Glossary
QR Code
A 2D matrix barcode that encodes a URL or data string and can be scanned with any modern smartphone camera.
QR codes are the dominant carrier for connected packaging and Digital Product Passports because they need no special hardware — every smartphone built since 2017 reads them natively.
For DPP and retail use, the QR should encode a GS1 Digital Link URL so it works for both consumer scans and supply-chain systems. Print quality, contrast and quiet zone all materially affect scan rate at retail.
Related terms
GS1 Digital Link
A GS1 standard that turns a product's GTIN into a resolvable web URL, letting a single QR code serve consumers, retailers, regulators and supply-chain systems.
Connected Packaging
Physical packaging that carries a scannable data carrier (QR, NFC, RFID) linking the product to a live digital experience.
NFC (Near Field Communication)
A short-range wireless standard that lets a smartphone read a passive tag by tapping it — no app, no camera, no aiming required.