The Downtime | Episode 41: 2D or Not 2D

In this week's episode of The Downtime podcast, The Downtime Divas are joined by Andrew Morehead Jr., director of global standards for GS1 US. The discussion covers 2D barcodes, Sunrise 2027, and how OEMs can prepare packaging lines for the transition to 2D barcodes.

Courtesy: WTWH Media

The latest episode of The Downtime podcast kicks off with co-hosts Sarah Wynn and Sheri Kasprzak diving straight into the headlines shaping manufacturing, packaging, and plant engineering.

Wynn rounds up the latest news from Packaging OEM, starting with major acquisition activity. She highlights Coesia’s acquisition of selected assets from the Rotzinger Group — a move that underscores continued consolidation and strategic growth in the global packaging machinery space. Wynn also points to Orbis Corporation’s acquisition of Robinson Industries, signaling expanded capabilities in reusable packaging and thermoforming solutions.

Beyond M&A activity, Wynn spotlights innovation in warehouse digitization, including Blecon’s new solution. Blecon’s Agent leverages Bluetooth technology to simplify data capture and tracking in warehousing environments. The technology represents a growing push toward flexible, lower-cost digitization strategies that don’t require extensive infrastructure overhaul — an appealing option for operations looking to modernize without massive capital investment.

Kasprzak shifts to Plant Engineering coverage, highlighting an article by Dan Furrow on industrial robot technology and its expanding role in improving both efficiency and safety on the plant floor. As labor challenges persist and safety standards tighten, robotics are increasingly filling the gap. From collaborative robots designed to work safely alongside human operators to advanced systems that streamline repetitive or hazardous tasks, the evolution of industrial robotics continues to reshape maintenance strategies and overall equipment effectiveness.

The episode’s featured interview begins when Wynn introduces Andrew Morehead Jr., director of global standards for GS1 US. The conversation centers on 2D barcodes and the industry-wide initiative known as Sunrise 2027.

Morehead defines Sunrise 2027 as the target date for transitioning from traditional 1D UPC barcodes to 2D barcodes at point-of-sale systems. This shift will allow brands and retailers to embed significantly more data into packaging — everything from expiration dates and lot numbers to authentication and traceability information — unlocking new efficiencies across the supply chain.

Wynn and Morehead dig into OEM adoption strategies. For packaging machine builders, the shift to 2D barcodes is more than a software update; it requires thoughtful integration of vision systems, printing technology, and data management. Morehead emphasizes the importance of early preparation, collaboration with retail partners, and designing equipment that is flexible enough to accommodate evolving standards.

The conversation turns to line speeds and performance. Packaging machine builders are adapting inspection and scanning technologies to ensure 2D codes can be read reliably at high production speeds. Maintaining throughput while increasing data complexity is no small feat, but advancements in imaging, processing power, and verification systems are making the transition increasingly viable.

The interview wraps, leaving listeners with a clear message: Sunrise 2027 is closer than it sounds, and proactive planning will separate leaders from laggards.

Wynn and Kasprzak look ahead to spring industry events they plan to attend, offering opportunities for networking and deeper conversations on these evolving trends. By 28:50, the co-hosts close the episode, reinforcing The Downtime’s mission: delivering practical insights at the intersection of packaging, plant engineering, and manufacturing innovation.

Timestamps for Episode 41

00:17 – The co-hosts open the show

01:39 – Wynn shares Packaging OEM headlines, including Coesia’s acquisition of the Rotzinger Group and Orbis’ acquisition of Robinson Industries. She also highlights Blecon’s Agent, a Bluetooth digitization solution for warehousing

02:32 – Kasprzak highlights Plant Engineering news, including Dan Furrow’s article on industrial robot technology for efficiency and safety on the plant floor

03:29 – Wynn introduces this week’s interview guest, Andrew Morehead Jr., director of global standards for GS1 US. The discussion covers 2D barcodes, Sunrise 2027, and how OEMs can prepare packaging lines for the transition to 2D barcodes

04:26 – Morehead defines Sunrise 2027, the industry’s date to transition to 2D barcodes at point-of-sale systems

11:32 – Wynn and Morehead discuss OEM adoption strategies for 2D barcodes

13:13 – Morehead explains how packaging machine builders are adapting technology to read 2D barcodes at line speeds

24:29 – Interview with Morehead wraps

25:09 – Wynn and Kasprzak discuss events they will attend this spring

28:50 – The co-hosts wrap up the episode