FMCG manufacturers are entering a new phase of complexity. Increasing regulatory pressure, rising production costs, labour shortages and growing consumer expectations for transparency are forcing producers to rethink how products are identified, tracked and connected across the value chain. At the same time, the transition to 2D barcodes and connected packaging is accelerating, driven by initiatives such as GS1 Sunrise 2027.
At interpack 2026 (7–13 May, Düsseldorf), Markem-Imaje will showcase how its end-to-end supply chain solutions and industrial marking and coding systems help manufacturers navigate these challenges.
According to Rémy Fontanet, Solutions Business Development Manager at Markem-Imaje, four key trends are shaping the future of FMCG production and packaging—and will be brought to life at the company’s stand E47, Hall 8b, at interpack:
1. Regulation and global standards are accelerating digital transformation With regulations such as the EU Digital Product Passport (DPP), the US FSMA and the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative driving the adoption of 2D barcodes, manufacturers must move beyond compliance to unlock operational and commercial value. The shift from traditional 1D barcodes to GS1 Digital Link QR codes allows brands to embed richer product and manufacturing data into a single code.
This is driving demand for more granular, standardised data across the entire product lifecycle. At interpack, Markem-Imaje will showcase its end-to-end capabilities to support the transition to GS1-compliant QR codes on product packaging, alongside its latest identification and traceability solutions for connecting products. Key highlights will include the CoLOS® software platform, which offers industry-certified advanced security features, centralised management for multi-site packaging operations, high availability to minimise downtime and a highly responsive next-generation web interface.
In parallel, evolving sustainability regulations such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) are reshaping packaging strategies. Markem-Imaje’s 5940 G Touch Dry® solution enables direct-to-box printing of high-quality barcodes, text and graphics—eliminating the need for labels, reducing waste and supporting recyclability requirements, while using wax-based, solvent-free Touch Dry® inks with no VOCs.
2. Production efficiency is critical amid labour shortages and cost pressures Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to do more with less—reducing downtime, minimising waste and simplifying operations in the face of ongoing labour and skills shortages.
Markem-Imaje supports this through solutions designed to maximise uptime and streamline operations. Its thermal transfer overprinters (TTO) are designed for flexible film packaging and foil applications, setting the bar high in terms of printing performance and flexibility. They allow manufacturers to adapt seamlessly to evolving production needs while safeguarding their long-term investment.
At the same time, high-speed printing technologies—including Super Piezo Inkjet (SPI)—enable manufacturers to print high-resolution 2D codes with dynamic data on flat and curved surfaces at speeds of up to e.g. 100,000 bottles per hour or 120 m/min, ensuring compliance without compromising throughput.
Integrated vision systems, which can be added to any printing section, provide real-time quality control, reducing rework and preventing costly disruptions.
For more demanding and high-speed environments, Markem-Imaje will also showcase solutions such as the SmartLase® UV500, which delivers high-quality coding with minimal heat transfer for ultra-fast applications. Alongside this, the 9712 Bi-Jet CIJ printer is designed for medium to heavy-duty lines and can deliver up to twice the throughput or print volume compared to previous-generation systems, enabling greater efficiency without compromising quality.
3. Demand for data, traceability and transparency is reshaping operations Demand for data is increasing across the value chain—from operational teams to retailers and consumers. FMCG brands need greater visibility, control and transparency over product data at every stage.
GS1 Digital Link barcodes are enabling this shift by acting as a bridge between physical products and digital information, making it possible to share accurate, real-time data with all stakeholders.
Markem-Imaje supports full traceability through its GS1 Digital Link QR & 2D Code Solutions, as well as serialisation and aggregation capabilities, enabling products to be tracked from unit level through to pallet. Its CoLOS® software ecosystem connects enterprise systems such as ERP with production equipment, enabling real-time data exchange, improved inventory management and faster response to issues.
4. Consumer engagement is becoming a core packaging function Packaging is no longer just a carrier of information—it is becoming a direct communication channel with consumers.
With GS1 Digital Link QR codes, brands can deliver dynamic, personalised digital experiences through a single scan. Markem-Imaje’s connected solutions enable manufacturers to link products to digital content such as product information, sustainability credentials, promotions and traceability data.
At interpack, visitors will see how a single 2D barcode can serve multiple stakeholders—from retailers managing inventory and expiry dates to consumers accessing product stories and verifying authenticity—while also giving brands a powerful new channel for marketing and direct communication with consumers, creating a seamless link between the physical and digital worlds.
As these trends converge, FMCG manufacturers are seeking partners that can simplify complexity while future-proofing operations. With proven experience delivering GS1 Digital Link projects, Markem-Imaje is uniquely positioned as a one-stop partner for GS1 applications, supporting customers at every stage of their journey. As the only supplier offering fully integrated end-to-end capabilities—from hardware and software to vision systems, serialisation and aggregation—Markem-Imaje enables producers to achieve compliance, improve efficiency, and unlock the full value of connected packaging.
Live demonstrations will be available at Hall 8b, stand E47.
To learn more, please visit www.markem-imaje.com