Markem-Imaje unveils QR code platform to crack the GS1 Sunrise 2027 puzzle
Markem-Imaje has launched CoLOS® 2D Activate and CoLOS 2D Engage, software-as-a-service tools designed to help manufacturers deploy GS1 Digital Link QR codes ahead of regulatory deadlines.
Markem-Imaje has introduced two new software platforms, CoLOS® 2D Activate and CoLOS 2D Engage, alongside a consulting service aimed at helping manufacturers prepare for the transition to connected packaging. The launch, announced on 19 August 2026, is positioned to support compliance with GS1 Sunrise 2027 and a growing set of regulatory and retailer requirements affecting the food and consumer goods sectors.
Software built for the GS1 Digital Link transition
CoLOS 2D Activate and CoLOS 2D Engage are enterprise SaaS solutions that allow global CPG and FMCG brands to create, organise, activate and manage static and dynamic GS1 Digital Link QR codes. According to the company, the platform enables manufacturers to deploy compliant 2D codes while delivering personalised consumer experiences, gathering first-party data and supporting future digital product initiatives.
Markem-Imaje’s implementation experts complement the software with a structured, on-site assessment of a manufacturer’s production environment, coding processes and operational readiness, followed by recommendations on gaps, investment priorities and a roadmap for deployment.
“Our new CoLOS® 2D Activate and CoLOS® 2D Engage solutions enable brands to transform QR codes from a compliance requirement into powerful digital experiences that deliver real value to consumers,” said Viktor Hermansson, Global Marketing Director at Markem-Imaje. “With GS1 Digital Link, a single QR code can support retail checkout, supply chain visibility, regulatory transparency and personalised consumer engagement. Combined with Markem-Imaje’s expert consulting services, manufacturers now have a complete pathway to assess their readiness, implement compliant 2D codes and unlock the full potential of connected packaging.”
From production line to consumer engagement
Unlike static QR codes, dynamic GS1 Digital Link QR codes allow packaging content to adapt according to location, language, time or stage of the customer journey. A shopper scanning a product in-store might see promotional offers, while the same code scanned at home could surface recipes, usage instructions or sustainability information. Manufacturers, meanwhile, can capture scan analytics to track engagement.
The system integrates production and product data from CoLOS, ERP systems, CRM platforms and loyalty or coupon programmes via APIs, maintaining what the company describes as a single source of truth for product information.
Managing the full QR code lifecycle
CoLOS 2D Activate gives manufacturers control over Digital Link QR codes after printing, covering content management, URL destination management, scan analytics and enterprise data integration. CoLOS 2D Engage is aimed at marketing teams, offering a drag-and-drop interface for building mobile landing pages, web forms, contests and multilingual campaigns.
On the production side, key capabilities include automated generation of compliant static or dynamic codes aligned with SKU and GTIN data, embedding of dynamic manufacturing data such as lot number and best-before date, packaging integrity controls with vision inspection, and automated synchronisation with ERP systems.
Regulatory pressure building
The platform’s development reflects mounting regulatory pressure across food and consumer packaging sectors, including the European Digital Product Passport, the US Food Safety Modernization Act, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and regional rules in Southeast Asia, alongside GS1 Sunrise 2027 itself.
Exhibitions
Markem-Imaje, a subsidiary of Dover Corporation, will exhibit CoLOS 2D Activate and CoLOS 2D Engage at the PPMA Show 2026 (Booth C70) at the NEC in Birmingham from 22 to 24 September, and at PACK EXPO International 2026 (Booth S-1614) in Chicago from 18 to 21 October, where company experts will be available to discuss GS1 Digital Link implementation strategy.
- For more information, visit: markem-imaje.com
