6 Industry Experts Share Their Top Labeling Industry Trends & Predictions for 2022

Table of Contents

Kevin Berisso, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of the AutoID Lab, University of Memphis

As the director of the Automatic Identification (AutoID) Laboratory at the University of Memphis, Kevin Berisso focuses on educating both students and companies on the use of the correct AutoID technology (e.g., bar codes, radio frequency identification (RFID), magnetic strips, biometrics and smart cards) for a given problem.

What are some trends regarding labeling that you think will continue into 2022?

The encoding of variable data is probably the prime trend that we will continue to see grow. As the need for serialization and extended attributes (e.g., expiration date, batch/lot, etc.) continues to grow — along with increased demands by consumers for item-specific information (especially in items like fresh foods) — the need to be able to quickly and accurately label products will become more of an issue for more manufacturers.

The other issue that will continue to expand in the labeling industry is the need for machine-readable marking as things like augmented reality and the Internet of Things (IoT) continue to take root. For several years, I have been arguing that 2D matrix symbology and radio-frequency identification (RFID) will be the keys to allowing blockchains to break out beyond cryptocurrencies. It’s because most of the non-currency-based use cases for blockchains revolve around identifying items and recording their presence or state on the blockchain.

For this to happen, everything that interacts with either IoT or blockchain solutions will need to be positively identified. And RFID and 2D matrix symbology are the keys to that identification. This means that everything will have to have a unique, permanent marking (i.e., label, etc.).

Of these trends, which do you think will become permanent developments beyond 2022?

The increasing importance of data. At the end of the day, it has always been, and will always be, all about the data. Over the last 20 or so years, we have seen an increase in the importance of data analytics in the labeling industry. It seems that everyone is concerned about the processing and analysis of the data. But everyone seems to overlook the reality that, without barcodes and RFID, data wouldn’t exist at the massive volumes that are being processed.

Everyone is talking about how COVID-19 has brought the criticality of the supply to the forefront. But no one seems to remember that the humble barcode is the underlying technology that allows companies like Amazon, FedEx, UPS, DHL and Walmart to track, trace and accurately move the billions of items that are being shipped every which way. I would have to say that the ability to label, scan, identify and act (based on the data) is what is here to stay.

Are there any major or minor shifts you foresee happening in 2022?

I was at the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) conference this year, and there was a lot of discussion around autonomous mobile robotics (AMRs) — think Spot from Boston Dynamics — and the increasing maturity of the space. There is a tremendous amount of time, money and effort being put into artificial intelligence and machine learning. We are going to see an increased amount of use of AMRs for data collection. This could include cycle counting of inventory by the same platform that is being used for security purposes.

The other area I expect (or maybe hope) to see an increase in activity is the use of extended attributes on items in packaging and distribution facilities in conjunction with automation. We currently have extensive automation, which includes the ability to incorporate data such as batch/lot and expiry information on products at the “each” level.

With an increasing number of AIDC vendors in — including direct communication paths to underlying automation equipment (or programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which are industrial computers that have been optimized for automation) — I expect to see an increase in the number of companies who are using these two trends to catch items on recall further back in the supply chain.

Stay up to date with Kevin Berisso and the AutoID Laboratory at UofM.

Steven Keddie, Senior Director AIDC, GS1 Global Office

As Senior Director of AIDC at Global Standards 1 (GS1), Steven Keddie manages the GS1 identification system and portfolio of automatic data capture technologies. GS1 is an international standards organization working to improve efficiency, safety, and visibility throughout the supply chain. One of their most prominent contributions is the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) system, which identifies companies and their products and services as used in UPCs, European Article Numbers (EANs) and other barcodes, as well as in the electronic product codes (EPCs) for RFID tags.  

What are some trends regarding labeling that you think will continue into 2022?

GS1 2D barcode labeling for fresh foods

Using GS1 DataMatrix 2D barcode labeling for fresh foods (e.g., vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, prepared meals, etc.) will grow in acceptance with retailers and consumers. We see a big overall push for 2D barcodes for the following use cases:

Reducing the rapid increase of data carriers

The shift to reduce the number of data carriers (barcodes and symbols) on-pack will help minimize confusion to consumers and trading partners, who expect a seamless experience of connecting products to relevant experiences in the digital world.

Business and regulatory demands on product packaging have grown dramatically in recent years. In the past, every product had a single barcode that served the purpose of going “beep” at the checkout. Today, product packaging often contains multiple barcodes and symbols that are intended to meet the need for more data and serve various purposes. Unfortunately, they cause consumer and supply chain confusion and don’t always communicate with each other.

Consumers use their powerful smartphones to learn about products inside and outside of the store. In addition, manufacturers and retailers seek to interact with shoppers to share information about the benefits of their products and to unlock direct brand-consumer engagement. This means that all products must deliver accessible, accurate data for the companies who manufacture, transport and sell them — and ultimately for the consumers who purchase them.

As consumer expectations have evolved, technology solutions have advanced to try to meet an ever-growing need for data that extends beyond the consumer to your trading partners and even to regulators. You may be a retailer seeking to improve return on investment (ROI) and checkout speed. Perhaps you are a brand owner looking to make a promotional QR code provide more value to your customer and your business. Or maybe you are a solution provider working to serve the labeling industry.

Whatever your role in the supply chain, there are ways today to reduce costs, provide transparency (and data) and create more engaging experiences that were not available just a few years ago. The use of QR codes and DataMatrix codes with the new GS1 Digital Link standard is providing the solution to unlock the above use cases. Currently, it is being piloted and implemented for applications all over the world.

Product lifecycle management through labeling

Product lifecycle management through labeling (2D barcodes and RFID tags) to enable deposit return systems (DRS), raw material identification for waste management/recycling and product authenticity for resell/reuse are on the rise with countries and regions piloting and bringing regulations to promote conservation.

High-speed array lasers

High-speed array lasers (binary control over multiple beams from one laser head) for inline product identification, as well as promotional and consumer engagement 2D codes.

Of these trends, which do you think will become permanent developments beyond 2022?

The capabilities of printing, scanning and data analysis are reaching a tipping point that makes the migration to higher data capacity 2D barcode use cases a reality for many industries. Interoperability is key to ensure systems connect to trading partners and, ultimately, the consumer.

Product codes and symbols must be interoperable — or able to work together to unlock the numerous benefits of accurate product information for customers and consumers alike. GS1 has launched the Global Migration to 2D program to support industry and ensure labeling based on GS1 standards for identification and data exchange continue to enable interoperability.

Are there any major or minor shifts you foresee happening in 2022?

To better enable the digital consumer, the retail industry is embarking on one of the biggest changes since the original introduction of the barcode: adoption of 2D barcodes. This journey will dramatically enhance the experiences of consumers, brands, retailers and everyone in between.

GS1 is supporting the labeling industry’s major shift around the world to harness the power of these barcodes and symbols to enable new business solutions for today and into the future. Additionally, the initial shift will be the use of 2D barcodes in addition to the EAN/UPC linear barcodes for general retail products and fresh food. The addition of QR Codes using GS1 Digital Link formatted data or GS1 DataMatrix will depend on the business use case.

What's a concept or issue in the AIDC industry that you think doesn't get enough attention?

The concept of pre-printed labels or packaging with traceability or consumer engagement data encoded in a 2D barcode. Pre-printing of 2D barcodes can be used in conjunction with inline barcode scanning and production data collection to record lot/batch and serialization of a production run. This also enables matching the raw materials to the pre-printed labels/packaging.

Secondly, imaging scanners capable of inline barcode validation of product printers (label and direct print). Today, variable information is often printed as part of the production process in text or in a 2D barcode. The use of the inline barcode validation camera systems can ensure the quality of the labeling and identify drops in quality before they become an issue for downstream partners.

Lastly, the use of direct printing on corrugated cases with digital color or black ink has made significant improvements in opacity — and with the update to the ISO/IEC 15416 linear barcode verification standard, they generally exceed the minimum grade to general distribution.

Are there any regulatory concerns or rumors about new regulations on the horizon that will negatively or positively affect the realm of labeling?

There is an increase in regulatory pressure across the globe, whether it is about taxation, sustainability, traceability or safety for the consumers. These are topics that will only grow in importance. GS1 standards and the 2D barcode can enable the labeling industry to comply with these regulations.

Can you comment on one or more specific labeling technologies (RFID, e-labeling, printing, etc.) that you think will see greater adoption in 2022?

Are there any unique insights you can share considering your personal background or specific competencies you'd like to highlight about your company?

GS1 believes in the power of standards to transform the way we work and live. GS1 standards are the most widely used system of standards in the world. By enabling the sharing of trusted quality data everywhere, they tell the story behind products — where they originated, what they contain and where they have been during their supply-chain journey. This, in turn, removes friction between business partners and improves performance and safety across the entire supply chain.

Get to know Steven Keddie or discover more about GS1 today.

Harold Boe, President and CEO, Seagull Scientific

Seagull Scientific provides powerful barcode software and labeling solutions that help businesses across the globe cut costs, improve quality and reduce downtime — and Harold Boe has helped lead the charge since the late 1980s. Boe joined Seagull as a software developer in 1988, just as the company was getting off the ground. He leveraged his strong technical background to lead the Engineering teams, eventually becoming Seagull’s first Chief Technology Officer. In 2006, Boe assumed additional responsibilities as President/CTO, before becoming Seagull’s President in 2012 and President and CEO in 2016.

What are some trends regarding labeling that you think will continue into 2022?

The nimble and resilient supply chain

The pre-pandemic supply chain was built with the highest value placed on cost reduction. It was a beautifully running machine when we stopped it. As we restart it, it's not enough to go back to doing what it used to do so well, which by itself would be a huge challenge. Additionally, it needs to adapt to shifting suppliers, shifting routes to market, and shifting consumer behavior.

As we put it back together, companies are having to place a higher value on being nimble and resilient. A shift from one supplier or route to market to another can’t get bogged down with labeling requirements. Systems are being built out to handle labeling changes that keep pace with the speed of the business.

Automation

In this nearly post-pandemic world, for the sake of employee safety and efficiency, processes like labeling are being increasingly automated. This helps keep workers safe, as they don’t need to be physically present for as many tasks. It also improves speed, accuracy and efficiency, which are so valuable as part of a nimble and resilient supply chain.

E-commerce

The pandemic rapidly increased the pace of consumer adoption of e-commerce. This changed the way many companies provided goods and services. Customers have a growing expectation of door-to-door delivery, and product labeling must keep up. And customer behavior may shift rapidly again as storefronts reopen. Labeling systems need to be built to rapidly adjust to consumer behavior.

Personalization

Linked to this e-commerce trend is the expectation of personalization. When the consumer selects a product online that is being delivered to their door, they are increasingly choosing products that speak more directly to them as an individual. Labeling can be a great, low-cost way to address some aspects of personalization.

While it requires better data systems to feed into the labeling process, there are additional benefits that can be gained from such an endeavor, such as error reduction, increased fulfillment speed and traceability that can help a company quickly realize both efficiency gains and improved customer engagement at the same time.

Traceability

Increasingly, companies are seeing the value of a visible supply chain. Knowing exactly where a product is, and is possibly stuck, can help speed goods to market. There are also opportunities to use this traceability information for post-consumer applications, like obtaining product usage data. Having the data systems to provide the tracking information for the label — and the ability to scan it back in at multiple points in the supply chain — is delivering companies value in efficiency, accuracy, and market data.

E-labeling

Today’s consumers are often looking for a deeper engagement with the products they purchase than physical labeling can provide. E-labeling is a great way to meet this demand — and when done properly, can have other benefits such as gathering marketing data back from the consumer.

Of these trends, which do you think will become permanent developments beyond 2022?

All of these are going to be growing trends well past 2022. Some of these — such as personalization, traceability and e-labeling — are still relatively small and will someday be ubiquitous.

Are there any major or minor shifts you foresee happening in 2022?

I don’t see major shifts occurring, but rather incremental shifts in all the trends I’ve identified. I suspect the next major shift in labeling will be related to print technologies.

What's a concept or issue in the AIDC industry that you think doesn't get enough attention?

Companies often look at personalization, traceability or e-labeling from a narrow point of view. When you are only looking at one benefit — be it efficiency, accuracy, customer engagement or additional market data — it might be difficult to justify. But when you look at it in totality, there are significant ROIs to be achieved. This requires that you bring the marketing and operations teams together to collaborate on the issue, which isn’t always easy.

Are there any regulatory concerns or rumors about new regulations on the horizon that will negatively or positively affect the realm of labeling?

Regulation, when done competently, has strong benefits for companies that are quickly compliant. Because these regulations are generally tied to product safety, impacts are all very positive. Consumers get more accurate information — and it provides us an opportunity to add value by letting companies know that they can quickly and efficiently manage labeling compliance with BarTender^®.

Can you comment on one or more specific labeling technologies (RFID, e-labeling, printing, etc.) that you think will see greater adoption in 2022?

We are seeing RFID get incremental adoption every year — and 2022 will be a year of strong growth in RFID. We’ve supported RFID well for a while in BarTender^®, but we took some extra time with the upcoming 2022 release to make sure that it was easier to access the features and achieve compliance with the latest RFID standards.

Are there any unique insights you can share considering your personal background or specific competencies you'd like to highlight about your company?

Seagull Scientific has been in the AIDC industry for over 30 years. We have the largest footprint of end users in the world. We also have an unmatched and amazing network of channel partners across the globe to assist our customers with their labeling challenges.

Additionally, we have our own technical staff available to offer expertise, guidance and implementation regarding labeling and streamlining your supply chain. Our customers are buying more than a technology product; they are buying into an organization that is going to go the extra mile to ensure that they are successful with meeting their labeling challenges.

Follow Harold Boe on his journey or learn more about BarTender^® by Seagull Scientific today.

Andrew Moore, Product Manager, Epson America Inc.

Andrew Moore, a corporate entrepreneur with experience launching new businesses, is Product Manager at Epson America Inc. As a leading manufacturer in the printer, professional imaging, projector, scanner, system devices and robot technology categories, Moore works to enhance Epson America’s ColorWorks series of label inkjet printers that feature on-demand 4-inch and 8-inch color labels and up to a 1200 DPI resolution. ColorWorks printers are widely used for:

What are some trends regarding labeling that you think will continue into 2022?

Inks that will not smudge from hand sanitizer. More sanitizer is being used these days and it can destroy inks on labels. Pigment-based inks do not smudge and are very durable for packaging.

Another trend is more labeling due to requirements for the individual packing of goods — especially food products. Health concerns have caused more individual wrapping of single servings. As my friends at Seagull will say, identifying food allergies is another important trend in labeling. This causes valuable label real estate to be even more scarce. These graphic warning identifiers are in color — and so the need for color printing is becoming even more important than before.

Lastly, the need to print smaller quantities of customized, branded labels is critical. Manufacturers have time-sensitive processes and can’t wait or afford mass quantities of standardized labels. Each brand can be a small batch, and therefore does not justify the investment of mass production labels. With print-on-demand labeling, brand owners can print only what they need, at the point of packaging, to achieve same-day delivery.

Of these trends, which do you think will become permanent developments beyond 2022?

Print-on-demand labeling is here to stay and continues to grow, as well as warning and nutrition identifiers.

What's a concept or issue in the labeling space that you think doesn't get enough attention?

Brand artwork and traceability are mission critical to the brand owner. Maintaining the quality of the artwork while complying with traceability on a label are also requirements today.

Are there any unique insights you can share considering your personal background or specific competencies you'd like to highlight about your company?

Epson continues to develop color label printers for packaging. We are the only company in the world to offer both desktop labeling and full commercial label presses.

Learn more about Andrew Moore or explore the Epson ColorWorks advanced line of color label printers today.

Chris Brown, RFID Subject Matter Expert, TSC Printronix Auto ID Inc.

TSC Printronix Auto ID is a trusted source for barcode label printing solutions, as well as RFID, barcode verification and world-class engineering. Chris Brown, an RFID Subject Matter Expert at TSC Printronix Auto ID, works to advance the company’s RFID initiatives and RFID printer series. Today, their RFID printers offer features that are difficult to find from other manufacturers, such as 4- to 6-inch print widths, the ability to print on standard RFID labels and on-metal tags and a 600 DPI (dots per inch) version for small labels.

What are some trends regarding labeling that you think will continue into 2022?

Speaking specifically to RFID labeling, a key trend is that standards will continue to be refined and clarified. Current standards have various “holes” and shortcomings, and the RFID community is addressing these issues. Also, how RFID labeling standards are presented to the public will be improved, so that users can more easily select and utilize the applicable standards for their applications. Many users of RFID “do not know what they do not know.”

Of these trends, which do you think will become permanent developments beyond 2022?

Improved and clearer standards are ongoing concepts, so they will be permanent in that sense. On a regular basis, we uncover new potential applications and functionalities for RAIN (ultra-high frequency (UHF)) RFID, so the idea that improvements will be ongoing is a given.

Are there any major or minor shifts you foresee happening in 2022?

Yes. Although there are billions of RAIN RFID tags in use around the world at any given moment, it’s important to understand that we are still only at the tip of the iceberg. Most applications are still running in relative isolation; therefore people have been “getting away with” poorly encoded tags. But soon, we will cross the trillion tags mark — and tags from multiple applications will start appearing in the read-zones of a target application. “Tag clutter” is just starting to become an issue. The major shift that is underway is the education behind properly encoding tags as per standards. We are getting the word out, slowly but surely.

What's a concept or issue in the AIDC industry that you think doesn't get enough attention?

Without a doubt, the issue of properly encoding RFID tags according to one of the tag data standards. People need to understand that for Application X, they should use tag data standard Y. And they must understand why. They also need clear step-by-step instructions on how to encode tags as per tag data standard Y.

Are there any regulatory concerns or rumors about new regulations on the horizon that will negatively or positively affect the realm of labeling?

The big regulatory concern for RAIN RFID is the different frequency ranges between Europe and most of the world. One global frequency range would be, of course, ideal. Things are moving in the right direction with the European Union slowly aligning with the rest of the world, but we still have work to do. Another concern is the regulatory certifications required on a country-by-country basis. RFID printers, for example, must be certified in almost every country before they can be imported. The certification process is generally not prohibitively expensive, but the bureaucratic process can be difficult.

Can you comment on one or more specific labeling technologies (RFID, e-labeling, printing, etc.) that you think will see greater adoption in 2022?

RFID labeling is set to take off in 2022. We have the technology, hardware, software and costs are now low enough to make sense. The one potential obstacle to significant growth of RFID labeling in 2022 is the chip shortage. RFID needs chips.

Are there any unique insights you can share considering your personal background or specific competencies you'd like to highlight about your company?

TSC Printronix is fully committed to RAIN RFID. We strongly believe in the feasibility and potential of the technology. We are committing major resources to our RFID products and expertise. We have also identified some key hurdles to the mass adoption of RAIN RFID (clear, comprehensive standards and potential chip shortages), so we are active in the RFID community to address these hurdles. Personally, I am very involved in the refinement of tag data standards and how we educate the public on them.

Connect with Chris Brown and stay up to date with TSC Printronix Auto ID.

Richard Browne, Product Manager, Digimarc

As Product Manager at Digimarc, Richard Browne helps the organization enhance the Digimarc Platform — which provides identification, discovery and verification solutions for a wide range of industries. Within this platform, Digimarc Barcode provides objects with a permanent yet imperceptible data carrier that uniquely identifies each object. The Platform also provides software for relevant devices to “discover” objects (i.e., decode data from that carrier) using software known as Digimarc Discover. In addition, a suite of verification and quality control (QC) tools known as Digimarc Verify is used to assess signal quality and validate data at important stages of production when the Digimarc Barcode is applied to an object.

What are some trends regarding labeling that you think will continue into 2022?

Labels will continue to become more intelligent and connected, carrying access to data that extends far beyond the borders of the label itself. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a permanent mark on society, and the authenticity and safety of what we put into our bodies will remain a principal concern going into the next year. The renewed anxiety about the health of our global supply chains will exacerbate that concern, especially questions of product authenticity. Consumers will continue to use labels to connect with information that helps them make better purchasing decisions, particularly where safety is a concern.

Of these trends, which do you think will become permanent developments beyond 2022?

Broadly, using labels to aid product authentication will become commonplace as consumers demand assurances that the products they purchase are not counterfeit. According to the International Chamber of Commerce, the value of counterfeit and pirated goods will exceed $1.9 trillion globally by 2022, so brands will want to invest in ways to protect their supply chains as well. Labels that employ multiple layers of authentication will be the most effective and attractive for brands, especially if the creation and tracking of those labels through the supply chain can be integrated into a larger platform. This is where labels truly become smart.

What's a concept or issue in the AIDC industry that you think doesn't get enough attention?

There is no silver bullet when it comes to protecting your brand from counterfeits or diversions. Rather, a multifaceted approach is likely to be the most effective. For example, a label with a traditional barcode, digital watermarks and an RFID carrying related data is much harder to replicate than one employing a single technology.

Can you comment on one or more specific labeling technologies (RFID, e-labeling, printing, etc.) that you think will see greater adoption in 2022?

Overt and covert digital watermarking technology can serve as an important asset in a brand’s anti-counterfeit arsenal. When applied to labels (especially color labels), covert digital watermarks can carry data related to a product’s provenance or a code that can be associated with other overt marks like a QR code while remaining nearly imperceptible.

Are there any unique insights you can share considering your personal background or specific competencies you'd like to highlight about your company?

Digimarc is a leader in developing innovative technologies for comprehensive physical and digital brand protection. Digimarc provides covert and overt digital identities to items such as products, parts, packaging, labels, digital documents and online images — all tailor-made to protect consumers, organizations, brands and governments from fraudulent and counterfeit goods.

Learn more about Richard Browne or explore the Digimarc Platform today.

2022 Labeling Trends and Predictions: A Recap

As we approach 2022, companies in the AIDC industry must remain agile and resilient. Based on insights from the industry experts we interviewed, there are three common themes surrounding 2022 labeling trends and predictions, including:

1. Unexpected industry pressures are forcing businesses to deploy more nimble supply chains

Lean, cost-saving supply chain strategies like just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing and offshoring have created havoc in the global economy during these disruptive times. Survival in this new era requires agility and the ability to respond to new and unexpected pressures as they arise — all while maintaining process efficiencies. Automated labeling processes incorporated into the supply chain enable organizations to keep up with today’s supply environments while enhancing product traceability accuracy. Robust labeling automation technology — especially when integrated with centralized label management solutions — can also do things like enable data management from a single pane of glass, reduce labor costs and easily scale as a business evolves.

2. New labeling technologies are helping businesses streamline product lifecycle management

Between things like label serialization, increased label attributes, the explosion of e-commerce and ever-evolving industry regulations, new labeling technologies are required to:

For example, 2D barcodes can store more valuable information than 1D barcodes, as they hold data in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. They are also easier and faster to read, and more secure because the data they store can be encrypted. RAIN RFID connects billions of items to the internet — providing real-time data and insights that enables organizations to identify out-of-sight items, as well as the ability to locate and authenticate each item. When adding digital watermarking into the mix, organizations can mitigate counterfeiting and diversions even further.

3. Amended consumer safety regulations are requiring businesses to meet new labeling and packaging standards

As governments across the globe continue to amend regulations for consumer safety, labeling and packaging regulations are also becoming more stringent. This means that companies must quickly adapt their supply chains to ensure they remain compliant with ever-evolving regulatory requirements and retain public trust. For example, several food and beverage manufacturers were required to update their Nutrition Facts labels in 2020 or 2021 (depending on annual sales amounts), and these guidelines will likely continue to be updated soon.

Ensure Your Supply Chain is Agile with Help from BarTender^®

If you’re searching for an automated solution to create labels, barcodes, RFID tags, packing slips and more as you head into 2022, BarTender by Seagull Scientific is here to help you streamline your supply chain. Whether you operate a small business or a large-scale enterprise, our comprehensive barcode labeling software is built to improve safety, security, efficiency and compliance. In addition, it integrates across a wide range of industries, including supply chain, retail, pharmaceutical, food and beverage and others.

BarTender enables businesses owners to automatically shift label production to other sites, regardless of they are in a different region or across the globe. Businesses can also instantly implement label format changes and updates throughout their facilities (and their partners’ and suppliers’ facilities), as well as share serialization schema and production data across their entire operation. In short, BarTender gives companies the agility to pivot with the shifting needs of their supply and demand chains.

Learn how BarTender by Seagull Scientific can keep your organization nimble as the industry evolves.