In the world of automated identification and data capture, barcoding has long been a cornerstone of efficient business operations. For decades, the humble 1D barcode has powered everything from retail checkout to global logistics. But the landscape is changing. The rise of printed 2D barcodes — enabled by Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printing technology — signals a major leap forward in data encoding, traceability, and consumer engagement.
The Limitations of 1D Barcodes
Despite their widespread use, 1D barcodes are constrained by design. These linear codes store a limited amount of data and are vulnerable to wear, damage, and misalignment. They typically encode only numeric or basic alphanumeric characters, which makes them insufficient for industries that need to transmit more complex or rich data sets within limited space.
From an efficiency and scalability perspective, 1D barcodes are reaching their limit.
2D barcodes, including QR codes and Data Matrix codes, are rapidly becoming the standard for modern packaging and product labelling. Their compact, grid-based structure allows for substantially more data storage, supporting everything from detailed product information and web URLs to encrypted tracking codes and marketing content.
When printed using high-performance CIJ printers — such as the CM750 CIJ Printer— these barcodes achieve outstanding durability and clarity on various materials and surfaces, even under harsh production conditions.
Enhanced Consumer Experience
Printed 2D barcodes can connect consumers directly to brand content — whether it's nutritional data, instructional videos, or promotional campaigns. A simple scan can turn passive packaging into a powerful engagement tool.
Space-Efficient & Data-Rich
2D codes can store hundreds of characters in a fraction of the space required by a 1D barcode. This makes them ideal for small packaging formats or for embedding extensive traceability information.
Durable, High-Contrast Marking
With CIJ printing technology, printed 2D barcodes remain legible and scannable even when exposed to moisture, abrasion, or extreme temperatures. This makes them ideal for fast-moving, high-volume production lines across industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
Seamless Integration
CIJ systems like the CM700 Series are easily integrated into existing production lines. They support a wide range of inks and substrates, ensuring flexibility for evolving packaging demands.
2D barcodes are opening doors across a broad range of applications:
Inventory and asset management
Product authentication and anti-counterfeit protection
Digital product passports and regulatory compliance
Mobile payments and smart packaging
Interactive marketing campaigns
As digital transformation accelerates across every industry, printed 2D barcodes are becoming more than just a label — they're a gateway to richer, more efficient, and more secure supply chains.
The shift toward printed 2D barcodes is more than a trend — it’s the logical next step in a world driven by real-time data and transparency. When combined with CIJ printing technology, businesses can meet the dual demands of scale and sophistication.
At Cyklop Needham, we are helping businesses harness this opportunity by delivering high-speed, high-resolution CIJ systems and specialist inks tailored for 2D coding applications.
Call us: +44 (0)1948 662629
Email: enquiries@needham-ink.com
Website: www.needham-ink.com