Label

A label is a sticker or tag attached to products, packages, documents, and so on to display information. Various kinds of information, such as product names, ingredient listings, barcodes, handling precautions, and delivery addresses, are printed in a limited space. The material, such as paper, film, cloth, or metal, is chosen according to the purpose.

A label with a QR code makes it possible to provide information beyond the constraints of physical space. A small cosmetics label has no room to print the full list of ingredients, but by adding a single QR code, people can access unlimited digital content, such as the full ingredient list, videos on how to use the product, allergy information, and information that makes the manufacturing process transparent.

On logistics labels, the QR code is the cornerstone of delivery tracking. Scanning the QR code attached to a package at each transit point makes real-time tracking of the delivery status possible. With a GS1 QR code, the GTIN, lot number, best-before date, and delivery destination information can be consolidated on a single label.

When printing QR codes on labels, the size constraint is the biggest challenge. When a QR code is printed on a small label, the module size becomes extremely small and reading becomes difficult. Effective measures include minimizing the stored data (a short URL, a low version), setting the error correction level to L, and considering rMQR (a rectangular QR code).