Digimarc suports Unilever for major global deployment of 2D barcodes in consumer packaged goods industry

Digimarc is laying claim to one of the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry's largest global implementations of GS1 Digital Link enabled 2D barcodes with Unilever. 

The roll-out looks to put Unilever at the forefront of the retail industry’s preparation for Sunrise 2027, when 2D barcodes become standard at Point of Sale worldwide. It will also make the company one of the first to anticipate and adopt the European Union’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) regulation.

"We are proud to be leading the industry in pioneering how we help democratise access to product information," says Aaron Rajan, Vice President - Consumer Technology, Unilever.

"Deploying innovative solutions such as Digimarc Europe means that our unmissably superior brands not only keep pace with technological advancements but also shape the future of retail. Our multi-phased roll-out will ultimately integrate 2D barcodes across 45,000 products (SKUs), spanning iconic brands such as Dove, Vaseline, Hellmann’s and Knorr.”

By adopting this technology across its packaging, Unilever aims to improve product data accessibility and deliver superior experiences for both retail partners and shoppers. It also enables a solution to meet regulatory requirements and keep pace with industry shifts.

"Unilever sets a benchmark for the CPG and retail sectors. Beyond revolutionising Point of Sale processes, these  solutions empower brands to foster deeper consumer connections, build loyalty, and unlock transformative data insights in the era of AI driven decision-making,” says Ken Sickles, Chief Product Officer, Digimarc. “This also paves the way to making products truly accessible for everyone.”  

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

2D barcodes will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.