5 min.
8.6.2026
From recipes to less food waste: Why Rema 1000 is switching to 2D barcodes
Text
Toke Mølgaard
Photo:
Zakariaa El Mikdam / Shutterstock.com
At Rema 1000, the transition to 2D barcodes is already underway. They view the technology not just as a new type of barcode, but as a tool to create value across stores, the supply chain, and the customer experience.
For Charlotte Vig Kiær, who works with master data at Rema 1000, the potential is particularly clear when it comes to food waste and traceability.
There are really no downsides to 2D barcodes. Only incredible benefits.
Focus on food waste and better management
One of the areas where Rema 1000 expects to create the most value is in the fight against food waste.
2D barcodes make it possible to work more precisely with batch numbers and expiration dates. This provides a better overview of inventory in both warehouses and stores, making it easier to take action in time.
“If we can get much better at managing our products, I truly believe there is a massive amount to be gained,” says Charlotte Vig Kiær.
At the same time, she points out that more precise data can also make a difference during product recalls, where products could potentially be tracked and handled much more specifically than they are today.
2D can create value for both stores and customers
At Rema 1000, the work with 2D isn't just about internal processes. The technology also opens up new opportunities for customer engagement.
Rema 1000 is working on initiatives involving recipes, product information, and storytelling around their own products and brands. In this context, 2D barcodes can help bridge the gap between the physical product and digital information.
“We love telling the great stories behind the products we bring to market,” says Charlotte Vig Kiær.
A scan can, for example, lead the customer to recipes, product information, or stories about ingredients and production.
One of the areas where Rema 1000 expects to create the most value is in the fight against food waste.
2D barcodes make it possible to work more precisely with batch numbers and expiration dates. This provides a better overview of inventory in both warehouses and stores, making it easier to take action in time.
“If we can get much better at managing our products, I truly believe there is a massive amount to be gained,” says Charlotte Vig Kiær.
At the same time, she points out that more precise data can also make a difference during product recalls, where products could potentially be tracked and handled much more specifically than they are today.
2D can create value for both stores and customers
At Rema 1000, the work with 2D isn't just about internal processes. The technology also opens up new opportunities for customer engagement.
Rema 1000 is working on initiatives involving recipes, product information, and storytelling around their own products and brands. In this context, 2D barcodes can help bridge the gap between the physical product and digital information.
“We love telling the great stories behind the products we bring to market,” says Charlotte Vig Kiær.
A scan can, for example, lead the customer to recipes, product information, or stories about ingredients and production.
Starting small
Although the possibilities are vast, Rema 1000’s approach is pragmatic. The focus is on starting with specific products and building experience along the way.
“I believe it’s about starting small. It doesn’t have to revolutionize the world all at once,” says Charlotte Vig Kiær.
Therefore, the company is working to identify areas where the technology can quickly create value — both operationally and for customers.
Legislation driving development
According to Charlotte Vig Kiær, upcoming legislation will also be a key driver for development.
Several new EU initiatives are placing increased demands on product data, traceability, and information on packaging. Here, Rema 1000 expects 2D barcodes to play a central role.
“Suddenly, a great many things need to appear on the packaging. It simply isn't possible to fit it all there,” she explains.
Precisely for this reason, many companies see 2D barcodes as a practical way to connect products with digital information and future requirements, such as digital product passports.
A technology with many possibilities
For Rema 1000, the work with 2D barcodes is still in an early phase, but the ambition is clear: to create better data, less waste, and more value — for both the stores and the customers.
The perspectives reach far beyond the barcode itself. On one hand, Rema 1000 sees opportunities to work more precisely with expiration dates, inventory management, and recalls. On the other hand, the technology also opens up new possibilities for creating value for customers through recipes, product information, and stories about the goods on the shelves.
For Charlotte Vig Kiær, it is therefore not about a single application, but about building a foundation that can be used across the business. As more products get 2D barcodes and more suppliers come on board, she expects that new applications and benefits will emerge along the way.
"We can't have it all at once. But it will be good," says Charlotte Vig Kiær.
Want to learn more about the possibilities with 2D barcodes? Download our white paper "One scan, two bottom lines" here
