With a resurgence in popularity during the pandemic, QR codes are being used by brands and businesses alike to complement traditional packaging elements and enhance consumer engagement. According to a Government of Canada study, 90% of Canadians reported familiarity with QR codes, using them to download mobile applications, make payments or learn more about brands’ sustainability practices. Frequent users of QR codes are thought to be more curious consumers, as well as those with higher levels of education.
While many hallmarks of pandemic days may have fallen to the wayside, QR codes are here to stay, shifting the role of packaging in a profound way. Once a means to protect products and catch the eye on a shelf, packaging has transformed into a storytelling platform that directly connects manufacturers with their consumers; QR codes maximize limited space to provide an in-depth look at where their products come from or how they are made, and provide evidence-backed support for key claims. This is especially true in sectors where health, safety, and ethical considerations are top of mind: food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.
QR Codes in Action
As QR code adoption has grown, the experiences they enable are no longer a novelty; they’re becoming a standard consumer expectation. With sustainability now a central focus across industries, many brands are leveraging QR codes to deliver both environmental and informational value. In the UK, for example, major supermarkets are replacing traditional barcodes on milk cartons with QR codes, improving recyclability while giving shoppers instant access to detailed product information. Premium paperboard producer Metsä Board has taken a similar approach, adding QR codes to pallets so customers can see exactly how to recycle each component of the delivery’s packaging.
The potential impact goes far beyond convenience. QR codes can strengthen brand storytelling, enhance consumer education, support sustainability commitments, and even influence purchasing decisions. In fact, a 2024 GS1 survey found 79% of shoppers would be more likely to buy a product with a scannable barcode or QR code if it offered useful, detailed information.
Designing QR Codes for Real-World Performance
Not all QR codes are created equal. To function reliably in a production and retail environment, they must be printed with precision, durability, and readability in mind. Factors like resolution, size, substrate compatibility, and placement on the package can all affect scan success rates.
Manufacturers should also consider:
- Colour – Studies show colour has the most significant influence on QR code scanning intention, with black being the most preferred.
- Expertise – Second to colour, government affiliation was the next most important attribute to move the needle. Of the government affiliations tested, Health Canada was the most influential.
- Contrast and Clarity – High-contrast printing ensures readability under various lighting conditions.
- Durability – Codes should remain scannable through shipping, handling, and shelf life.
From Strategy to Implementation
A flexible, future-ready solution, the key to QR codes is ensuring they’re executed with the same quality and reliability as the products they represent.
REA JET Canada’s coding and marking systems are designed for high-speed, high-precision QR code printing that meets both marketing and traceability demands. Our high-resolution inkjet and laser solutions apply crisp, scannable codes directly to packaging and products (no labels required!) on materials ranging from cardboard and paperboard to glass, plastics, and metals.To learn more about our industrial coding and marking solutions, visit www.reajet.ca