barcodes are in high-resolution JPG, PNG, TIFF, and PDF formats, and can be provided in any other format/size that you need.

With their widespread use, UPC barcodes play a crucial role in simplifying global trade by improving performance and reducing errors in the sales process.

4. Barcode evolution shows that 25% of businesses use sustainable materials

According to the data presented by QR TIGER, 25% of businesses now focus on using sustainable materials.

Companies adopt eco-friendly barcode options to reduce waste and promote sustainability as environmental concerns grow. 

The shift minimizes environmental impact while maintaining the productivity and accuracy of barcode technology across various industries.

5. Over 10 billion GS1 barcodes are scanned daily

Every day, GS1 barcodes are scanned over ten billion times worldwide. More than two million organizations rely on them to uniquely recognize, describe, and track products and assets. (GS1 UK)

This widespread use of GS1 barcodes enhances transparency, data accuracy, and trust across supply chains and industries.

QR code usage statistics 

1. 99.5 million smartphone users in the US are expected to scan QR codes

By 2025, 99.5 million smartphone users in the USA are expected to scan QR codes, highlighting their increasing popularity. 

These 2D barcodes are becoming convenient for users, from making payments to accessing product details or checking menus. 

They streamline daily tasks, improve business interactions, and offer a simple solution for consumers and companies.

2. In the U.S., 68% of consumers used QR codes, with 51% of millennials and 49% of Gen Z scanning codes weekly

Team Lewis’ Research Roundup: Consumer Perceptions of QR Codes report tells that 68% of consumers in the US have used QR codes, which shows their widespread appeal. 

Weekly usage is high among younger generations, with 51% of Millennials and 49% of Gen Z scanning codes.

GS1 product identification codes are famous for their ease of use, which allows quick access to information, payments, and services. Their growing use highlights the shift toward fast, tech-driven solutions in everyday life.

3. 68% of all QR code users are aged 24 to 54

A QR code usage statistics article published on Electro IQ shows that around 68% of all QR code users are in the 24- to 54-year-old age group. This group includes tech-savvy Millennials and Gen X, who use QR codes for convenience. 

QR codes fit their busy lifestyles, from shopping to payments and accessing information. Their growing popularity highlights the role of QR codes in simplifying everyday tasks.

4. 33% of restaurants support QR codes 

PYMNTS Newswire reports that one-third of restaurants, or 33%, support using QR codes. They use QR codes for menus, payments, and promotions to enhance customer experience and streamline their operations. 

This technology saves time, reduces contact, and boosts productivity. Its increasing use shows how restaurants adapt to modern solutions for better service and streamlined processes.

5. QR code payments are estimated to rise to $3 trillion by 2025

QR code usage is rapidly growing, with payments expected to reach $3 trillion by 2025. Businesses and consumers increasingly rely on QR codes for quick, secure, and contactless transactions. (Juniper Research)

This rise highlights their importance in simplifying payments, boosting convenience, and enhancing the digital shopping experience globally.

6. QR code payments in Europe are expected to rise to USD 2.3 billion by 2025

QR code payments in Europe are expected to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2025. This growth shows the increasing adoption of QR codes for digital transactions. (Statista)

According to Alexandra Madeline, payments expert at the Banque de France, the central bank highly favors the adoption of QR codes, particularly for SEPA products in the EU. (VIXIO)

Barcode trends to look forward to beyond 2025

Barcodes and QR codes are transforming how industries work, with significant growth trends shaping the future of business operations. 

Below is a discussion on barcode trends you should watch out for in the coming years:

1. QR code payments are expected to grow 17.2% annually from 2023 to 2030

An SNS Insider research presents that QR code payments are projected to grow by 17.2% annually from 2023 to 2030. This steady rise highlights their increasing popularity for secure and fast transactions. 

Businesses and consumers prefer QR codes because they are easy to use and convenient. As digital payments expand, QR codes are key to transforming global payments.

2. With 4.88 billion smartphone users in 2024, QR code scans are projected to reach 6.38 billion by 2029

In 2024, there were 4.88 billion smartphone users worldwide, a number that is expected to grow to 6.38 billion by 2029. (BankMyCell)

As more people rely on smartphones for daily tasks, QR code scans will increase. 

QR codes offer a simple way to access information, make payments, and shop online. Their growing use reflects the shift toward convenient, tech-driven solutions in a connected world.

3. The North American QR code market is expected to grow to 568.8 million by 2033

North America dominates the QR code market in the United States.

In 2023, the market value was USD 233 million and is expected to grow to USD 568.8 million by 2033. This growth reflects the increasing use of QR codes in payments, marketing, and daily activities. 

Businesses and consumers value their convenience, security, and productivity, which boosts the market's steady expansion in the region. 

As more industries adopt QR codes for tracking and connecting products, this growth is expected to boost even greater demand, pushing companies to innovate and improve technology. 

This will also create opportunities for widespread adoption and ensure that QR codes remain vital in business and everyday life. 

Your business can generate dynamic QR codes with the help of a GS1 QR code generator. These are editable, secure, and provide detailed tracking and analytics.

4. The barcode scanner market size will reach $16.84 billion by 2030

As per the recent report issued by Cognitive Market Research, the barcode scanner market size is estimated to be USD 16.84 Billion by 2030, with a CAGR growth of 8.4% from 2023 to 2030.

The barcode scanners sales are encouraged due to factors like expansion of manufacturing facilities, e-commerce sectors, and logistics. 

As a result, the market growth gets a boost. Also, the increasing requirement of industries for remote solutions is anticipated to further drive the growth of the global market.

5. US and UK consumer demand for barcode and QR code scanners is expected to increase

Nearly 83% of general retailers in the US and UK believed that their customers would opt for other merchants if they didn’t provide barcode and QR code scanner apps to the consumers. (Statista)

This fact indicates that the consumer demand for barcode and QR code scanners in the US and UK is expected to rise.

Unlock the power of barcodes

The barcode statistics discussed reflect the crucial role of barcode technology in modern business. They have become a cornerstone in industries that boost productivity, accuracy, and innovation. 

From their early days to supporting global operations, they continue to shape sectors like inventory management, healthcare, and logistics. 

Barcodes simplify tasks, reduce errors, and enable real-time data collection. This widespread adoption helps businesses track inventory, shipments, and deliveries more smoothly. 

With continuous developments, GS1 barcodes are becoming more intelligent and secure. Understanding their history and applications shows their impact on everyday life. 

Ready to boost your operations? Create GS1 QR codes today to streamline processes, improve traceability, and enhance user experiences. Try our software and solutions and get started easily.